Genetic Modification and Biological Safety Sub-Committee (GMBSSC)

The Genetic Modification and Biological Safety Sub-Committee (GMBSSC) reports to the Workplace Health and Safety Committee (WHSC).

Responsibilities of the GMBSSC

---

1. The GMBSSC comprises of representation from Departments working knowledge of working with GMM and or HG 3 biological agents.  This includes representation from the NHS trusts working with UCL and others to satisfy Regulation 16 of the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations. To advise Council, through the WHSC, on all matters relating to genetic modification work in UCL. 
2. To implement, on behalf of Council, UCL policy with respect to genetic modification work in UCL.
3. To monitor, on behalf of Council, the use of genetic modification in UCL.
4. To advise Council, through the WHSC and to monitor, on behalf of Council, work involving wild-type hazard group 3 organisms in UCL.
5. To report to the WHSC any matters deemed significant by the committee

The GMBSSC provides advice and oversight on:

• All matters relating to working with genetically modified materials and hazard group 2 and 3 biological agents
• The review and approval of risk assessments, through working groups, relating to work with the following agent classifications:
  • Class 2 GMM
  • Class 3 GMM
  • GM Animals 
  • GM plants
  • Hazard Group 2
  • Hazard Group 3
• Approving the standards for working with biological agents at UCL
• Setting and reviewing key performance measures to ensure that UCL standards are maintained
• Reporting and communicating the output from the UCL GMBSSC and or the BioChem team in Safety services to the researchers in the Department / Faculty.  
• Reporting and communicating escalations from the researchers and Department to the local GMBSSC member where required. 
• Facilitating the sharing of good practices and share learnings from incidents from the Department and from the GMBSSC.  
• Owning actions when communicated and assigned to GMSOs by the GMBSSC committee and resolving them within agreed timelines  
• Attending GMBSSC meetings and ad hoc meetings to review specific risk assessments at the request of the GMBSSC Chair. 
• Advise the HoD through the HSC if GMSO is aware that risk assessments are not in place for work in their area. 
• Provide information on request

The GMBSSC comprises of representation from Departments working knowledge of working with GMM and or HG 3 biological agents. This also includes representation from the NHS trusts working with UCL and others.