Why Do I Have to Make a Biological Agents Notifications?

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations 2013 and 2020 (S.I. No. 572 of 2013 as amended by S.I. No. 539 of 2020 - commonly known as the Biological Agents Regulations), there is a legal requirement to notify the HSA if planning to use or carry out diagnostic services in relation to certain biological agent risk groups for the first time.

How and When do I Make a Biological Agents Notifications?

Notification to the Authority is required thirty days prior to the commencement of work relating to the use of Group 2, 3 or 4 Biological Agents under certain circumstances and conditions. When notifying, the Biological Agents Notification form can be used. If using an alternative method, the information in Regulation 14(f) of the Biological Agents Regulations must be supplied. Sufficient information about the risk assessment and preventive measures must be supplied to demonstrate that the hazards and risks associated with the agents and the planned work have been identified.