Responsibilities of the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act Security Clearance Holder

You need a valid security clearance issued under the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (The Act) to access without escort any part of a facility where security sensitive biological agents are used to conduct controlled activities. These areas are called security sensitive biological agent zones. Before issuing a security clearance, the Public Health Agency of Canada (the Agency) verifies that the person won't pose a security risk if they are granted unescorted access to a security sensitive biological agent zone. The licence holder is responsible for ensuring that Human Pathogens and Toxins Act security clearance holders can fulfill their obligations.

As a Human Pathogens and Toxins Act security clearance holder, you:

•         can only enter a security sensitive biological agent zone unescorted after you've verified that you've been endorsed for that particular security sensitive biological agent zone (Human Pathogens and Toxins Regulations 12(2)(m))
•         must verify if you can enter a security sensitive biological agent zone unescorted by contacting your facility's delegated authority which may be your:
•    licence holder or their representative
•    biological safety officer or
•    alternate biosafety contact
•         must apply to renew your Human Pathogens and Toxins Act security clearance at least 80 days before your security clearance expires if you still need unescorted access to a security sensitive biological agent zone
•         must notify the Agency at hpta.screening-filtrage.lapht@phac-aspc.gc.ca if you're convicted of a criminal offence in accordance with Human Pathogens and Toxins Regulations 19
•         must not enter security sensitive biological agent zones unescorted if your Human Pathogens and Toxins Act security clearance has expired

Other obligations as a Human Pathogens and Toxins Act security clearance holder include:

•         following all applicable biosecurity procedures when entering or exiting a security sensitive biological agent zone and follow all operational procedures that support your facility's biosecurity plan
•         only performing controlled activities in a security sensitive biological agent zone if you have been authorized by your facility's delegated authority
•         never conducting controlled activities:
•    for non-peaceful purposes, and
•    that may pose an unmitigated risk to public health, safety and security.
•         verifying with your facility's delegated authority that you're allowed to supervise individuals without a Human Pathogens and Toxins Act security clearance in a security sensitive biological agent zone before doing so
•         following and actively observing any individual under your supervision while in the security sensitive biological agent zone
•         notifying your facility's delegated authority if you
•    suspect loss, theft, misuse, diversion or intentional release of a security sensitive biological agent or related asset has occurred or may occur
•    notice a security sensitive biological agent shipment has not been received within 24 hours of expected delivery, or
•    are planning to prepare or schedule the transportation of a parcel containing a security sensitive biological agent

As a Human Pathogens and Toxins Act security clearance holder, you also have responsibilities related to sensitive information. You must:

•         keep your access codes and account passwords private, including your Biosecurity Portal account information
•         inform the appropriate authority of your facility immediately if you lose the access ID card or the key that gives you access to a security sensitive biological agent zone
•         keep documentation about controlled activities confidential, following your facility's information management and security policies

As a Human Pathogens and Toxins Act security clearance holder, you must also comply with any other obligations developed by your facility.

For more information about your responsibilities and obligations, please consult:

•         Human Pathogens and Toxins Act security clearance reminders
•         Canadian Biosafety Standard, Third Edition

For questions about applying for a Human Pathogens and Toxins Act security clearance:

•         Consult the Biosecurity frequently asked questions
•         Contact hpta.screening-filtrage.lapht@phac-aspc.gc.ca