Report work with microorganisms

Before a workplace can commence work with hazardous microorganisms – or biological agents, as they are also known – in risk groups two, three or four, this must first be reported to Arbejdstilsynet, the Danish Working Environment Authority. Notification must be submitted by no later than thirty days prior to the time at which work is to be commenced.

Arbejdstilsynet does not have to approve the work, but will rather be reviewing your notification and acknowledge it.

Report work with hazardous microorganisms – form

What microorganisms fall under risk groups two, three and four?

Appendix 8 of the Authority’s Executive Order on Biological Agents and the Work Environment contains a list of microorganisms which are classified as being in risk groups two, three and four.

Classification of biological agents in risk groups two, three and four - Danish

Submit a new notification of changes

If the work that you perform is going to change significantly, you will need to submit a new notification.

This will apply in the event that:

• You are going to work with microorganisms that belong to a different risk group than what you have previously reported.
• You are going to work with a new microorganism in risk group four.
• You are going to work with a new microorganism that you have classified as belonging to risk group three.
• Significant changes are made to your work which may have an impact on the safety or health of employees.

Other work with a risk of exposure

There may also be situations in which you will have an obligation to notify the Authority of work with materials that may entail exposure to microorganisms.

However, if the risk assessment shows that the measures taken by the company are sufficient to prevent employees being exposed, then there is no need to report such work.