Health Hazards and Risk Groups
Work involving biological agents may, due to their nature or the conditions under which the work is performed, pose risks that can cause infectious diseases, allergies, or toxic effects in employees.
Biological agents include microorganisms, cell cultures, and endoparasites in humans. They also include genetically modified microorganisms.
Biological agents are classified into four risk groups, and all agents known to cause disease in humans are categorized in Group 2, 3, or 4, with Risk Group 4 containing the most hazardous agents. Lists of naturally occurring agents in each group have been compiled and are referenced in relevant legislation.
BIO WPA
Legislation requires that, based on factors such as the classification of the agents being handled (e.g., in microbiological laboratories), a workplace assessment—called a Biological WPA or simply BIO WPA—must be conducted.
The purpose of this WPA is to ensure that work with biological agents takes place in appropriate facilities. For example, work involving biological agents classified in Risk Group 3 must be conducted in designated Biosafety Level 3 laboratories.
For work involving genetically modified organisms (GMO), it is usually not possible to determine the risk group from pre-existing lists. Therefore, as part of the workplace assessment, an evaluation must be conducted to classify the organisms into the appropriate risk group. This classification follows specific procedures outlined in legislation.
Just as with work involving chemicals, special requirements apply to workplace assessments for work with biological agents.
Notification Requirements
Work involving biological agents in Risk Groups 2, 3, and 4 must be reported to the Danish Working Environment Authority at least 30 days before the work begins. The notification must include the results of the risk assessment.
Research projects and other laboratory tasks involving GMOs must be reported and approved by the Danish Working Environment Authority before they are initiated. Note that approval may take up to 45 days before work can commence.
Biosafety Regulations
According to biosafety legislation, the use, storage, and handling of certain biological substances, vectors, and related materials are only permitted with approval from the Center for Biosafety and Preparedness (CBB).
Institutes subject to these regulations must appoint a designated biosafety officer, who must be approved by CBB and responsible for ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
At AAU, Barbara Samuelsen from the Occupational Health and Safety Section serves as an internal biosafety advisor.
Need Assistance?
If you are uncertain about your responsibilities or obligations when planning work with biological agents, including GMOs, please contact the Occupational Health and Safety Section.