About biosafety approval
This material is presented for information only. These internal programs are yet to be launched. Further details will be provided closer to the launch date.
From our recent Biological Risk Survey we know that a wide range of infectious agents - and samples that might reasonably contain infectious agents - are in use across the University. Policies have been developed to ensure that such agents are reported and logged, and that any risk to workers, the general population, and the environment is minimised. These safeguards include (in summary):
- Each work group must maintain an inventory of the infectious agents that it uses or holds.
- Although Risk Group 1 or 2 agents do not require specific project approvals - provided that the work is conducted in facilities that meet internal or OGTR certification requirements - any new Risk Group 2 agents must be reported to the responsible Department and to the Research Office annually.
- All work with Risk Group 3 agents must be approved by the Gene Technology and Biosafety Committee prior to the commencement of work, unless it is already approved as a "dealing with a GMO" and registered with the OGTR.
- Work with infectious agents that is not approved under the gene technology regulatory system, or takes place in facilities that are not certified by the OGTR, can only be conducted in facilities that meet a set of University requirements.
University policy documents:
- Policy on reporting of acquisition and use of infectious agents (Gene Technology and Biosafety Committee, March 2007)
- Policy on approval for projects involving use of infectious agents (Gene Technology and Biosafety Committee, March 2007)
- Policy on internal certification of containment facilities (Gene Technology and Biosafety Committee, May 2007)