Aim

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is conducting a public consultation to seek views on the proposed Biorisk Management Standard for Large-Scale Work involving Biological Agents.

Biorisk Management Standard for Large-Scale Work Involving Biological Agents

Ministry of Health Biosafety Branch with the support from an Expert Panel has drafted the Biorisk Management Standard for Large-Scale Work involving Biological Agents (henceforth, referred to as the standard), with the aim to assist organisations in establishing a framework that supports safe and secure operations involving large-scale production or manipulation of pathogenic biological agents (or pathogenic microorganisms) for research. manufacturing, or other purposes.

The standard serves as a guidance document for organisations involved in large-scale production or manipulation of pathogenic or potentially pathogenic biological agents, for vaccine research, development, manufacturing or any other related activities, to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Biological Agents and Toxins Act. The standard outlines requirements and guidance for establishing and maintaining an effective Biorisk Management system, with the goal of creating a safe and secure working environment and facilitating continual improvement.

Public's Comments and/or Feedback

The draft standard is opened for public comments from 1 April 2024 to 30 April 2024. All members of the public are cordially invited to provide their comments and/or feedback on the draft standard.

Participants in this consultation are required to submit their responses through FormSG, which includes:
(1) Part A: providing a brief background information about themselves and their affiliated company or organisation; and
(2) Part B: submit the responses/comments on the draft standard using the provided table.

All responses (comments/feedback) must be submitted latest by 30 April 2024, 6PM. Please be advised to save and/or print a copy of the responses for future reference prior to submission.

Members' participation in this consultation will help to improve the Biorisk Management Standard for companies or facilities handling large scale activities involving biological agents and microbial toxins, and to protect the health and safety of workers, the community, and the environment.

For clarification, members of the public can contact our officers from MOH Biosafety Branch at MOH_biosafety@moh.gov.sg