Chapter 4

Mandatory for all persons working with laboratory animals

Safety training is also required Vaccination may be required at some facilities:

tetanus, rabies and/or hepatitis TB testing if using NHPs Injuries and accidents must be reported

Questionnaire Allergies and medical conditions

10-44% develop animal allergiesChange assignment

Follow facility’s established guidelines Learn about hazards in the environment Wear personal protective equipment Maintain high cleanliness standards Work areas should be neat and orderly Know where eyewash stations are located

Eat and drink only in designated areas

Do not apply cosmetics or chew gum outside locker room

Keep personal items in locker Wash hands: when leaving animal

room, cage wash, and facility. After using rest room. Avoid jewelry that interferes with hand washing

Wash hands after removing dirty protective clothing and before applying make-up, smoking, or eating

Keep your hands away from your face

Some facilities require showering prior to working in some areas

PPE - protects people and animals Requirements depend on study safety guidelines

Footwear Rubber boots for wet areas Disposable shoe covers Work shoes only in facility

Ear Protection Noisy areas Dogs, cage wash

Eye and Face Goggles, safety glasses, face shields Eyewash stations

Bonnets/buffonts Prevent exposure to allergens and

transmission of infectious diseases

Face Masks Surgical masks Respirator – filters

Uniforms Uniform only in facility▪ Reduces risk of contamination

Laundered on site Change as needed

Gloves While handling animals, cleaning solutions,

harmful substances Plastic or rubber Leather – prevent bites and scratches

Animal bites, scratches, kicks, and related injuries

Housekeeping hazards Slips, falls

Burns Mechanical injuries Pressurized gas Sharps Noise Lighting electricity Chemical hazards Radioactive materials

Irritation upon contact Fumes MSDS Store in special cabinets – original

labels Discard empty containers – do not refill Emergency showers and eyewash

stations 15 minutes

Energy rays are emittedProtection

Shielding – lead aprons Time – minimized exposure time Distance – energy becomes weaker the

further it travelsSpecial training

emit low levels of radiationmonitoring badgesNuclear Regulatory Commission has

guidelines

Infectious agents transmitted between humans and animals

Examples - TB, rabies, measles and salmonellosis Needle sticks, bites, and scratches should be

cleaned and reported Sick employees should notify their supervisor

physicalchemicalbiological (biohazard) radiological

infectious bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites which pose a threat to humans and animals

Center for Disease Control (CDC) has guidelines

Biosafety Levels 1 least hazardous 4 most hazardous

substance that can cause changes in chromosomes

radiation, chemicals

induce cancer formaldehyde

poisonous substances gases, formaldehyde

chemicals or produced by cells tetanus

air pressure differences filtration of exhaust air airlocks/pass through

autoclaves ultraviolet light change/ shower rooms plumbing considerations SOP’s PPE etc!