Training
We provide a variety of regulatory and general safety training and education for UVic staff, faculty and students in support of research, teaching and university operations.
All staff & faculty
All UVic employees are required to complete these courses to meet WorkSafeBC requirements. An employee includes staff, faculty and leaders. The following courses are offered online:
General safety
General safety programs are for all UVic personnel who require WHMIS or work in the vicinity of chemicals or areas of exposure.
In class session - click to register
WHMIS (in class)
NOTE: for WHMIS training, please choose either to enrol in the online course OR register in the class session, you do not need to complete both.
Online training - click to enrol
Research safety
Research safety training promotes safe work practices in laboratory environments in accordance with applicable regulations. We provide training for staff, faculty, students, and visiting researchers in the areas of laboratory, biosafety, radiation, X-ray and laser safety.
The following table provides an overview of research safety courses available.
| Course | Delivery method | If you... | Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHMIS | choose online OR in class | work with chemicals, general cleaning products and other hazardous materials | every 3 years |
| Lab Safety for Lab Workers |
Part 1-online Part 2- in class |
work directly with hazardous materials in labs |
once once |
| Compressed Gas Cylinders Safe Handling & Use |
Part 1-online Part 2- in class |
work with compressed gases |
once once |
| Hazardous Drugs - Regulatory Safety |
online |
safe handling and use of hazardous drugs |
once |
| Biosafety Training for Lab Workers | in class | You must complete this course prior to working with biohazardous materials in a biological lab. | once then Refresher |
| Biosafety Refresher Training - for lab workers | online | work with biohazardous materials and it has been 3 years since you completed the in class training. | every 3 years |
| Biosafety Awareness | online | require an understanding of the biological lab but you do not work directly with biohazardous materials | once |
| Biosafety Emergency Response Procedures | online | work in containment level 2 labs | annually |
| Blood-borne Pathogens | online | work with or may be exposed to human materials | once |
| Radiation Safety | in class | You must complete this course prior to working with radiation under a radionuclide permit. | once then Refresher |
| Radiation Safety Refresher | online | work under a radionuclide permit and it has been 3 years since you completed the in class course. | every 3 years |
| X-Ray Safety | online | work with X-Ray generating equipment | once |
| Laser Safety | in class | You must complete this course prior to working with/operating Class 3B or 4 lasers. | once then Refresher |
| Laser Safety Refresher | online | operate lasers and it has been 3 years since you completed the in class course. | every 3 years |
| Laser Safety Awareness | online | are a non-operator but may work in the vicinity of a lab operating lasers and/or confocal microscopes. | once |
Laboratory
Online training - click to enrol
In class sessions - click to register
WHMIS (in class)
NOTE: for WHMIS training, please choose either to enrol in the online course OR register in the class session, you do not need to complete both.
Part 2 - Laboratory Safety for Lab Workers
- Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 9:00am-12:00pm
- Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 1:00pm-4:00pm
- Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 9:00am-12:00pm
- Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 1:30pm-4:30pm
Part 2 - Compressed Gas Cylinders: safe handling & use
Biosafety
In class sessions - click to register
You must complete this training course prior to working with biohazardous materials in a biological lab.
Biosafety Training for Lab Workers
- Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 1:00pm-4:00pm
- Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 9:00am-12:00pm
- Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 1:00pm-4:00pm
- Thursday, October 28, 2025 at 9:00am-12:00pm
Online training - to click to enrol
Radiation & X-Ray
In class session
You much complete this training course prior to working under a radionuclide permit.
Radiation Safety Training
- Please contact Troy Hasanen to schedule a training session.
Online training - click to enrol
Laser
In class sessions - click to register
You must complete this training course prior to working with Class 3B or 4 lasers.
Laser Safety Training
Online training - click to enrol
Field activities
Wilderness & Marine Basic First Aid
This training is intended for UVic field scientists (faculty, students or researchers) whose projects or studies are directly applicable to remote field work. Training includes Transport Canada recognized marine basic first aid, CPR level C and remote first aid CPR level C & AED certification.
- April 25 - 27, 2025 - completed
Marine Safety Training
This training is intended for researchers operating a vessel with 10 Hp or more and are in a voyage classification other than sheltered waters. Training includes SDV-BS (Small Domestic Vessel Basic Safety), SVOP (Small Vessel Operator Proficiency) and ROC-M (Restricted Operator Certification Marine).
- April 28 - May 4, 2025 - completed
Scientific Diving
The scientific diving program is based on the CAUS standards. This program assists researchers in safely conducting underwater scientific studies on SCUBA as certified level 1 (20m/60ft) divers, snorkeling or as surface safety attendants (SSA).
Training for CAUS level 1 and surface safety attendants will be organized to begin and end within an academic term.
Requirements:
- completion of the online scientific dive theory course
- swimming/diving skills evaluation - for CAUS 1 only
- dive accident management training
- oxygen administration course
- 25 ocean dives (approximately 15 days of diving) with the diving safety officer - for CAUS 1 only
- Attend one dive day for practical training - for SSA only
To remain a current CAUS level 1 diver, your certification must be maintained as follows:
- Log a minimum of 12 dives during any 12 month period (at least one dive must be to the depth of prescribed level 1 qualification).
- Be current in required qualifications (e.g. dive medical, first aid).
- Conduct an annual check out dive with the DSO.