University of New South Wales - - OHS Hazards

Gene Technology Procedures

UNSW has developed the Gene Technology Procedure to ensure a structured system for protecting the health and safety of people and protecting the environment from risks posed by gene technology and dealings with genetically modified organisms.

All UNSW research and teaching that involve dealings with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) must comply with specific requirements in the UNSW Gene Technology Procedure. Staff and students must consult the procedure for additional information.

Dealings must also comply with the University's Risk Management Program and Biological Safety Procedure.

Advice and Assistance

Advice and assistance relating to gene technology procedures and GMO dealings is available from:

OHS Coordinator (Research/Gene Tech), OHS & Workers Compensation, Human Resources [Adam Janssen, ph: 9385 2214, fx: 9385 2365]
UNSW IBC Secretary, c/o OHS & Workers Compensation, Human Resources [the Acting Secretary is Adam Janssen, ph: 9385 2214, fx: 9385 2365]

GMO Dealings, Approval and Containment/Transport Requirements

Project Supervisors must obtain the required approval for GMO dealings in writing from UNSW IBC or the OGTR before commencing the project. Containment and transport of GMOs must comply with specific requirements, as indicated in Table 1.

Table 1: Relationship between GMO dealing, approval process and containment/transport requirements

Class of Dealing	Application Form	Approval Process and Timeframe	Containment Requirement	Transport Requirement
Organisms that are not GMOs (Refer to GTR Schedule 1A & 1)	UNSW Risk Assessment and Control Form (OHS017)	Supervisor Do Not forward to UNSW IBC	UNSW Biosafety Procedure Depends on risk group of organism	UNSW Biosafety Procedure
Exempt Dealings (Refer to GTR Schedule 2)	UNSW GMO-Exempt Dealing Form (OHS013)	UNSW IBC Reviewed on receipt. Usually within 3 weeks.	OGTR Guidance Notes for the Contaiment of Exempt Dealings	UNSW Biosafety Procedure Must prevent unintentional release of GMO's into the environment
Notifiable Low Risk Dealings (Refer to GTR Schedule 3 - Part 1 & 2)	UNSW GMO-NLRD (OHS041)	UNSW IBC Reviewed at a quarterly meeting of UNSW IBC.	OGTR Guidelines for the Certification of a Physical Containment PC1 Guidelines PC2 Guidelines	OGTR Guidelines for he Transport of GMO's. Part 1 = PC1
Dealing not involving intentional release (Refer to GTR Schedule 3 - Part 3)	OGTR DNIR form	OGTR Reviewed at a quarterly meeting of UNSW IBC. Forwarded to the OGTR for determination, which may take up to 90 working days for DNIR License.	According to the DNIR licence conditions as specified by the OGTR.	According to the DNIR licence conditions as specified by the OGTR.

Gene Technology Legislation and Resources

The Gene Technology Act 2000 - commencement 1 July 2007

The Gene Technology Regulations 2001 - commencement 1 July 2007