Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain an access card for the building?
Please complete the Orientation Form and the Access Form . Once completed please forward them to your departmental administrative assistant (BMI, CMM, EPI, NRI or KRC). If you work anywhere else in the building and require an access card or keys, please forward your completed forms to the Health, Safety and Risk Management at medsafety@uottawa.ca.
How do I change the access on my card?
Please complete the Access Form and submit it to your departmental administrative assistant (BMI, CMM, EPI, NRI or KRC).
How do I get a key for my office or lab?
Speak with your departmental office or administrator to get a key for your office or lab.
How can I register for training sessions?
Visit our Training webpage for links to all required training sessions.
How do I register for online WHMIS Training or Laboratory Safety Training if I am not a student or an employee?
Register online and sign up as ‘Other’ (guest).
I have completed WHMIS (office/lab) training at my previous job. Do I need to retake it?
Yes. All employees at the University of Ottawa must complete WHMIS training, regardless of their previous employment. If you work in an office environment, complete WHMIS for office workers. If you work in a laboratory, be sure to complete WHMIS for laboratory workers.
Do I need liability insurance to work at uOttawa as a visiting professor/researcher?
The University’s corporate general liability (CGL) insurance does not cover visitors. If you were responsible for damaging expensive equipment or for causing a fire or a flood, what would you do? Liability insurance protects you financially in case a civil suit is filed or in the event of an insurance claim. Your home institution should have liability insurance and this should extend to your visit to uOttawa. If your home institution does not cover you, coverage should be obtained from an alternate source. Together with our insurer, the University of Ottawa has created an inexpensive short-term policy that we would encourage you to purchase. If you have any further questions, please contact the Health, Safety and Risk Manager.
What steps must I take if I want a volunteer in a lab or office?
As the principal investigator or supervisor, you must inform the Health, Safety and Risk Manager of the volunteer’s start date and end date as well as any risks involved in the volunteer’s work. This must be done before the volunteer starts working in the lab/office. The volunteer must complete all of the applicable training and meet with the Health, Safety and Risk Manager to sign an informed consent form/waiver.
Why is my lab being inspected?
It is a regulatory requirement imposed by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour. As per the Occupational Health and Safety Act, a designated health and safety representative shall inspect the physical condition of the workplace “at least once a year” R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1, §§ 9 (26)- 9(28).
Log in questions/concerns for Vertére.
Check with your lab manager to see if he/she already has access to the Vertére chemical inventory system. If not, please contact the Health, Safety and Risk Management Office by email.
I have a stock solution. Should it be barcoded for the chemical inventory?
No. If the chemical is a stock solution, it does not need to be barcoded. Note, however, that if it is a commercial chemical (bought from a supplier) it must be barcoded. If this is not the case, please contact the Health, Safety and Risk Management office so that a barcode can be provided.
Where can I get more uOttawa hazardous waste labels?
The uOttawa hazardous waste labels can be ordered using the Hazardous Materials Technical Services Regular Collection Request form under "Supply and Equipment Order" and/or from the Health, Safety and Risk Management office (RGN 1114).
How do I dispose of chemical waste, hazardous waste or byproducts?
By submitting a request using the Hazardous Materials Technical Services Regular Collection Request form. Door to door collection days are Wednesdays and Fridays. In order to request a “next day service” the request form must be submitted no later than 10AM the day prior. All requests received past the deadline will be scheduled in the next available time slot.
I found an unlabeled chemical in my lab. How do I proceed?
Ask everyone in the lab about the nature of the chemical. If no one can identify it, please contact the Health, Safety and Risk Management Office.
What do I do if I need to dispose of chemicals in their original container?
Contact Technical Core Services to request a waste pickup, if in BMI or CMM, or bring the container to the chemical waste room, located at RGN 1145 (outside next to the main loading dock) on Wednesday mornings at 9:30am.
How do I dispose of empty chemical containers (glass, plastic and metal)?
An empty chemical container may contain residues and should therefore be considered potentially hazardous. Liquid residues should be triple-rinsed (using a small quantity of water or an appropriate solvent) and this rinsate collected in a properly labeled waste container for eventual disposal as chemical waste. Empty solvent bottles can be left in a fume hood to prevent strong smelling/potentially flammable vapours from stinking up the lab or waste room. Rinsed/vented empty bottles will be collected at the RGN chemical waste room along with chemical waste at our weekly drop-off time.
How do I dispose of broken glass (non-biohazardous)?
Broken glass (including ‘retired’ laboratory glassware) is considered a hazard and will not be recycled. Broken glass should be placed in a designated cardboard box that is clearly marked BROKEN GLASS. The bottom of the box should be securely taped to prevent any glass shards from slipping through. Once the box is full, please close the box, tape the seams, and place the box beside your regular lab trash receptacle. Alternatively, place the box containing the broken glass in the hallway outside the lab door for housekeeping to collect during the evening. Never place broken glass in the regular lab trash.
How do I get rid of a broken mercury thermometer?
Newer non-digital laboratory thermometers often use alcohol or a non-toxic compound that looks similar to mercury. If you are certain that you have a mercury thermometer and would like it replaced free of charge, please contact the Health, Safety and Risk Management office.
If you have a broken mercury thermometer, please contact the Health, Safety and Risk Management office immediately. Have everyone else leave the area; don't let anyone walk through the mercury on their way out. We will respond to the scene with a mercury spill kit and manage the cleanup.
How do I acquire/dispose of a biohazardous sharps container?
Biohazardous sharps containers are provided by the biosafety compliance specialist, although the Health, Safety and Risk Management office can help if it’s urgent. Email the biosafety compliance specialist for further information.
How do I deal with radioactive wastes?
All questions about radioactive products and wastes should be directed to the Radiation Compliance Specialist.
I am not able to sign up as a guest for the online WHMIS Training or the Laboratory Safety Training. What should I do?
Please contact the Office of Risk Management.
How can I verify when I last took a mandatory training course?
Log into My Workshop History using your uoZone credentials and simply click on the Past Training tab.