Biological Materials
An assessment must be completed on the Application/Risk Assessment form for handling biological materials (BioCOSHH form), for all work involving:
- biological agents listed on the Approved List of biological agents including HG1 micro-organisms,
- specified animal pathogens from Schedule 1 of the Specified Animal Pathogens Order 2008
- biological material which is likely, knowingly or suspected to be contaminated with a biological agent from the approved list or the SAPO list
Note: Your Local Biological Safety Advisor (BSA) may also require the completion of this form where the infectious status of the biological material requires detailed consideration (eg tissue of unknown infectivity status, cell cultures and clinical samples).
The Assessment, Application and Approval processes for work with Biological Agents is outlined in the University Arrangements Chapter 3
- Your Local BSA can provide assistance for completing the COSHH assessment and application form for handling biological materials
- Further information on assessing and controlling risks (including containment measures) can be found in HSE guidance on Management and Operation of Microbiological Containment Laboratories (sections 4&5, page 28-)
- Other HSE resources on Biological Hazards are available
ATCSA schedule 5 and COSHH schedule 3 part V should also be consulted as part of the assessment process, in order to identify any listed pathogens and biological materials.