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INTRODUCTION

1/ The classification of biological agents in this document is an Approved
List made under Section 15 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH),
by making reference to this list, impose requirements which are legally
binding. The Notice of Approval signed by the Secretary to the Health and
Safety Commission signals its legal status. The list implements the
Community Classification of biological agents set out in European Community
Directive 2000/54/EC.1

2/ COSHH, at Schedule 3 paragraph 3(4)(b), states that the minimum
containment level for activities which involve working with a Group 3 biological agent is level 3. However, those intending to work with certain Group 3 agents may not necessarily need to use all the containment measures normally required at Containment Level 3, because of the nature of the agent and/or the nature of the work that is being carried out. The agents to which this applies are shown in Annex 1 to the Approved List.

3/ Appendix 2 to the General COSHH ACOP sets out the general approach
that should be taken when deciding which measures may not be required, but
there is also specific HSC/ACDP guidance on the agents in the Annex which
should be consulted.

4/ Genetically modified biological agents do not appear as such in the
Approved List although the wild type species from which many of them are
derived are listed, if they are capable of causing infection in otherwise healthy individuals. Guidance on aspects of work with genetically modified
micro-organisms is given in A guide to the Genetically Modified Organisms
(Contained Use) Regulations 2000.

5/ Enquiries relating to the Approved List may be addressed to the ACDP
Secretariat at HSE, Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge, London SE1 9HS or via
email: acdp.secretariat@hse.gsi.gov.uk.