School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine

Biohazards

Working with pathogens or GMOs in the Laboratory
If you are working with pathogens you should ensure that you know the categorisation of the organism(s) being used, and follow the appropriate requirements given by the Health and Safety Executive. The documentation 'Approved List of Biological Agents' is currently available on the Biological Safety pages of the SEPS website

For GMO work, PIs need to do GM risk assessments for class 3 work with HG3 pathogens and the GM CU2 notifications need to be sent to HSE through the GM Safety Committee.  SEPS guidance can be found here - http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/seps/az/biological%20safety/gmriskassessment/

For biological agents (non-GMO) work, PIs need to do biological COSHH risk assessments for Hazard group 3 pathogens and the CBA1 notifications need to be sent to HSE through the Institute Safety Committee.  SEPS guidance is here http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/seps/az/biological%20safety/biologicalcoshhriskassessment/

If you are working with biological hazards, pathogens or GMOs then you must attend the SEPS Biological and Genetic Modification Safety training course once every five years. Further information is available on the Training page of the SEPS website
If you will be working with HG3 or HG3* pathogens in Glasgow or in any other Institute, in the UK or abroad, you must inform the Institute Safety Coordinator.

Water-borne Pathogens
A number of pathogens may be present in water and those working with untreated water (either in the laboratory or in the field) are potentially at risk. Suitable precautions must always be taken. Rubber gloves should be used at all times and cuts covered with water-proof plasters. Long-sleeved latex gloves are available from the College Stores.