Use of biological agents in UCC

All use of biological agents in UCC shall comply with the requirements of the Biological Agents Regulations 2013 and 2020. Prior to commencing work with biological agents, applicants should in the first instance contact the Biological Safety Advisor who will discuss the process with them. Submission of a risk assessment and its review and approval are necessary steps before work may commence. Where work will involve, or is likely to involve, exposure to Group 2, 3 or 4 biological agents, a notification must to be made to the Health & Safety Authority in advance of the work commencing.

What is a biological agent?

“Biological agent” means micro-organisms, including those which have been genetically modified, cell cultures and human endoparasites, which may be able to provoke any infection, allergy or toxicity, classified into 4 risk groups according to their level of risk of infection, as follows (if the biological agent to be assessed cannot be classified clearly in one of the following groups, it shall be classified in the highest risk group among the alternatives):

(a) a “group 1 biological agent” means one that is unlikely to cause human disease to employees;

(b) a “group 2 biological agent” means one that can cause human disease and might be a hazard to employees, although it is unlikely to spread to the community and in respect of which there is usually effective prophylaxis or treatment available;

(c) a “group 3 biological agent” means one that can cause severe human disease and presents a serious hazard to employees and that may present a risk of spreading to the community, though there is usually effective prophylaxis or treatment available;

(d) a “group 4 biological agent” means one that causes severe human disease and is a serious hazard to employees and that may present a high risk of spreading to the community and in respect of which there is usually no effective prophylaxis or treatment available.