Section 20: Accidents

20. Accidents (1) Every person who is informed or becomes aware of an accident shall immediately notify the Permanent Secretary. (2) Where a GMO permit holder notifies an accident under subsection (1), he shall supply to the Permanent Secretary— (a) all relevant information on the circumstances of the accident, the identity, quantity and quality of genetically modified organisms released and any other information necessary to assess the impact of the accident on the environment and on human or animal health; and (b) the details of any emergency measures taken to avoid or mitigate any adverse impact on the environment and human or animal health. (3) The Permanent Secretary shall appoint on an ad hoc basis a Special Committee comprising a Chairperson and 2 members, being persons having wide expertise in the field relating to the accident, to enquire into the circumstances of the accident and make a report with recommendations to the Permanent Secretary. (4) The Permanent Secretary may, after taking into consideration the report and recommendations of the Special Committee, and where he considers that the accident has had an adverse impact on the environment or on human or animal health, take a decision under section 9 (2). (5) The Permanent Secretary shall inform, as soon as reasonably practicable, any other country of any accident which may have an impact on that country's environment or on human or animal health in that country. (S. 20 not in operation.)