Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001

Containment and control measures for activities involving genetic modification of micro-organisms

18.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a person who undertakes an activity involving genetic modification of micro-organisms shall apply the containment measures set out in the applicable Table in Schedule 8, where and to the extent required in the column of the appropriate containment level.

(2) Where a risk assessment, or any review of that assessment carried out in accordance with regulation 8, shows that a particular containment measure of the appropriate containment level is not necessary for the activity involving genetic modification of micro-organisms to which the assessment relates, the person undertaking that activity, after providing full justification to, and with the written agreement of, the competent authority, need not apply that containment measure for the activity in question.

(3) A person who undertakes an activity involving genetic modification of micro-organisms shall review the containment measures applied by him in accordance with paragraph (1)—

(a) at suitably regular intervals; and

(b) forthwith if that person suspects that—

(i) the containment measures are no longer adequate,

(ii) the class in relation to the activity involving genetic modification of micro-organisms identified in the risk assessment is no longer appropriate, or

(iii) in the light of new scientific or technical knowledge, the risk assessment is no longer valid.

(4) In this regulation, “risk assessment” means an assessment carried out pursuant to regulation 6.