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Biological Agents and Genetically Modified Organisms

When working with biological agents and GMOs, it is important that you are familiar with the precautions relating to classification, risk assessment, waste management, safety data sheets for pathogens, and that you have received adequate training.

Working with Biological Agents

Work involving biological agents in risk group 2 must be approved by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority.

Biological agents in risk group 2 may only be handled in approved laboratories. Work with biological agents in risk groups 3 or 4 is not permitted at MN.

Risk group 2 biological agents must be handled with care, as they may cause disease in humans. Such work must always be supported by an up-to-date risk assessment, demonstrating that measures have been implemented to reduce exposure to the lowest possible level.

Biological agents, such as bacteria and cell lines, must be stored clearly labelled and securely sealed in dedicated incubators suitable for their intended purpose.

Hygiene and Cleaning

  • Dedicated hand-washing facilities must be available in all laboratories where risk group 2 biological agents are handled.
  • Work surfaces must be cleaned before work begins. They must be disinfected and cleaned after use.
  • Work benches and equipment must be disinfected regularly using a suitable chemical disinfectant or UV light. This is to prevent the transmission of infection from potentially infectious material or its spread into the environment.
  • Ensure that any necessary health checks and vaccinations are provided where indicated by the risk assessment.

Working with Genetically Modified Organisms

Work involving GMOs requires approval from the Norwegian Directorate of Health.

At MN, we have laboratories approved for work with genetically modified microorganisms, plants and animals.

Users must assess whether an activity falls within existing approvals or whether these need to be updated or a new application submitted.

Approval of Laboratories

Laboratories and other areas in which contained use of GMOs is to take place must have been applied for and approved in advance by the Norwegian Directorate of Health. The Head of Department is responsible for all departmental laboratories and therefore signs all applications.

Notification/Application for the Contained Use of GMOs

Research and teaching activities involving the contained use of GMOs must be notified to, or applied for and approved by, the Norwegian Directorate of Health in advance. The Head of Department is responsible for all work involving GMOs and therefore signs all applications.

Teaching Involving GMOs

The supervisor or laboratory manager must ensure that new users are familiar with, and understand, the procedures for working with GMOs.

Overview of GMO Activities

The department must maintain a written and up-to-date overview of:

  • Employees and students who have been granted access to work involving the contained use of GMOs.
  • Approved areas and activities.
  • Work with Genetically Modified Animals and Plants
  • Work involving genetically modified animals and plants is described in separate procedures
  • Genetically modified animals
  • Genetically modified plants

Undesirable Incidents – Handling Accidents/Release and Notification

In the event of an undesirable incident, the incident must be contained as far as possible, in order to minimise the release of GMO material from the contained-use activity.

Undesirable incidents must be reported through “Speak up!”.

Any release of GMO material must be reported to the management of the relevant unit, which will notify the Norwegian Directorate of Health.

Internal Control, Safety Inspections and Labelling

All activities involving GMOs must be described in SOPs and JSAs, including risk assessments and emergency measures. This provides a coordinated approach to emergency preparedness and the management of accidents involving GMOs.

All laboratories approved for the contained use of GMOs must be labelled in accordance with the requirements of the Norwegian Directorate of Health, including a biological hazard sign and information on the GMOs/GMMs in use.

Importing Biological Material

There are strict rules governing the import of biological material, including plants, animal by-products and other materials.

To avoid delays in connection with the import of materials, all accompanying documentation must be in order. This may involve applying for an import permit.

Application for an import permit for animal by-products for research

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s Border Control Post at Oslo Airport Gardermoen handles import controls for goods arriving from abroad.

Applications for import permits for animal by-products for research must be submitted to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. Classification is not always straightforward; therefore, it is recommended that you contact the Border Control Post at Gardermoen on +47 22 77 79 00 for guidance, or send an email to BIP-osloairport@mattilsynet.no.

Classification of Biological Agents

A list of classified biological agents (infection risk groups) is available on Lovdata.no.

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets (PSDSs) describe pathogens and their safe handling.

Risk Assessment

All work involving biological agents and GMOs must be risk assessed through an SOP/JSA.

Genetically Modified Plants

Genetically Modified Animals

Biosafety Cabinets

Biosafety cabinets provide protection for both the user and the product.

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous Waste

UiO operates a zero-discharge policy for drains. In other words, no biological agents, GMOs or their plasmids must be disposed of down the sink. All waste must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

The waste is handled by a professional waste-management contractor and transported to the Klemetsrud facility (Fortum Waste Solutions Norway AS), where it is incinerated immediately upon arrival.

Links to Legislation

Published Oct. 15, 2026 10:35 AM - Last modified Oct. 15, 2026 10:37 AM
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