Strategic Procurement Services

Strategic Procurement Services

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Radioactive & Hazardous Materials

Radio isotopes, radioactive material and any equipment containing or intended for working with radioactive material has to be reviewed/approved by Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) and may only be procured via a Purchase Order (PO) in acQuire.  The PO must use the commodity code six (06) "Radioisotopes" in order to be approved by EH&S.  The University is licensed to buy radioactive material and EH&S are charged with control and acquisition authority.  Procurement of these materials is not permitted by any other method.  Use of Procurement or Credit Cards for these materials is strictly forbidden and may result in the removal of the card if used and/or disciplinary measures.

All other inquiries on governmental requirements, applicable laws, required safety equipment, etc. for acquiring hazardous materials must be directed to Environmental Health & Safety.

 

Guidelines for purchasing radioactive materials, biohazardous materials, hazardous materials, controlled goods and substances, X-ray equipment and class 3b and 4 laser equipment:

Prohibited Materials for PCard Purchases:

  • Biohazardous material not listed on an approved biohazard inventory and risk group document
  • Prions, Infectious agents classified as Risk Group 3 or 4 and Security Sensitive Biological Toxins above the trigger quantity
  • Radioactive Material or equipment or products that contain radioactive materials or sources
  • Controlled Goods or Substances (Contact the Department of Environmental Health & Safety)
  • Class 3b or 4 Lasers
  • X-Ray equipment

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Why can’t I order certain types of biohazardous materials on my PCard?
Under the requirements of the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act, the use of biohazardous materials must be approved and listed on the license issued to the University by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).  The University’s current PHAC Licence does not include prions or Security Sensitive Biological Toxins above the trigger quantity (contact the Biosafety Officer if you anticipate a need to work with this material).  In addition, the university currently does not have the facilities required to work with Level 3 and 4 biohazardous materials.
How can I purchase biohazardous materials on my PCard?
If the biohazardous material you would like to order is specifically listed on your approved biohazard inventory and risk group document in the TRAQ/Romeo System, then you are permitted to order the material with your PCard.  If the material is not listed, submit an amendment event form through TRAQ with an updated biohazard inventory and risk group document.  You may only order after the amendment is approved.  If there is an immediate need to order the material, email the Biosafety Officer in the Department of Environmental Health & Safety for assistance.
Why can’t I order radioactive material or equipment containing radioactive material on my PCard?
Under the conditions of the University’s licence issued by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, all radioactive material must appear in the university’s inventory and the ordering or radioactive material is restricted to authorized personnel in the Department of Environmental Health & Safety.  Contact the Radiation and Laser Safety Officer for assistance.
Why can’t I order controlled goods and controlled substances on my PCard?
Under Federal legislation there are specific approvals and security clearances required to poses or use controlled goods and substances.  Contact the Department of Environmental Health & Safety for assistance.
Why Can’t I order Class 3b and 4 lasers on my PCard?
There are specific regulatory and registration requirements that must be met prior to a Class 3b or 4 laser being used on campus.  Contact the Radiation and Laser Safety Officer in the Department of Environmental Health & Safety for assistance.
Why Can’t I order X-Ray equipment on my PCard?
Under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, X-Ray equipment must be registered and approved by the MOL prior to use on campus.  Contact the Radiation and Laser Safety Officer in the Department of Environmental Health & Safety for assistance.