What are the specific risks for Biological Hazards, GMOs and Pathogens?

A biological agent is defined as a micro-organism, cell culture or human endo-parasite whether or not genetically modified which may cause an infection, allergy, toxicity or otherwise create a hazard to human health. 

Biological hazards can be present in a range of environments and work activities for example grounds keeping, cleaning, building repairs and maintenance and waste management as well as in laboratory activities where biological agents are used for teaching purposes. These risks should be identified in activity risk assessments and the requirement for controls considered, including for example the provision of specialist equipment, specific training, personal protective equipment and access to vaccinations etc. 

Biological agents harmful to human health are classified into Hazard Groups. The University permits the use of biological agents in Hazard Groups 1 and 2 in its laboratory environments:

• Hazard Group 1: a biological agent unlikely to cause human disease
• Hazard Group 2: a biological agent that can cause human disease and may be a hazard to employees, it is unlikely to spread to the community and there is usually an effective prophylaxis or treatment available

Use of biological agents in Hazard Groups 3 and 4 in university laboratories is not permitted.

Biological agents harmful to human health are categorised by the Advisory Committee for Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) in the Approved List. The Approved List must be consulted to determine the Hazard Group of the biological agent(s) it is proposed to use.

Biological laboratories are classified by their containment and control measures relative to legal standards, license requirements and risk assessment outcomes.

The university’s biology laboratories in the Creative Hub are classified to Containment Levels 1 and 2. The Containment Level 2 laboratories are registered with the Health and Safety Executive.

For members of FAST staff and PGRs using the university's biological laboratories, Hepatitis B vaccinations and Hepatitis B tests can be requested by applying to FAST safety administration using the attached link. 

For more information, please refer to the Biological GMO Policy.

The statutory requirements addressing health and safety in the use of biological agents and genetically modified organisms are the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations and the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations.

There is also a homepage that lists the range of health and safety risks identified as relevant to the University's activities and facilities, together with information on the University's policies and arrangements on how these risks are to be managed and controlled.