Biosafety Committee

The Biosafety Committee refers to the committee appointed under Section 39 of the Biological Agents and Toxins Act.

Last updated on 31 October 2026

General

The Biosafety Committee (BC) is appointed by the Facility Operator under Section 39 of the Biological Agents and Toxins Act (opens in new tab) (BATA).

The BC shall comprise the following members as specified in the Sixth Schedule of the BATA.

Table 1. Description for the various roles of the Biosafety Committee members.

Role	Description
Biosafety Coordinator	Responsible for implementing biorisk management systems, including related measures, policies, codes of conduct and practice. Must have: Completed and passed an Health Sciences Authority (HSA)-recognised training course.* Relevant experience.
Microbiologist	Expert in microbiology with knowledge of physical and biological sciences, as well as laboratory practices.
Facility and Equipment Maintenance Officer	Staff member responsible for maintaining the safe and proper functioning of the facility and its equipment.
Senior Management Representative	Represents the senior management.
Other Qualified Personnel	Individuals deemed qualified, knowledgeable, or experienced by the Facility Operator to support the BC in fulfilling its functions.
* For more details on the training requirements, refer to FAQ – Training Requirements for Staff Working in a Laboratory.

The BC is responsible for the following:

Conducting risk assessments for proposed activities.
Devising risk management measures for proposed activities.
Formulating policies, programmes and codes of practice as to ensure:
- Safe execution of activities at the facility.
- Staff are adequately trained and competent in carrying out these activities.
Verifying the effectiveness of inactivation methods/procedures used in the facility.
Reviewing all measures, policies, programmes, and codes of practice every 2 years or earlier, if necessary, and informing the Facility Operator of any required changes.
Performing any additional responsibilities deemed appropriate by the organisation or Facility Operator.

Find answers to common queries on the FAQ page.