SCHEDULE 3 ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO WORK WITH BIOLOGICAL AGENTS

PART III CONTAINMENT MEASURES FOR INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES

Containment measures

Containment levels

2

3

4

1

Viable micro-organisms should be contained in a system which physically separates the process from the environment (closed system).

Yes

Yes

Yes

2

Exhaust gases from the closed system should be treated so as to—

Minimise release

Prevent release

Prevent release

3

Sample collection, addition of materials to a closed system and transfer of viable micro-organisms to another closed system, should be performed so as to—

Minimise release

Prevent release

Prevent release

4

Bulk culture fluids should not be removed from the closed system unless the viable micro-organisms have been—

Inactivated by validated means

Inactivated by validated chemical or physical means

Inactivated by validated chemical or physical means

5

Seals should be designed so as to—

Minimise release

Prevent release

Prevent release

6

Closed systems should be located within a controlled area—

Optional

Optional

Yes, and purpose-built

(a)biohazard signs should be posted;

Optional

Yes

Yes

(b)access should be restricted to nominated personnel only;

Optional

Yes

Yes, via air-lock

(c)personnel should wear protective clothing;

Yes, work clothing

Yes

Yes, a complete change

(d)decontamination and washing facilities should be provided for personnel;

Yes

Yes

Yes

(e)personnel should shower before leaving the controlled area;

No

Optional

Yes

(f)effluent from sinks and showers should be collected and inactivated before release;

No

Optional

Yes

(g)the controlled area should be adequately ventilated to minimise air contamination;

Optional

Optional

Yes

(h)the controlled area should be maintained at an air pressure negative to atmosphere;

No

Optional

Yes

(i)input and extract air to the controlled area should be HEPA filtered;

No

Optional

Yes

(j)the controlled area should be designed to contain spillage of the entire contents of closed system;

Optional

Yes

Yes

(k)the controlled area should be sealable to permit fumigation.

No

Optional

Yes

7

Effluent treatment before final discharge.

Inactivated by validated means

Inactivated by validated chemical or physical means

Inactivated by validated physical means