Genetically modified organisms



The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2014 (GMO (CU) Regulations) consolidated and revoked earlier legislation. They provide for human health and safety and environmental protection from genetically modified micro-organisms (GMOs) in contained use, and human health and safety from genetically modified plants and animals.


The term “contained use” is explained in the regulations and “means an activity in which organisms are genetically modified or in which genetically modified organisms are cultured, stored, transported, destroyed, disposed of or used in any other way and for which physical, chemical or biological barriers, or any combination of such barriers, are used to limit their contact with, and to provide a high level of protection for, humans and the environment”.


The key requirement of the GMO (CU) regulations is to assess the risks of all activities and to make sure that any necessary controls are put in place. The regulations provide a framework for making these judgments, and place clear legal obligations on people who work with GMOs.



The consolidation was recommended by Professor Löfstedt’s 2011 report, Reclaiming health and safety for all: an independent review of health and safety legislation (see pages 21-23).



A summary of the key changes to the regulations can be found in a table on the HSE website at: www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/GMO/whats-new.htm.


The revised (fifth) edition of HSE guidance on the Regulations (L29) provides practical advice on compliance with legal duties in relation to working with GMOs in contained facilities and explains how the Regulations interact with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).



The guidance also describes the law that applies, sets out the containment measures and other controls that need to be considered and explains the role of the competent authority. It covers the key requirements of:



• carrying out the risk assessment;



• classifying the contained use work;



• notifying to the competent authority;



• applying the relevant control measures; and



• accident reporting.



A copy of Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2014 can be downloaded from the HSE website.