Regulation 12 Standards of occupational and environmental safety and containment

(1)

For any activity involving genetically modified micro-organisms of Group I, the principles of good microbiological practice and the following principles of good occupational safety and hygiene shall apply—

(a)

to keep workplace and environmental exposure to any physical, chemical and biological agent adequately controlled;

(b)

to exercise engineering control methods at source and to supplement these with appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment where necessary;

(c)

to test and maintain control measures and equipment;

(d)

to test, when necessary, for the presence of viable process organisms outside the primary physical containment;

(e)

to provide training of personnel; and

(f)

to formulate and implement local rules for the safety of personnel.

(2)

For the purpose of paragraph (1) “adequate” in relation to the control of an agent means adequate having regard only to the nature of the agent and the nature and degree of exposure to such an agent and “adequately” shall be construed accordingly.

(3)

For any activities involving genetically modified micro-organisms of Group II in Type A operations, in addition to the principles set out in paragraph (1) the containment measures shall be determined by a method approved by the Executive.

(4)

For any activities involving genetically modified micro-organisms of Group II in Type B operations, in addition to the principles set out in paragraph (1) the containment measures set out in Schedule 6 shall be applied at an appropriate level so as to ensure a high level of health and safety and environmental protection.

(5)

For any activities involving genetically modified organisms other than microorganisms, the principles set out in paragraph (1) shall be applied in as far as they are appropriate.