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Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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University Life
University Life
Each year more than 4,000 choose University of Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at University of Galway is all about here.
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About University of Galway
About University of Galway
Since 1845, University of Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
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Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching across a range of key areas of expertise.
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Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
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Alumni & Friends
Alumni & Friends
There are 128,000 University of Galway alumni worldwide. Stay connected to your alumni community! Join our social networks and update your details online.
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Biological Agents
How is a Biological Agent (BA) defined and why are they important?
BAs are defined in legislation as ‘a micro-organism, including those which have been genetically modified, a cell culture, and a human endoparasite, which may be able to provoke any infection, allergy or toxicity classified according to their risk of infection.’
BAs are described according to whether they are bacteria, fungi, helminths, protozoa, prions or viruses. Based on their potential for infectivity and appropriate treatment BAs are classified into 4 groups. If you use or are exposed to a BA during the course of your work in NUI Galway then according to the university’s practices and procedures you must conduct a risk assessment or be made aware of its existence by your manager.
Where do BAs occur in the workplace?
BAs are found in two principal areas University activities:
- In laboratories, where they are used intentionally in teaching and research.
- In buildings and grounds generally, where persons may be unintentionally exposed during the course of support service functions.
What are the main requirements for managing BAs?
Each person responsible for work with or exposure to BAs must make appropriate arrangements to ensure that University policy and guidance is implemented. This responsibility extends to principal investigators and others who are accountable for the safety of persons at risk from exposure to BAs. Individuals responsible for the working with BAs are required to:
- Find out about the local rules, codes, practices and arrangements that the Unit operates.
- Assess the risks associated when intentionally and unintentionally exposed to BAs and prepare a written assessment for each BA. Particular attention must be paid to support service personnel who may be exposed to BAs in the course of their work in locations where BAs are intentionally used.
- Ensure that laboratory facilities and working practices conform to the required containment levels, and that equipment used in intentionally storing and handling BAs have current validation certificates.
- For the intentional use of BAs managers must ensure that all relevant national regulatory requirements and procedures are adhered to. These include licence applications, risk assessments, formal notifications, keeping lists of exposure to some Group 2 BAs and all Group 3 and Group 4 BAs, and annual reports. These must be conducted in close cooperation with the University Biological Safety Advisor. Adequate training, instruction and supervision must be given to all persons who may be exposed to BAs.
Biological Safety Legislation and Further Information
Safety, Health & Welfare at work (Biological Agents) Regulations 2013
Safety, Health and Welfare at work (Biological Agents) (Amendment) Regulations 2020
2020 HSA Code of Practice for Biological Agents
Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2001
Biosafety Audit Findings - Actions for Heads of Unit/Principal Investigators
Laboratory Biosafety Levels 1 and 2 Code of Practice
Biological Waste Collection - Bin Types
Chemical Disinfection
Hand Wash Protocol
Principles of Good Hygiene
Sterlisation
Guidance Note on Biological Agents Relevant to Support Services
Guidance Note Moving GMs
Vaccination
GMO Legislation - EPA Seminar Dec 2012
GMO Risk Assessments - EPA Seminar Dec 2012
Biohazard Emergency Plan
Safe Handling of Laboratory Biohazardous Materials
Safe Handling of Sharps Materials
Guidance Note on Working with Human-Derived Material (Risk of Needle Stick Injuries)
Example Risk Assessment Transport GMMs to New Building
Guidance Note Microtomes
Guidance Note Biological Agent Risk Assessment