As you embark on or continue your academic journey at McGill, know that your safety is our top priority at Campus Public Safety. To ensure a secure campus environment for all, we offer a wide range of safety training programs to students. These courses are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate potential hazards and emergencies. Being informed and trained is the first step toward a safer campus for all.
Here's a closer look at some of the safety courses available to students:
Offered by Security Services
Self-Defense Training: This one-day basic self-defense training is open to all staff and students at McGill. Keep an eye out on the Security Services website for workshop dates in the fall to empower yourself with essential self-defense skills.
Active Threat Training Workshop (Virtual): Knowing how to respond to active threat situations is crucial. This one-hour online workshop equips participants with the tools to recognize and survive such situations. Best of all, it's free for students, faculty, and staff members of McGill University.
De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations (Virtual): This half-day online workshop focuses on de-escalation techniques through assertiveness and interpersonal communication. Participants will gain insights into managing anger and violence, self-assessment of personal styles, and strategies for defusing potentially violent situations.
For more information, visit the Security Services website.
Offered by Environmental Health and Safety (EHS):
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS): This course is essential for all staff and students who handle or store hazardous products. It's mandatory for graduate students working in wet labs, undergraduate students engaged in special research projects, and those involved in internship or co-op projects where you are likely to use hazardous materials. The training is intended to protect the health and safety of participants by promoting access to information on hazardous materials used in the workplace.
Hazardous Waste Management: If you're responsible for handling, storing, or disposing of hazardous waste, this course will guide you on the correct procedures for the proper disposal of materials in a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly manner.
Introduction to Biosafety: Intended for students and staff working with biohazardous materials or bloodborne pathogens, this course provides valuable insights into safe handling and storage practices.
Laser Safety Training: Students and staff working with class 3B and/or 4 lasers can enhance their safety knowledge with this specialized training.
Principles of Laboratory Radiation Safety: If you’re required to handle and/or store radioactive materials, this course is for you. It covers the basics of radiation physics, biological effects of ionizing radiation, safe laboratory work practices, and more.
Verify with your professor or laboratory manager which courses you should take. For information about all available training, visit the Environmental Health and Safety website.
Fire Prevention:
Emergency evacuation video: All students are encouraged to watch our general emergency evacuation video (please note that this video was made during the pandemic; the information about masks can be disregarded).
Fire Extinguisher Training: Students and staff have the opportunity to participate in extinguisher training. To book a session,fireprevention [at] mcgill.ca ( a simple email to the Fire Prevention team) is all it takes.