Safety & Security
VIDO operates specialized high-containment research facility in Saskatoon where scientists study infectious diseases affecting people and animals.
Protecting our employees, the community and the environment is fundamental to how these facilities are designed and operated. Safety and security are built into every level of our work through specialized infrastructure, operating procedures, employee training and security measures.
Together, these layers of protection help ensure VIDO's facilities operate safely and meet rigorous federal requirements.
How high-containment research is regulated
High-containment facilities in Canada must meet federal requirements for the safe and secure handling of human and animal pathogens and toxins.
VIDO's facilities are regulated and overseen by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), as applicable. Our facilities and operations must meet the requirements of the Canadian Biosafety Standard, Canada's national standard for facilities where regulated human and terrestrial animal pathogens and toxins are handled or stored.
Learn more about the Canadian Biosafety Standard and Biosecurity Addendum
Biosafety refers to the practices, equipment and facility features used to prevent accidental exposure to or release of infectious materials.
At VIDO, these measures include specialized facility design and equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), operating procedures, employee training and ongoing testing and verification of critical systems. Employees must complete appropriate training and demonstrate that they can safely perform required procedures before working independently with regulated materials.
Critical mechanical systems are designed with redundant capacity, meaning key systems have backup capacity. Preventative maintenance, regular testing and verification help ensure they continue to operate as intended.
Biosecurity refers to measures designed to prevent unauthorized access to, loss, theft, misuse or intentional release of infectious materials.
VIDO follows federal biosecurity requirements addressing physical security, facility access, personnel, materials and information. Measures include on-site security personnel, controlled access to high-containment areas and biometric access controls. Access to regulated materials and containment areas is limited to authorized personnel who meet applicable training and security requirements.
Containment Level 4 facilities in Canada are subject to additional requirements established through the Biosecurity Addendum to the Canadian Biosafety Standard, Third Edition, including enhanced physical and personnel security, cybersecurity and protections for sensitive information.
Containment levels at VIDO
Containment levels describe the physical requirements and operational practices needed to safely handle different pathogens and toxins. They range from Containment Level 1 (CL1) to Containment Level 4 (CL4), the highest level of containment.
VIDO currently operates Containment Level 2 (CL2) and Containment Level 3 (CL3) facilities and is expanding to include Containment Level 4 (CL4) capacity.
Learn more about VIDO's facilities
Research security
VIDO works closely with USask’s Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives and their new Research Security Hub to meet the Government of Canada’s new policy and guidelines related to research security.
Have questions?
Questions about our facilities, research or expansion are welcome. Email us at info@vido.org.