Genetic Modifications Sub-Committee (GMSC)
Chair
Dr Klaus Ersfeld, The University Biological Hazards Officer
Secretary
Ian Hughes, Fire Safety Officer
Reports to
University Health and Safety Committee
Scheme of Delegation
[Insert: (i) items delegated down to the committee by a parent committee, and (ii)
items further delegated to a sub-committee]
Terms of Reference
Accountable for (decisions/actions by the Committee):

Advising the University Health and Safety Committee on questions of genetic
modifications and other biological hazards.

Approve and give genetic modification containment levels for all projects
performed by the University and inform the HSE when required.
Responsible for (actions on behalf of the Committee):

Ensuring all projects involving genetic modifications conform with the
requirements of the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use)
Regulations 2000, and other relevant legislation and guidance.

To establish satisfactory local rules (enclosed as Appendix I).

To ensure that the required health surveillance of workers is carried out where
appropriate, and that all persons involved directly or indirectly in the work are
informed of any possible risks arising from the work.

To consider the reports of the University Biological Hazards Officer.

To invite, when considered necessary, the views of persons with special
expertise on genetic modification.
Informed on:

Relevant new legislation.

New Projects.
Mode of Operation



The Genetic Modifications Sub-Committee will support equality of opportunity
and good relations between staff and students whatever their race, gender,
disability, sexual orientation, religion and belief, age or socio-economic
background. This support will include participating in university activities,
such as equalities monitoring, impact assessment and other measures as
appropriate, in line with the University’s legal obligations.
The Genetic Modifications Sub-Committee must meet at least once per
academic year.
The Genetic Modifications Sub-Committee should meet at least 10 days
before the University Health and Safety Committee.

The Genetic Modifications Sub-Committee has delegated powers from the
University Health and Safety Committee to propose changes to their
constitutions and terms of reference.
Composition
Membership
Title and category
Chair
Name
Dr Klaus Ersfeld
(2010)
Secretary
Fire Safety Officer
Ian Hughes
Ex Officio Members
University Biological Hazards Officer
Health and Safety Advisor
Dr Klaus Ersfeld
Alan Hewett
Appointed Members
Dr Charlotte Dyer (2011)
Dr David Lunt (2011)
Dr Grahame MacKenzie
(2011)
Dr Heather Sealy-Lewis
(2010)
Vacancy (2012)
1 August 2009
This document is available in alternative
formats from the Committee Section
Appendix I
Local rules for Genetic Modification Projects
‘Genetic modification’ in relation to an organism means the altering of the genetic
material in that organism by a way that does not occur naturally by mating or natural
recombination or both. ‘Genetic modification’ includes work performed in the
University of Hull on an organism which was modified elsewhere.
1.
All Genetic Modification Projects performed in the University must first be
approved by the Genetic Modification Committee, and be given a Genetic
Modification Containment Level.
2.
Genetic modification work must not start until the project has been approved by
the Committee.
3.
The University Biological Hazards Officer will pass on the names of personnel
involved for projects of category 3 or above to the University Occupational
Health Nurse. If you have not already done so, you will be asked to complete a
Health Surveillance form.
4.
The level of containment for a project must relate to the project risk which
includes an assessment of the risk posed by the organism used in the work.
Categorisation of pathogens should be according to the hazard and categories
of containment document (Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens 2004
–
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/misc208.pdf).
5.
For projects approved at higher Genetic Modification Containment Levels,
specific local rules will be drawn up as necessary. If the work involves a Hazard
Group 3 organism as a host organism, the work must be performed in the
Containment Level 3 Laboratory.
6.
The Principal Investigator is responsible for: (i) notifying the Genetic
Modification Committee via the Biological Hazards Officer of any significant
changes in host organisms or vectors, or in personnel working on the project,
and (ii) making arrangements for safe disposal or storage of all geneticallymodified materials, including vectors, when the project is completed.
7.
All currently active GM projects must be re-submitted using the agreed
application form every three years from the time of initial approval or reapproval. If changes to the project are likely to affect the categorization of the
project, a new application must be submitted immediately and before the altered
project is started.
Revised 08 Mar 09
njb/genmod/local