The CECT preserves microorganisms up to risk group 3 (*). The CECT classifies microorganisms into risk groups following the technical guide developed by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, INSHT) on Exposure to Biological Agents. For potentially dangerous microorganisms that are not listed in this guide, the CECT uses the information available to it, indicated on the strain data sheet as "provisional classification". The fact a particular item is not listed as a microorganism belonging to risk group 2 or higher does not imply its automatic classification within group 1. The classification of microorganisms is subject to periodic changes and revisions; therefore, the CECT always endeavours to update information on the strains in accordance with the latest descriptions.
Resources:
- INSHT Technical Guide on Exposure to Biological Agents
- Webpage of the Government of Spain: What are biological agents? (ROYAL DECREE 664/1997)
- BASEBiO Database that provides extended and updated information on the biological agents included in Annex II of Royal Decree 664/1997
- Pathogen microorganisms data sheets: DATABiO
- Directive 2000/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 September 2000 on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at work
- Canada Public Health Agency website containing safety data on pathogenic microorganisms.
- Canada Public Health Agency website containing a database of microorganisms and risk groups
- Biological agents and work-related diseases
