The Approved List of biological agents

The ACDP Approved List of Biological Agents provides the classification of biological agents as referred to in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH). It is relevant to risk assessment for work with biological agents and the application of appropriate control measures.

The approved list is for use by people who deliberately work with biological agents, especially those in research, development, teaching or diagnostic laboratories and industrial processes, or those who work with humans or animals who are (or are suspected to be) infected with such an agent.

This fifth edition includes the following changes:

• the hazard group classification for existing agents has been reviewed and reclassified where appropriate
• some previously unlisted biological agents have been classified and added to the list
• advice on available vaccines has been updated