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Biological substances

Under Part 36 of the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, a “biological substance” is defined as a substance containing living organisms or parts of living organisms in their natural or modified forms. Certain kinds of biological substances, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi, can negatively impact a person’s health.

The level of risk associated with exposure to biological substances in the workplace is directly linked to the type of substance, how it is used in the workplace and the worker’s susceptibility to exposure. Examples of exposure include human-to-human contact, bodily fluid exposure, animal bites, exposure to animal feces, insect bites and consuming undercooked food. Diseases that can result from a biological exposure include hepatitis, rabies and salmonella.

Legislation

The following are actions that must be taken to meet legal requirements, as noted in the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, and to protect workers from exposure to biological substances:

  • Determine which biological substance in the workplace presents a risk to workers.
  • Use safe work procedures for each biological substance that present a risk.
  • Determine if the risk is from a non-airborne exposure (for example, through the skin, eyes or mucous membranes) or airborne exposure (inhalation).
  • If the exposure is not airborne, immediately apply control measures to eliminate the risk.
  • If the exposure is airborne, establish an appropriate occupational exposure limit (OEL).
  • Monitor airborne exposures to biological substances.
  • If the workplace assessment or monitoring indicates that workers are exposed to a biological substance in excess of the OEL, apply control measures to reduce exposure and meet the OEL.
  • Make sure to develop control measures that ensure worker exposures do not exceed the OEL.
  • Reassess the risk of exposure to workers when new information on the toxicity of a biological substance or workplace conditions change.

In addition to general hazard control measures, workers must be trained in how to use biological substances. While general Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) education will allow everyone who may come into contact with biological substances to recognize that a hazard exists, employers are also responsible for ensuring that workers who are exposed, or may be exposed, receive more specific information related to the risks associated with using various biological substances in the workplace. This includes knowing how to handle, use, store and dispose of biological substances safely.

Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Act and associated regulations protect the safety and health of workers in Manitoba. The regulation associated with this safety topic is found below.

Part 36 Chemical and Biological Substances Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation

Additional resources

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Biological Hazards

Related links

Hazards and exposures topic list