Accessibility statement

Security

Anti-terrorism controls on pathogens and toxins

Certain pathogens and toxins are controlled under the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001. The controlled agents are listed in Schedule 5 of this Act.

Particular reference should be made to the notes accompanying Schedule 5 detailing that the legislation extends:

  • in the case of pathogens - not only to include the pathogen itself but also any genetic material containing any nucleic acid sequence associated with the pathogenicity of the micro-organism and any genetically modified organism containing any such sequence; and
  • in the case of toxins (reference to which includes subunits of the toxin) - not only to include the toxin itself but also any genetic material containing any nucleic acid sequence for the coding of the toxin and any genetically modified organism containing any such sequence.

Under this legislation, the holding, be it in storage or in use, of any micro-organism or toxin or relevant genetic material on Schedule 5, is subject to notification to the Home Office. There are some exceptions to this requirement (for example for some toxins if the quantity held is less than 5mg) as detailed in The Security of Pathogens and Toxins (Exceptions to Dangerous Substances) Regulations 2002

Any notifications that need to be made to the Home Office for holdings within the University will be made by the Health and Safety Department. Individuals who have any materials controlled under this legislation should inform the University Biological Safety Advisor of any holdings on University premises, or in advance of any intentions to acquire such material, in order that the relevant notification can be to the Home Office. The Health and Safety Department will co-ordinate notifications and are the primary point of contact for the Home Office, and for the Police Counter-Terrorism Officer, in this regard.

All enquiries individuals receive from any sources about such materials must be referred to the Health and Safety Department before any information is provided.