Biological and Infectious Agents Advisory Group

Terms of Reference:

The Committee provides specialist advice and guidance on the use of genetically modified organisms and infectious agents at work. Its purpose is to:

(a) Review the policy on and arrangements for biological Health and Safety matters including control of hazards associated with pathogenic organisms.

(b) Make recommendations to the Health and Safety Management Group on policy and arrangements required under current or proposed biological Health and Safety regulations, Approved Codes of Practice and Guidance.

(c) Act as the Statutory Committee for oversight of Genetic Modification.

(d) Form Project Groups to review and report back to the Committee on specific issues.

(e) Oversee the investigation of incidents arsing from or associated with biological agents at work and the preparation of reports and recommendations to the Health and Safety Management Group.

(f) Commission specific reports necessary for specialist advice.

Membership:

Composition		Current Members
Chair:	Senior Academic	Professor S Patrick
Ex Officio:	Chair, Health and Safety Consultative Committee	Professor D Jones
	University Biological Safety Officer	Mr S Church
	Deputy Biological Safety Officer	Vacant
	One Member of Technical staff	Mr P Larkin
	Occupational Health Physician	Dr D O Todd
	Safety Manager	Mr R G Butler
	Trade Union Safety Representatives	Dr M McCaigue Mr B O’Loughlin Dr L Kulakov
In Attendance	School/Unit Representatives: Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology Centre for Infection & Immunity Centre for Vascular & Vision Sciences School of Pharmacy School of Biological Sciences Belfast Trust AFBI ALMAC	Dr P Mullan Professor L Cosby / Dr R Ingram Dr D McDonald Dr J Burrows Dr A Trudgett / Professor M Larkin Professor P Coyle
	Relevant University Officers	As Required
Serviced by:	Human Resources Directorate
Reports to:	Health and Safety Management Group
Receives reports from:	Health and Safety Management Group Health and Safety Consultative Committee Project Groups Other committees and advisory groups as appropriate

Updated January 2013