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13 October 2005 - Changes to GMO
Regulations
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Changes to the Genetically Modified Regulations (GMO's) have
been made as to their containment and use. The changes are aimed at
simplifying and clarifying the recent requirements and will apply to contained
use facilities such as the following:
- Microbiology laboratories.
- Animal houses.
- Greenhouses.
- Industrial production facilities.
The changes will not, however, include GMO's deliberately
introduced into the environment for experimental purposes. Such
GMO's are outwith the regulations.
The regulations' key requirements include such as the following:
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Apply appropriate containment measures and controls.
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Notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of all premises
where genetic modification is to take place.
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Notify the 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 the following:
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Amendments to some of the containment measures set out in
Schedule 8 of the regulations to provide greater clarity for notifiers and
inspectors.
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A provision on the collection of information on trans-boundary
movements of class 3 and 4 GMO's, in order 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, in order that
they align with the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and equivalent
Scottish regulations.
- Removal of the regional versions of the public register.
An HSE Guidance, in pdf format, on how the changes will affect stakeholders
can be accessed by clicking the following:
Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2005
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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