Educational guidance on registers and logs — what each records, who maintains it, what it typically contains and how long it is generally kept. Informational only — template examples, not official documents or legal advice; a register documents activity, it does not by itself prove compliance, and employers remain responsible.
What a biological agent register is
A biological agent register records the bacteria, viruses, fungi and other biological agents that workers may encounter — whether worked with deliberately or arising from the work — together with their risk grouping and the controls that manage exposure.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — how biological agents are classified and controlled varies by country and sector.
Purpose
- List the biological agents that exposure could involve.
- Record the risk grouping and route of exposure.
- Capture the controls — containment, hygiene, PPE, vaccination offers.
- Support assessment, health surveillance and training.
Who maintains it
- A safety lead, microbiology lead or competent person keeps it current.
- Entries draw on assessments and the nature of the work.
- It is reviewed within the organisation’s own safety process.
- The employer decides who is competent to assess and maintain it.
When it is used
- When a new agent or process is introduced.
- When containment, hygiene or PPE controls change.
- During assessments, inspections and audits.
- When planning health surveillance or training.
Typical fields
- Agent name and its risk grouping.
- Where exposure could occur and the route.
- Controls — containment level, hygiene, PPE.
- Whether health surveillance or vaccination applies.
- Assessment reference, review date and owner.
- Example columns only — adapt to your work and the applicable law.
Common mistakes
- Overlooking agents that arise from the work rather than handled directly.
- Relying on PPE instead of containment and hygiene.
- Not linking the register to health surveillance where it applies.
- Letting it go stale after a process or agent changes.
Document workflow
A biological agent register works with the COSHH-type chain: agents are identified and assessed, controls are recorded here, and health surveillance, decontamination and training follow afterwards. A change of agent or process should trigger a review.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used with and completed after a biological agent entry.
Retention (high level)
Records relating to biological agents, and any exposure or health records linked to them, may need to be kept for a long period in line with the applicable law and the employer’s obligations. This page does not state a required period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
The register is often held in a system and exported to PDF for assessments and audits. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make it official or prove compliance.
Employer checklist
- Identify agents handled and those arising from the work.
- Apply containment, hygiene and PPE controls in the right order.
- Link the register to health surveillance where it applies.
- Keep it current and review after any change.
Worker notes
- Follow the containment, hygiene and PPE controls for your work.
- Take up any health surveillance or vaccination offered.
- Report spills, sharps injuries or possible exposures straight away.
Country considerations
Biological agent classification, containment and surveillance rules vary by country and sector, and the official authority differs. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not legal advice.
Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for controlling exposure to biological agents and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not make a workplace compliant and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
Free, printable HR & employment resources
Practical, ungated resources to put this into action — no signup.