If you are working with biological material, you need to fully understand the procedures and University of Aberdeen safety policy before you start work. The University of Aberdeen safety handbooks describe the hazard classification system for microorganisms and the requirements for handling such microorganisms at appropriate containment levels. If you are working with genetically modified microorganisms, or unmodified organisms that need to be handled at containment level 2 or 3, such projects need to be approved by the Foresterhill Biological Safety Committee who meet four times a year. Further details and the dates of meetings are found in the Foresterhill GM safety information sheet.
- Foresterhill Genetic Modification Safety Information
- Working with Schedule 5 pathogens and toxins
- Application forms
If you are working with human blood or other tissues, you should follow University of Aberdeen policy. Vaccination for hepatitis B is strongly recommended for those working with unscreened blood and tissue samples. Vaccination should be arranged through HR. Sufficient time should be allowed for vaccination to be effective (a minimum of 6 weeks should be allowed for hepatitis B).