Chapter I: General provisions

The provisions of this Title are applicable in establishments in which the nature of the activity may lead to workers being exposed to biological agents. However, the provisions of articles R. 4424-2, R. 4424-3, R. 4424-7 to R. 4424-10, R. 4425-6 and R. 4425-7 do not apply when the activity, although it may lead to the exposure of workers, does not normally involve the deliberate use of a biological agent…

For the purposes of this Title, the following definitions shall apply 1° Biological agents: micro-organisms, including genetically modified micro-organisms, cell cultures and human endoparasites capable of causing an infection, allergy or intoxication; 2° Micro-organism: a microbiological entity, whether or not cellular, capable of reproducing or transferring genetic material; 3° Cell culture: the result of the in vitro growth of cells isolated from multicellular organisms.

Biological agents are classified into four groups according to the level of risk of infection they present: 1° Group 1 includes biological agents that are unlikely to cause disease in humans; 2° Group 2 includes biological agents that may cause disease in humans and constitute a danger to workers. Their spread in the community is unlikely and effective prophylaxis or treatment is generally available; 3° Group 3 includes biological agents…

Biological agents in groups 2, 3 and 4 are considered to be pathogenic biological agents within the meaning of this Title. The list of these agents is established by joint order of the ministers responsible for labour, agriculture and health.