Assessing the Risks of Genetically Modified Organisms

							Appendix 3

                                      Control Measures
                              (Section 3 of all Parts of the form).

Introduction

After identifying all the hazards and determining the risks of the procedures, you should decide
on the level of containment required to minimise the risk of the work to employees, members
of the public and to the environment. The level of containment should include details of any
additional specific control measures that will be implemented to limit the risks of the work. The
control measures for achieving particular levels of containment are detailed in Appendix 4

Note: The University does not have the facilities for work requiring category 3 or 4
      containment. No work requiring this level of containment can be performed within the
      University.

In Section 4 of the assessment you should include details of any procedures required to
inactivate any genetically modified organisms before disposal to waste. These procedures may
include autoclaving, incineration or chemical disinfectants. This section should include the
procedures required to monitor the effectiveness of the inactivation process used.

Section 4 should also include details of any additional emergency actions which may be
required in the event of a laboratory spill or escape of genetically modified organisms in to the
environment.

Further guidance on this matter is available in the Compendium of Guidance on Genetic
Modification from the ACGM.

Part 1 - Bacteriophages, Bacteria and Eukaryotic Cell Lines.

For the above systems, the Brenner numerical system as outlined in Appendix 2 will determine
the basic level of containment. If, after performing the risk assessment in section 2, it is decided
that this level of containment is not appropriate for minimising the risk to workers, the general
public and/or the environment, additional control measures may have to be implemented.
Written details why it is thought that the procedure requires a different level of containment
should always be given.

Part 2 - Eukaryotic Viral Vector Systems

The level of containment required for these systems is based on the ACDP categorisation of the
parental virus. The ACDP categorisation of viruses can be found on the University’s
computerised COSHH Risk Management system.

If after performing the risk assessment in section 2 it is decided that this level of containment
required for handling the parental virus is not appropriate for minimising the risks to workers,
the general public and/or the environment, additional control measures should be implemented.
Written details why it is thought that the procedure requires a different level of containment
should always be given.

Note: Given our poor understanding of virus pathogenesis and the inability to predict the
      outcome of particular gene manipulations, if the specific aim of an experiment is to
       modify (or is likely to alter) tissue tropism or host range then consideration should be
       given to carrying out such manipulations under higher containment conditions than
       those required for handling the parental virus (or in the generation of a chimeric virus
       either parental virus).

Part 3 - Transgenic Animals/Plants.

The level of containment for transgenic animals or plants will depend on the risk assessment,
particularly the type of organism used, the genes being altered and what type of alteration is to
be performed. Guidance on the level of containment for these organisms is available from
Environmental, Health and Safety Services.

Work with transgenic plants have specific risks with respect to the dispersal of transgenic plant
material (e.g. pollen and seeds) into the environment. Environmental, Health and Safety
Services should be consulted for advice on appropriate control measures which should be
implemented when working with transgenic plants.