Biosafety Guidelines For Research On Genetically Modified ...

APPENDIX 14: REQUIREMENTS FOR GENETIC MODIFICATION ANIMAL
BIOSAFETY LEVEL 2 (GA-BSL2)
Personnel must receive training in the handling of the animals to be used and an
appropriate standard of work supervision must be maintained. The person responsible
for the animal experiment must ensure that all those having contact with the animals
and waste materials are familiar with the code of practice and are aware of any other
precautions and procedures that may be required.
Adherence to the biosafety guidelines does not exempt researchers from practising
responsible laboratory animal care and maintain basic welfare standards (useful
references: Guidelines for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes,
NACLAR 2004; Guide to the Care and Use of Experimental Animals, Canadian Council
on Animal Care). Researchers should also be aware that they are subject to Singapore
laws that legislate against cruelty to animals. This is contained in Part IV of the Animals
and Birds Act (Cap. 7).
These requirements are to be used in addition to the applicable requirements for Animal
Biosafety Level 2 in the OSH Guidelines for Laboratories and Production Facilities in the
Biomedical Sciences Industry and requirements for Genetic Modification Biosafety Level
2 in Appendix 7.
Construction
1. Entrance to the animal house must be posted with a sign identifying the type of
animals housed and listing applicable procedures, including emergency and
maintenance procedures.
2. The animal room must be constructed with impermeable and easily cleanable
surfaces. Any openings in the walls or roof (e.g., windows or vents) must be
screened with fine screens to prevent the entry and escape of insects and other
pests. The doorway and room structure should be rodent-proof. Drainage exits in
the floor should always contain water or disinfectant in the trap. Drain traps must
be regularly cleaned and disinfected.
3. If the animal house is separated from the containment laboratories, an anteroom in
which protective clothing and footwear can be stored is required.
4. An autoclave and/or incinerator for the sterilisation of waste materials must be
available on site.
Operating Procedures
5. The animal facility must be inspected regularly by the IBC to ensure that its
containment features are intact. Only people authorized by the IBC can enter the
animal house. All such people should be trained in normal animal-house
procedures as well as these operating procedures. A biosafety manual is
prepared or adopted. Personnel are advised of special hazards, and are required
to read and to follow instructions on practices and procedures. A record book
should be maintained to provide an up-to-date inventory of the procedures
performed.
6. Work surfaces are to be decontaminated after use and after any spill of viable
material. Eating, drinking, smoking and the storage of food for human use is not
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