The Research Safety Committee is responsible for the oversight of research programs involving laser safety, biohazard safety, and radiation safety and reports to the Vice-President, Research and Innovation. The Committee institutes policies and procedures to assist researchers and teachers in following appropriate safety measures to avoid accidents or potential exposures.
The Committee collaborates with the Chemical Control Centre to develop procedures for the safe handling, storage, monitoring, usage, and disposal of radioactive (X-Ray and Lasers), biological, and chemical materials. It is also responsible for ensuring that respective policies align with requirements established by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), Health Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Ministry of Environment, and all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal legislation.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Research Safety Committee had the additional role of assessing research plans to verify that safety measures were in place to avoid potential exposure to COVID-19. As of September 22, 2022, the University of Windsor has moved into Phase 4 of the Resumption of Research Framework, which means that normal research activities will resume, including in-person and human participant activities. Please consult the COVID-19 Research and Innovation Guidance webpage for further details and updates.