Introduction
Biosafety covers the work with biological agents at the University.
Biological agents and Biosafety include the following:
- Bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions and other single cell organisms as defined under COSHH and the GMO(CU) regulations as relevant biological agents, whether genetically modified or not.
- All genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs) and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), including large GM organisms (LGMOs; plants and animals).
- Any organisms or materials covered in the SAPO regulations.
- Any organisms or materials covered by Schedule 5 of the ATCSA (pathogens and toxins).
- And any facility or space in which the above work takes place.
Biological Safety Committee
It is a legal requirement under the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2014 for the University to appoint a University Biological Safety Advisor (UBSA) and to form a Genetic Modification (GM) Safety Committee, (referred to at UoN as the “Biosafety Committee”) to provide expertise and advice on GM risk assessments.
The committee is made up of the UBSA, BSO’s and a number of academic representatives.
Biological Safety Officers
All Business Units conducting work with biological agents are required to formally appoint a Biological Safety Officer (BSO) to provide support and guidance on work with biological agents in the Business Unit.
List of BSO's
Submitting an assessment process
