Services

The Unit provides guidance and advice on working with genetically modified organisms, risk assessment and containment and controls required in laboratories. The University is registered as a single GM Centre with several GM safety committees. We give advice on GMO work through the committees. The Unit deals with all GM Notifications to the HSE within the University.

A licence is required if you wish to hold or work with a specified animal pathogen, a carrier of a specified animal pathogen or relevant materials. We give advice on applications for SAPO licences and SAPO inspections.

A licence is required if you wish to hold or work with a specified plant pathogens or pests or relevant materials. We give advice on applications for PHO licences and PHO inspections.

Transport of biological material is heavily regulated. We give advice on the transport of biological material by road, rail, air and sea.

We carry out biological safety audits of hazardous laboratories and activities.

We provide training on biological safety for those working with biological agents and genetically modified organisms. Training covers general biological safety, risk assessment for biological agents and genetically modified organisms, containment and control measures, transport of biological materials and emergencies.

The Unit acts as the central and primary contact for enforcing authorities including HSE, Animal Health, Plant Health and Police. We work closely with the Health and Safety Executive Microbiology and Biotechnology Unit.

The Biological Safety Advisers are active members of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health and the Northern Biological Safety Officers group.