Committee Constitution
Committee Policies and Procedures
- Conflict of Interest Policy (PDF 44k)
- DNIR Approval Process (PDF 52k)
- Griffith Scheduled Substance Management Plan (PDF 593k)
- Project Approval Procedure (PDF 127k)
Office of Gene Technology Regulator Project Policies
- Policy on Requests for Transfers, Surrenders or Suspensions of Licences
- Policy on the variation of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) licences
Organisation Accreditation Requirements
Accreditation is the precondition that an organisation must meet before it applies for a licence to deal with Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or undertake Notifiable Low Risk Dealings (NLRDs) with a GMO or Exempt Dealings (ED). For an organisation to be accredited, the Regulator must be satisfied that the organisation has, or has access to, a properly constituted and maintained Institutional Biosafety Committee (Griffith University Biosafety Committee (UBC)). The Regulator also has to be satisfied that the UBC is ready to assist the organisation in meeting the legislative requirements for dealings with GMOs, including the need to provide information back to the regulator. The Guideline for Accreditation of Organisations provides further information regarding accreditation requirements.
Griffith University is an Accredited Organisation and must meet the conditions of accreditation as set out in the Instrument of Accreditation of an Organisation (Accreditation Number ACCR 124/2003).
The Griffith UBC will assist the University to maintain its accreditation by undertaking the following activities:
- Ensure that registers of all exempt dealings, notifiable low risk dealings and licensed dealings conducted within the University are maintained;
- Maintain a register of certified facilities;
- Undertake annual inspections of certified facilities;
- Provide training to all staff and students involved in gene technology research and teaching or undertaking work within an OGTR certified facility;
- Liaise with the OGTR regarding accreditation, compliance and licensing requirements;
- Provide advice to staff and students about the Gene Technology Act, Gene Technology Regulations and OGTR Guidelines;
- Prepare an Annual Report for submission to the OGTR;
- Develop internal operating procedures regarding the management of GMOs;
- Provide advice for dealing with accidents and incidents involving GMOs; and
- Ensure appropriate procedures to address conflict of interest.
Monitoring GMO work and facilities
The Griffith UBC will ensure that both the OGTR conditions and requirements, and the University's local requirements, on specific GMO project proposals or facility requirements are conveyed to the project applicant, principal research leader or facility contact.
To ensure the correct classification and best practice of projects involving GMOs the Griffith UBC will monitor compliance through project application reviews and through annual reports of ongoing projects submitted by the project leader.
Facility requirements and conditions are monitored by either the OGTR or Griffith UBC through the certification process or annual inspections. Annual inspections are undertaken to ensure that facilities continue to meet the relevant OGTR certification requirements. The Guidelines for the Certification of Facilities/Physical Containment Requirements provides detailed technical and procedural information which is the criteria for facility requirements and conditions for facilities undertaking dealings with GMOs.
The Griffith UBC may implement its own policies and procedures in order to assist the University in meeting the Gene Technology legislative requirements for dealings with GMOs. These policies and procedures relate to project monitoring, project application review, facility inspection process, facility practice or handling, or storage and transport of GMOs.
Committee Meetings
The Griffith UBC meets up to four (4) times per year.