Training

There are two types of WHMIS training for workers at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center. Only one of the two must be completed, depending on your status at the Research Center. Workers affiliated with Université Laval who have an IDUL must take the Université Laval training. Workers at the Research Center who have a CHU employee number must complete the CHU de Québec training available on the ENA.

UL Student: https://www.ssp.ulaval.ca/matieres-dangereuses/risques-chimiques/formation-simdut/

CRCHU Employee: https://fcp.rtss.qc.ca/course/view.php?id=1866 (ENA #1866)

*The notion of workers includes all salaried employees, as well as students, postdoctoral interns, visitors, and guests.

Orientation training modules 2,3 and 4: https://fcp.rtss.qc.ca/course/view.php?id=14662

Theoretical training is the first step in the training for animal users (see “Mandatory Training Steps“). It includes various aspects that reflect the main subjects required in the CCAC Guidelines on: Training of Personnel Working with Animals in Science (2015). These aspects are relevant to the training of all individuals working with animals in science. 

The objective of this theoretical training is:  

• To provide theoretical training to individuals working with experimental animals in accordance with the requirements of the establishment’s personnel training program and the animal care committee; 
• To teach animal ethics and care for experimental animals. 

At the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, the Laboratory Animal Theory is applied. You can consult the documentation by following this link. 

Laboratory Animal Training 

All users must complete respiratory protection training before being able to access the animal facility. The respiratory protection program aims to address not only the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Canadian Council on Animal Care but also the risks present in the CHU de Québec animal facility. 

This training includes a theoretical component and a mask fit test, which must be redone every 2 years or in the event of a noticeable change in facial structure.

Theoretical training 

Please watch this video and complete the theoretical assessment. 

Fit test

Usually, the fit test precedes the basic practical training. 

Please note that in preparation for the fit test and for the result to be adequate, DURING the 15 minutes preceding your fit test: 

• Do not drink (water allowed); 
• Do not eat; 
• Do not smoke; 
• Do not chew gum; 
• AND your beard must be freshly shaved in the morning. 

If you wish to take a second fit test or redo your training, please contact France Duclos to find out about the next available dates. 

Practical trainings must be validated every 5 years. To validate your trainings, you must register for a validation session. Please consult the DSV website.

Since January 2020, for all animal users at the CHU de Québec, basic practical training for mice is offered at the CHUL. Please note that the basic mouse training is divided into 2 mandatory parts (basic 1 and basic 2). 

Here are the additional details regarding this training: 

• To register, please complete the FORM-CHU-010 Training Request Form (French version) or FORM-CHU-010-ang Training Request Form and send it to the following address: formation.animalerie@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca 

•  Please note that spaces for each training session are limited and no requests can be accepted less than 5 days before a training session. 

• The training takes place over two days from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm (Room R-3740.5). The meeting point is on the ground floor of Block R near elevators 12 and 13. 

• The basic training begins with the fit test for the N95 respirator. For men, beards and mustaches must be completely and freshly shaved. 

• Make sure to complete the following mandatory theoretical trainings before your practical training: 

• • Respiratory protection training 

• • Theoretical training on laboratory animals 

• • Introduction to rats and mice training (a password will be provided to you upon registration for the practical training) 

• The registration fee for Base 1 and Base 2 training is $50. 

Here are the available training dates: 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us: formation.animalerie@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca 

Practical trainings must be validated every 5 years. To validate your trainings, you must register for a validation session. Please consult the DSV website : https://www.dsv.ulaval.ca/training/practical-training/ 

This training is held at the Pavillon des Services de l’Université Laval. 

Both theoretical and practical trainings must have been completed and passed beforehand. 

The animal facility health and safety PowerPoint presentation must be read by participants before their animal facility visit. 

The  English versions can be found here:  https://www.dsv.ulaval.ca/training/orientation-visit/ 

CHUL site

There are two possible animal facilities at CHUL, namely those in Block R and  Block T. You will need to know your future needs to determine which animal facility to visit. If your needs require access to both animal facilities, you will need to visit each block/site. Additional explanations will be provided during the first visit. Here is the form to complete to schedule the orientation visit: Formulaire de demande de visite

Block R: The meeting point is at 8:30 am at elevators #12 and #13 on the ground floor of R block for the visit to the block R animal facility. 

Block T: The meeting point is at 10:45 am at room T-0055 for the visit to the block T animal facility. 

HEJ site

Please contact Karine Pichette for orientation visit of the HEJ site. 

For more information, consult at any time: 

Technicians responsible for orientation training 

Practical trainings must be validated every 5 years. To validate your trainings, you must register for a validation session. Please consult the DSV website : https://www.dsv.ulaval.ca/training/practical-training/. 

Basic rodent training must be completed before attending the aseptic surgery training or before receiving training in the specialized techniques required in your protocol. 

You can also contact the training team of the Direction des Services vétérinaires at formation@vrr.ulaval.ca.

Here are the steps to access the Level 2 containment rooms of the animal facility at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center: 

1. Theoretical training from the university committee for the management of biological risks  
2. HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS) TRAINING – ANIMAL FACILITY is mandatory 
3. Containment level 2 (CL2) rodent training is mandatory for anyone working with rodents in science in an CL2 area of Université Laval and its affiliated research centers.  
4. Practical CL2 training (please contact the trainer directly, Anne-Marie Moisan, at anne-marie.moisan.2@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca) 

The animal facility does not provide training on handling hazardous materials. The principal investigator is responsible for training the users in their team. However, we must be aware of the hazardous materials used in our premises and have the safety data sheets for these products on hand. The principal investigator is responsible for providing this information to the animal facility service. Users must also notify the assistant chief of the animal facility of their training on hazardous materials and provide proof to keep the training records up to date. 

Some useful resources within the CHU de Québec and Université Laval 

Radioactivity specialist 

Kim Pomerleau-Jobidon
Radioactive risks specialist
418 682-7511, ext. 7653
Kim.Pomerleau-Jobidon.cha@ssss.gouv.qc.ca 

Infectious agents specialists 

Réjean Cantin
Biological safety agent
Specific risks specialist
418 656-2131, ext. 6207
Rejean.Cantin@ssp.ulaval.ca 

Geneviève Robitaille
Prevention advisor
418 656-2131, ext. 4306
Genevieve.Robitaille@ssp.ulaval.ca 

UL chemical risks committe 

Mario Boucher
Chemical risks specialist
418 656-2131, ext. 6002
mario.boucher@ssp.ulaval.ca