University Calendar 2015/16
Section II : Committees of the Council



PREFACE
CONTENTS
SEMESTERS
SECTION I
SECTION II
SECTION III
SECTION IV
SECTION V
SECTION VI
SECTION VII
SECTION VIII
SECTION IX
SECTION X
SECTION XI
SECTION XII
SECTION XIII
SECTION XIV
 
 
Council
Committees/Council
Senate
Committees/Senate
Committees/Other
Genetic Modification and Bio-Safety Committee

(Reports to Safety and Occupational Health Committee)

Terms of reference
  1. To consider, monitor, provide guidance and make recommendations to the Safety and Occupational Health Committee on all matters relating to safety in work involving Hazard Group 3* biological agents activities under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health  (as amended) Regulations [2002], Regulation 7(10) Schedule 3, “Additional provisions relating to work with biological agents”. In exceptional circumstances only will this remit extend to activities involving non-GM Hazard Group 2 biological agents.

  2. To consider, monitor, provide guidance and make recommendations to the Safety and Occupational Health Committee on all matters relating to safety in work involving genetic modification as defined in the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations [2014].

  3. To consider, monitor, provide guidance and make recommendations to the Safety and Occupational Health Committee on all matters relating to safety in work involving the deliberate release of any genetically modified (micro)organism into the environment as detailed under the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) (as amended) Regulations [2002].

  4. To consider, monitor, provide guidance and make recommendations to the Safety and Occupational Health Committee on all matters relating to safety in work involving animal pathogens under Schedule 1 of the Specified Animal Pathogens Order [2008].

  5. To consider, monitor, provide guidance and make recommendations to the Safety and Occupational Health Committee on matters relating to safety in work involving agents under Part 7, Schedule 5 of the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act [2001].

  6. To receive for scrutiny, review and notification to the relevant authority, Project Proposals, Risk Assessments, Codes of Practice and Standard Operating Procedures for activities (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) above.

  7. To provide consent in relation to items (vi) above such that work may commence, subject to any further consent from enforcement agencies as may be required. A proviso exists for GM Activity Class 1 projects to be given consent for commencement by the Biological Safety Advisor ahead of formal review by the GMBSC. A further proviso exists for GM Activity Class 2 projects whereby, in exceptional circumstances, consent may be given for commencement, subject to any further consent from enforcement agencies as may be required, by electronic circulation to, and review by the Committee ahead of a formal meeting.

  8. To support the Central Health & Safety Group in monitoring, by inspections and audits, Faculty arrangements designed to satisfy the legislation identified in (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) above.

  9. To consider and make recommendations to the Safety and Occupational Health Committee matters of policy to be adopted by the University in line with the legislation identified in (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) above.

This group of dangerous pathogens will include the three specified Hazard Group 2 agents, listed in Part V of the Schedule 3 (Bordetella pertussis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Neisseria meningitidis). Other agents may be considered as judged appropriate or necessary.

Membership
  Chair (appointed by Council)
  Deputy Chair
  Biological Safety Adviser
  A technically competent member (one each) from the various research streams of Medicine, Biological Science, Chemistry and Engineering
  Two representatives of the academic staff (one each from the Highfield campus and Southampton General Hospital campus)
  A representative of the Genetic Modification Liaison Officers
  A representative of Safety and Occupational Health
  Two postgraduate students (one each from the Highfield campus and Southampton General Hospital campus)
   
  Note:   The Chair (or Deputy Chair) and the BSA should be present at meetings for the Committee to discharge its responsibilities.
   
  Secretary : Governance Services



Submitted by Corporate Services
Last reviewed: 30-Jun-2015
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