Biorisk management

Use of and research into the nature of biological agents is undertaken in laboratories, and clinical and field settings across the Medical Sciences Division and the Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences Division. Such use and research may involve pathogens or other biological agents known to pose a significant hazard to human health.

All such work, both hazardous and non-hazardous, must be undertaken in compliance with all pertinent legislation. Heads of departments must ensure all work with biological agents is assessed and approved and all notifications to enforcing agencies as are required are undertaken.

The University’s policy statement identifies how this can be achieved and provides extensive guidance for workers on the safe use of biological agents. It does not address incidental exposures to non-research biological material.