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Biosafety

Biosafety Committee

The Biosafety committee refers to the committee appointed under section 39 of the BATA.

Last updated 22 October 2024

General

The Biosafety Committee refers to a committee appointed by the facility operator under section 39 of the Biological Agents and Toxins Act (BATA)

Composition

The BC shall consist of the following persons as specified in the Sixth Schedule of the BATA

Persons

Description

Biosafety Coordinator

A person who is responsible for implementing all the biorisk management measures, policies and codes of conduct and practice as formulated by the Biosafety Committee. He/she must have

  • Attended and passed the examination of a structured training course recognised by MOH, and provided by a MOH-Approved Training Provider.

  • Relevant experience

Microbiologist

A person having expertise in Microbiology, and knowledge in the physical and biological sciences, and laboratory practices.

Facility and equipment maintenance officer

A member of the staff of the operator who is knowledgeable, experience and is in charge of maintaining the safe and proper functioning of the facility and its equipment.

Senior management representative

A person who represents the senior management and is authorised to provide decision on behalf of the senior management.

Other personnel qualified to enable the BC to perform its function

Any other persons who, in the opinion of the operator of the facility, is sufficiently qualified, knowledgeable and/or experienced to help the BC carry out its functions.

Overall responsibilities

The BC shall:

  1. Conduct risk assessments in relation to the activity proposed to be carried out.

  2. Devise such measures for the management of the risks that may arise from the proposed activity.

  3. Formulate such other policies, programmes and codes of practice as may be necessary for

    • the proposed activity to be carried out safely at the facility; and

    • the training of staff who will be involved in the carrying out of the proposed activity

  4. Review every 2 years or earlier, as may be appropriate, all measures, policies, programmes or codes of practice devised or formulated by it and shall immediately inform the operator of the facility of any change to such measures, policies, programmes and codes of practice as the biosafety committee thinks necessary.

  5. Any other responsibilities which the organisation or the facility operator deems appropriate. See Section 39 of the Biological Agents and Toxins Act (BATA).