Working with certain biological agents

Work with many biological agents requires notifications to be made to the designated competent authority or enforcing agency before work with those agents can commence. The Safety Office will assist departments with making notifications or will undertake the notifications on behalf of departments where appropriate. This includes:

• any work with genetically modified microorganisms assigned to Class 2, 3, or 4, or genetically modified whole organisms (animals, plants) indicated as notifiable under the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2014
• any work with any genetically modified organisms under the Genetic Modification (Deliberate Release) Regulations 2002
• pathogens assigned to Hazard Group 3 and 4, and certain pathogens assigned to Hazard Group 2 under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2014
• pathogens listed under the Specified Animal Pathogens Order
• plants, plant pathogens, plant pests, and soils listed under the Plant Health Order
• pathogens and toxins listed under Schedule 5 of the Anti Terrorism Crime and Security Act
• importing and exporting biological agents into and out of the United Kingdom

Please contact us in the first instance if you wish to work with, move, import or export any of the above agents.