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Biosafety

Facility Operator

A person who has the overall oversight of the management and operation of the facility.

Last updated 22 October 2024

General

Operator, in relation to the facility, generally refers to the person who has the overall oversight of the management and operation of the facility.

Duties and obligations

The facility operator shall -

  1. Appoint a biosafety coordinator and a Biosafety Committee comprising personnel specified in the Sixth Schedule of the Biological Agents and Toxins Act (BATA). The BC shall provide advisory support to the operator with reference to policies, programmes and code of practice pertaining to activities involving biological agents and toxins. (See BATA Part V Section 39)

  2. Ensure that the facility is appropriate for its purpose and maintain any equipment in optimal and safe working condition. The operator should also ensure that he has implemented an adequate security system for the facility. (See BATA Part V Section 40)

  3. Ensure that proper risk assessments were conducted, and appropriate safety measures implemented for all laboratory and staff activities. This includes emergency response procedures, staff training and proper disposal and decontamination, etc. (See BATA Part V Section 41)

  4. Be responsible for the activities of visitors of the facility including their safety and informing them of the hazards involved in the activities being carried out in the facility. The operator shall also ensure that the visitor is always accompanied by a staff of the facility. (See BATA Part V Section 42)

  5. Ensure that the requirements for animal containment is complied with when using animals for experimentation. (See BATA Part V Section 43)

  6. Maintain records of the facility's activities, inventory, incidents and visitors. The operator shall also report to the Ministry of Health, incidents of confirmed or suspected infections, any adverse incidents involving biological agents or toxins, loss or destruction of the biological agents or toxins. (See BATA Part V Section 44)

  7. Ensure all work and activities carried out in the facility are in compliance with all applicable legislations, including the BATA.