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CHANGES TO THE GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS REGULATIONS
12 October 2005 - HSE InfoLine
| Amendments that clarify and simplify working with contained Genetically Modified Organisms have recently come into force. Key requirements of the regulations include: |
Amendments that clarify and simplify working with contained Genetically Modified Organisms have recently come into force. Key requirements of the regulations include: Apply appropriate containment measures and controls
Notify HSE of all premises where genetic modification is to take place
Notify HSE of certain higher risk activities, e.g. consent being required before work can begin on class 3 and 4 organisms.
Key changes to the regulations include: Amendments to some of the containment measures set out in Schedule 8 of the regulations to provide greater clarity for notifiers and inspectors
A provision on the collection of information on transboundary movements of class 3 and 4 GMOs so that the UK can pass this information to the EC and the Biological Clearing House as required by EC law
Simplification of the disclosure of information provisions so that they align with the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and equivalent Scottish regulations
Removal of the regional versions of the public register
The regulations apply to contained use facilities such as microbiology laboratories, animal houses, greenhouses and industrial production facilities. GMOs that are deliberately introduced into the environment for experimental purposes are outside the scope of these regulations. Copies of the national public register will continue to be available at the HSE offices in London and Bootle. The edition of the register relating to Scotland and Wales will also to be kept in Edinburgh and Cardiff respectively. HSE is shortly to place an electronic version of the full national register on the HSE website.
http://www.hse.gov.uk
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Britain's Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are responsible for the regulation of almost all the risks to health and safety arising from work activity in Britain. The HSE looks after health and safety in nuclear installations and mines, factories, farms, hospitals and schools, offshore gas and oil installations, the safety of the gas grid and the movement of dangerous goods and substances, railway safety, and many other aspects of the protection both of workers and the public. Local authorities are responsible to HSC for enforcement in offices, shops and other parts of the services sector. The HSC is sponsored by the Department of Work and Pensions and is ultimately accountable to the Minister of State for Work, the Right Honourable Jane Kennedy MP. |
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