Work with biological agents

Work with infectious agents involves the intentional culture, handling or concentration of infectious agents and the handling of laboratory animals and samples from laboratory animals (e.g. serum) that intentionally carry infectious agents. 

“Infectious agents” means microorganisms, prions and human internal parasites that may cause infections in humans. The main rule is that human blood is also considered an infectious agent.

“Microorganisms” means bacteria, moulds and yeasts, viruses and other microbiological entities, cellular and non-cellular, which can be reproduced or transmit genetic material, and cultured animal and plant cells are also included under this definition. 

All work with or storage of infectious agents in hazard group 2-4 must be notified to the Swedish Work Environment Authority in accordance with the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s regulations on infection risks (AFS 2018:4).  This must be done at least 30 days before starting the work. The notification should include, inter alia, details of the microorganisms to be used. If changes or amendments are needed, the notification must be updated. The responsible research leader or equivalent person is responsible for ensuring that an approved notification is in place for the activity, and that adequate protective measures have been taken.