Biohazards
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 before any work can start. For class 2 and class 3 work, the GM RA and GM CU2 notification need to be sent to HSE through the GM Safety Committee. SEPS guidance can be found here - University of Glasgow - MyGlasgow - Safety & Environmental Protection Service - Biological safety - GM Risk Assessment.
For biological agents (non-GMO) work, PIs need to do biological COSHH risk assessments before any work starts. For work with Hazard group 3 pathogens, Bordetella pertussis, Corynebacterium diphteriae and Neisseria meningitidis, the bio COSHH RA and CBA1 notification need to be sent to HSE through the Institute Safety Committee. SEPS guidance is here - University of Glasgow - MyGlasgow - Safety & Environmental Protection Service - Biological safety
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 here - University of Glasgow - MyGlasgow - Safety & Environmental Protection Service - Training
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 must be covered with water-proof plasters. Long-sleeved latex gloves are available from the College Stores.