Biosafety glossary

On this page you will find words, phrases and acronyms and their definitions as well as useful links to health and safety information and legislation relating to chemicals used at UCL.

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D

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A

ACDP – Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens.

ALARP –  As low as reasonably practicable. ALARP "at a glance".

B

BSO – Biological Safety Officer.

C

CL – Containment Level.

COSHH – Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. Read about COSHH Basics, COSHH assessment and The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.

D

Derogation – Relaxation of the law. This must be agreed by the HSE before the change to work can be carried out.

E

 

F

 

G

GMBSSC – Genetically Modification and Biology Safety Sub Committee.

GMM – Genetically Modified Material.

GMO – Genetically Modified Organism

H

HG – Hazard Group.

HSE – Health and Safety Executive.

HWSA – Health and Safety At Work etc Act 1974. Read about HWSA  and the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

I

 

J

 

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L

Licences – Some microorganisms require the department to apply for a licence e.g. Schedule 5 biological agents or SAPO Agents befre UCL can start work or store these agents. Information required for licence application will depend on the type of agent involved. 

M

MSC – Microbiological Safety Cabinet.

N

 

O

 

P

PPE - Personal Protective Equipment 

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R

RPE - Respiratory Protective Equipment 

S

SAPO – Specified Animal Pathogen Order.

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