Job Summary:
In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Laboratory Safety Coordinator is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing laboratory safety policies and procedures for BC Cancer’s Functional Imaging Department in compliance with health and safety regulatory standards for facilities producing positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals (PER). Reporting to the Production Unit Manager, the Coordinator works in collaboration with Radiation Safety and Biosafety Officers, clinical and research PER production teams, and students in writing safety procedures, monitoring compliance of ongoing activities, implementing process improvements, taking necessary corrective actions as needed, and providing a variety of safety reports/records as required.
Duties/Accountabilities:
1. Develops and implements safety and security policies and procedures in accordance with current regulations regarding radiopharmaceutical laboratory working conditions and the use of biological, radioactive, and chemical materials. Communicates safety information to staff, ensures safety standards are upheld, and maintains related records.
2. Oversees the use of radioactive materials through the management of radioactive materials licensing, radiation laboratory survey, and radioactive waste management programs. Responds to radiation safety emergencies and prepares and submits required reports.
3. Performs new staff training in safe and compliant handling of all dangerous materials, including hands-on radioactive decontamination training.
4. Provides decision support regarding personnel compliance and provides input on assessment of staff performance from a safety standpoint, ensuring the departmental safety policies and procedures are followed, and that corrective actions are taken when necessary.
5. Develops safety training program and provides orientation to new staff and students regarding safety policies of the positron-emitting radiopharmaceutical (PER) production laboratory. Also monitors and coordinates required safety training updates for staff/students.
6. Maintains radioactive material inventory databases, generates annual compliance reports for Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), reviews and maintains compliance of shipping documents.
7. Performs safety inspections and audits, provides support during CNSC and other regulatory body audits (Transportation Canada, etc.).
8. Coordinates disposal of biological, chemical, and radioactive waste products in accordance with BC Cancer, CNSC, and WorkSafeBC guidelines and regulations.
9. Performs a variety of laboratory safety procedures including coordinating monthly workplace safety inspections, maintaining radiation badge and rings program for radiochemistry staff/students, and coordinates annual respirator fit-testing.
10. Other duties as required.
Qualifications:
Qualifications
Education, Training and Experience
- A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Chemistry or similar discipline and 3 years of recent, related experience in a similar role in a laboratory or Positron Emitting Radiopharmaceuticals (PER) lab environment, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Demonstrated leadership skills and strong interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated team/collaborative skills within a clinical and research laboratory environment.
- Demonstrated ability to address issues with analytical reasoning and problem solving skills.
- Strong understanding of health and safety regulations pertaining to facilities producing PERs required ensuring compliance.
- Computer literacy with word processing, spreadsheet, and knowledge of developing databases.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.
- Physical ability to perform duties of the position.
