This is guidance prepared, in consultation with HSE, by the SAGCM which was appointed by the Health and Safety Commission as part of its formal advisory structure. The guidance represents what is considered to be good practice by the members of the Committee. It has been agreed by the Commission. Following this guidance is not compulsory and you are free to take other action. But if you do follow this guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and may refer to this guidance as illustrating good practice.

This document is composed by a series of PDF files (viewable with Acrobat Reader) available below.

Part 1: Introduction to the legislation and general health and safety issues
Part 2: Risk assessment of genetically modified microorganisms (other than those associated with plants)
Part 3: Containment and control of activities involving genetically modified microorganisms 
Part 4: Genetic modification work that involves plants (including plant-associated genetically modified microorganisms) 
Part 5: Genetic modification of animals
Part 6: Guidance on the use of genetically modified microorganisms in a clinical setting 
List of abbreviations