Biological hazards and genetic modification
Our work, teaching and scientific research involves the use of biological agents that have the potential to cause disease or injury to employees and students, or may also harm and damage the environment.
Biological hazards
University of Essex Biological Safety Policy (.pdf)
The term biological agent is defined under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations as “a microorganism, cell culture or human endoparasite, whether or not genetically modified, which may cause infection, allergy, toxicity or otherwise create a hazard to human health.” Biological agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi, agents which cause Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs), microscopic endoparasites and microscopic forms of larger endoparasites.
The Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) categorises biological agents that are human pathogens and publishes these in the Approved List of Biological Agents (.pdf).
Biological agents are classified into four Hazard Groups, based on their ability to infect healthy humans:
| Hazard group | Description |
| 1 | Unlikely to cause human disease |
| 2 | Can cause human disease and may be a hazard to employees; it is unlikely to spread to the community and there is usually effective prophylaxis or treatment available. |
| 3 | Can cause severe human disease and may be a serious hazard to employees; it may spread to the community, but there is usually effective prophylaxis or treatment available. |
| 4 | Causes severe human disease and is a serious hazard to employees; it is likely to spread to the community and there is usually no effective prophylaxis or treatment available. |
There are no facilities to work with Hazard Group 3 and 4 biological agents on any of our campuses.
Work with biological agents must have a risk assessment and, where appropriate, will need to be approved by the Biological Hazards and Genetic Modification Safety Sub-Group (BHGMSSG).
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Genetic modification is defined as any alteration of the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of an organism using a method that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. As a result of this modification, a novel product will be formed that may have an altered characteristic to that of the original organism. This is known as a genetically modified organism (GMO). GMOs which are plants or animals are called larger GMOs (LGMOs); and genetically modified micro-organisms (such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi) are called genetically modified micro-organisms (GMMs).
Work with GMOs and GMMs is covered by the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2014 (.pdf). “Contained Use” covers any activity in which organisms are genetically modified, or in which GMOs are cultured, stored, transported, destroyed, disposed of, or used in any other way and for which physical, chemical or biological barriers, or any combination of such barriers, are used to limit their contact with people and the environment.
The School of Life Sciences is currently the only department permitted to carry out genetic modification research. Any other department considering GMO research MUST contact the University Biological Safety Adviser (UBSA) for advice before commencing any work.
Work with genetically modified organisms must have a risk assessment and will need to be approved by the Biological Hazards and Genetic Modification Safety Sub-Group (BHGMSSG).
Local rules and forms
Forms for project submission
- Biological Hazards Scheme of Work - Section 1 (.docx)
- Biological Hazards Scheme of Work - Section 2 (.docx)
- GM Risk assessment (class 1) (.doc)
- GM Risk assessment (class 2) (.doc)
Local Rules
Local rules are set out the arrangements within schools/departments to comply with COSHH Regulations and GMO (Contained Use) Regulations. These are reviewed on a 3-yearly basis.
School of Life Sciences
Biological Hazards and Genetic Modification Safety Sub-Group
The Biological Hazards and Genetic Modification Safety Sub-Group (BHGMSSG) review arrangements for the possession and use of genetically modified organisms and hazardous biological agents or materials and ensure that arrangements incorporate all appropriate statutory requirements. This includes:
- Examination of risk assessments and other relevant documentation for all projects involving genetic modification (GM) work the use of biological agents any proposed use of specified animal pathogens the use of plants, plant products and plant pests requiring a licence or other permission the use of pathogens and toxins subject to Schedule 5 of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001.
- Monitoring and reporting, as appropriate, to Health & Safety Group on compliance with statutory and University requirements.
- Provision of reports, advising and making recommendations to and on behalf of the Health & Safety Group on any matter involving biosafety for the possession, use and control/containment of GMOs and other hazardous biological agents/materials.
All paperwork for the sub-group is accessible for members only, with the exception of the minutes. For non-members, access to the minutes for BHGMSSG can be requested by emailing safety@essex.ac.uk, and given with the permission of the USBA and/or Chair.
