Report of the Biotechnology Science Advisory Committee of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency / the Committee.

  • United States. Environmental Protection Agency. Biotechnology Science Advisory Committee.
Date:
1987
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report of the Biotechnology Science Advisory Committee of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency / the Committee. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    of physical containment of experimental microorganisms. Four levels of physical containment, designated as GH 1, GH 2, GH 3, and GH 4, are set forth. Each level includes a separate section containing guidance on greenhouse practices and greenhouse facilities. It is believed that many of the approaches employed for physical containment of microorganisms in labora- tories are equally valid for greenhouse situations. There- fore, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Physical Containment Guidelines (Appendix G of the [NIH] Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules) served as a model for the development of this document. The objective of this document is to provide guidance on how to confine microorganisms in a greenhouse facili- ty and thus to reduce the potential for exposure of per- sons outside of the greenhouse and the environment to certain experimental microorganisms. The practices and facilities prescribed in these guidelines address the unin- tentional release of experimental microorganisms out of the greenhouse and into the environment. Each of the ma- jor pathways for the release of microorganisms is con- sidered: aerial, in/on solids and liquids, in/on workers, and in/on other biological components such as flying in- sects. Considerable emphasis has been put on ensuring that, within each GH level, the practices and facilities are as internally consistent as possible with respect to their impact on the magnitude of microorganisms released by each of these pathways. Physical containment is achieved through the use of practices and special greenhouse design. Emphasis is placed on primary means of physical containment which are provided by greenhouse practices. Special greenhouse design provides a secondary means of protection against the accidental release of microorganisms to the environ- ment. Special greenhouse design is used primarily in facilities in which experiments of moderate to high poten- tial environmental risk are performed. Protective meas- ures for humans working with genetically engineered microorganisms in the greenhouse may be necessary, depending on the microorganism(s) to be used. These measures are not included within the scope of this docu- ment. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Physical Containment Guidelines (Appendix G) should be con- sulted for guidance on protective measures for humans. I. Greenhouse Level I (GH 1). I-A. Greenhouse Practices. [-A-1. Access to the greenhouse is limited or restricted at the discretion of the principal investigator when exper- iments are in progress. [-A-2. Personnel are required to read instructions on GH 1 greenhouse practices and procedures and to follow them. I-A-3. Materials containing experimental microorgan- isms that are brought into or that are to be removed from the greenhouse in a viable or intact state are transferred in a closed nonbreakable container. A log is kept of viable or intact experimental material entering and leaving the greenhouse. ]-A-4. Experimental microorganisms, including those in or on plants and soil/potting material, must be ren- dered non-viable before disposal. Methods for rendering experimental microorganisms non-viable are determined by the principal investigator, based on the nature of the microorganisms that are being used. I-A-5. Standard microbiological procedures are fol- lowed for decontamination of contaminated equipment and supplies. Spray or liquid waste from containers used to apply the experimental microorganism shall be decon- taminated before disposal. I-A-6. All procedures are performed carefully to minimize the creation of aerosols and excessive splashing of potting material/soil during the watering process, transplanting, etc. I-A-7. Persons wash their hands upon exiting the greenhouse. I-A-8. Insects or other macroorganisms used in con- junction with experiments requiring GH 1 level physical containment shall be housed in appropriate cages. If macroorganisms (e.g. flying insects) are released within the greenhouse at large, precautions are taken to minimize escape from the facility. ]-A-9. A program is utilized to control undesired pests and pathogens, in accordance with local ordinances, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), Plant Pest Act, and the Noxious Weed Act. I-B. Greenhouse Facilities. I-B-1. At a minimum, the greenhouse shall consist of a permanent structure with a continuous covering, located on a site graded to prevent entry of surface runoff, having self-closing, lockable doors. I-B-2. Each greenhouse contains a facility for hand- washing. I-B-3. Windows and vents that open are fitted with No. 30 mesh (or finer) fly screens. I-B-4. If intake fans are used, then measures must be taken to minimize the ingress of insects. Louvers on fans shall be controlled so as not to open unless the fan is in operation. IT. Greenhouse Level 2 (GH 2). II-A. Greenhouse Practices. II-A-1. Only persons whose presence in the greenhouse is required for program or support purposes are author- ized to enter. The principal investigator has the final responsibility for assessing each circumstance and deter- mining who may enter or work in the greenhouse during experiments. II-A-2. A greenhouse operational procedures manual is prepared and adopted. Personnel are advised of poten- tial consequences of uncontrolled release of the ex- perimental microorganisms to the environment and are required to read instructions on practices and procedures and to follow them.
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