Human Resources

Health and Safety

Functions of University Biological Safety Officer

  1. To provide professional advice to the University on matters relating to genetic modification.
  2. To follow a programme of continuous professional development to sustain professional expertise.
  3. To liaise with Department/Building Safety Coordinators and other Department safety staff, as appropriate, and with members of the University Health and Safety Committee over the implementation of the University Health and Safety Policy in relation to genetically modified organisms.
  4. To co-operate with specialists internal and external to the University in genetic modification.
  5. To advise Officers in charge of the design and construction of new buildings and the modification of existing buildings in relation to genetic modification.
  6. To co-operate with the University Occupational Health Service in the provision of occupational health surveillance and monitoring where necessary.
  7. To advise on:

    • waste disposal;
    • the design of areas where genetic modification work is undertaken;
    • the preparation of schemes of work and local rules;
    • COSHH assessments;
    • the acquisition of any required licences or authorisations;
    • the establishment/authorisation of a Health and Safety Committee for genetic modification where required;
    • the maintenance of, in consultation with the University Occupational Health Medical Adviser, a list of workers under the Genetically Modified Organism Regulations and any other relevant statutory provisions.
  8. To oversee and coordinate the provision of health and safety training in relation to genetic modification.