Mandatory Training and Certifications

The Program Manager, Research Education, assists staff with identification and coordination of additional education/training that may be required for the conduct of research projects. This may include training for particular clinical skills (e.g., venipuncture) for staff in various health care disciplines. Research staff who will be assuming new skills should contact the Program Manager, Research Education for identification and review of training requirements.

Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)

TDG training for ground and air transportation is required for all staff who ship patient specimens or dry ice outside Capital Health buildings. Federal and provincial legislation regulates an extensive list of products, substances and organisms classified as dangerous. The transportation of such products by air, marine, rail and road is regulated under the federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992. The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, adopted by all provinces and territories, establish the safety requirements for the transportation of dangerous goods. There are significant fines if an individual ships specimens without certified training. The individual is held accountable and fines start at $10,000. Both ground and air training are required for certification to ship research specimens to laboratories outside the facility. Certification is obtained through online training. Contact the Program Manager, Research Education for a password and instructions.

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

WHMIS is required for all research staff and requires annual recertification. WHMIS is an information system designed to ensure that a standard method of identifying controlled products is used throughout Canada. The program was developed to provide staff with information to protect their health and ensure their safety from contact with controlled products in the workplace.

Training Options for WHMIS:

Research staff can review the information on-line, print off the quiz for completion and send it to the Human Resources Manager for scoring. A minimum of 80 percent is required for certification. (Capital Health staff may access the WHMIS Handbook and Quiz on the Capital Health intranet -- under Services and then Safety Programs.) The handbook will need to be reviewed to complete the quiz. The completed quiz is sent via e-mail or fax to the Human Resources Manager.

• Staff can also attend the WHMIS training session offered at the end of Orientation to Research Services. The quiz is administered at the end of the Orientation presentation. Contact the Human Resources Manager to register.