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

Information relating to accidents

21.—(1) Where an accident occurs, the person undertaking the activity involving genetic modification shall forthwith inform the competent authority of the accident and shall provide the following information—

(a) the circumstances of the accident;

(b) the identity and quantity of the genetically modified organisms concerned;

(c) any information necessary to assess the effects of the accident on the health of the general population and on the environment; and

(d) any measures taken in response to the accident.

(2) Where the competent authority is informed of an accident in pursuance of paragraph (1), it shall—

(a) ensure that any necessary measures are taken;

(b) immediately inform those EEA States which could be affected by the accident;

(c) collect, where possible, the information necessary for a full analysis of the accident and, where appropriate, make recommendations to avoid similar accidents in the future and to limit their effects; and

(d) send to the European Commission—

(i) the information provided under paragraph (1)(a), (b) and (d),

(ii) information on the effectiveness of the measures taken in response to the accident, and

(iii) an analysis of the accident, including recommendations to limit its effects and to avoid similar accidents in the future.