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ThisÌýpageÌýcovers the research work with LGMO only.ÌýFor further information on animal welfare and why and when animal research is necessary, visit the Animal Research at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê page.

Work with LGMO

Living Genetically Modified Organisms (LGMO) are animals or plants whose genes have been artificially altered to modify their characteristics in some way.

Work with LMGO,Ìýmust be assessed separately on a specific risk assessment form,Ìýwhich includes:

• information on how the organism has been genetically altered including the effects of any inserts or knockouts
• likelihood of survival and consequential impact on the environmentÌý
  • through direct breeding or cross-pollination
  • indirectly through the organism entering the food chain or some other manner.
• likelihood of harm to human health
• details on containment to prevent release
• information on waste management and decontamination

The nature of the organism will affect the risk of exposure to infectious hazards.

Some aspects of the work will not relate to the GMO and should be covered by aÌýstandard COSHH assessment e.g. control of allergens such as pollen and lab animal allergens (LAA),Ìýwhich post exposure could potentially result inÌýskin and respiratory sensitivity (occupational dermatosis and asthma)Ìý

> Allergens (Animal)

HSE notification

Only those activities where the LGMO is more harmful than the parental organism need to be notified to HSE. Work can start 45 days after the date of the acknowledgement or earlier if HSE gives written approval for the work to start.