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Office of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
(909) 469-5241; FAX (909) 469-5577
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM (OHSP) FOR PERSONNEL
WORKING WITH OR AROUND LABORATORY ANIMALS
U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations, Public Health Service Policy and the National
Institutes of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals require that all
institutions receiving public funds establish an OHSP for persons who may come into contact
with laboratory animals, their tissues or their allergens. Persons who work with or around
laboratory animals are at some risk and the IACUC has the responsibility to verify that such
persons are enrolled in the OHSP program before they are permitted to work with or around
animals. The purpose of this policy is not only to prevent or minimize the risk of illness but to
provide for early diagnosis and treatment when such illnesses occur.
Who should participate? Because the OHSP is a regulatory requirement, enrollment is
mandatory for all persons who have contact with laboratory animals or wildlife, their tissues,
body fluids or wastes or who are exposed to animal allergens on a regular basis. This includes
not only the veterinary staff, animal care workers, investigators, laboratory technicians and
students but may also include facilities and maintenance personnel and custodial staff.
You will be successfully enrolled in the OHSP once you have completed
1) the on-line Animal Care and Use Exposure and Risk Assessment form and that it has
been determined that
a) no medical evaluation is necessary, or
b) that a medical evaluation is necessary and that you have received the
evaluation and any required interventions such as immunizations, and
2) all prescribed training.
All information will be held confidential.
This brochure alone does not provide all of the information you may need to completely assess
the occupational risks associated with animal care and use. Instead, it briefly summarizes some
of the hazards you may encounter and some important health and safety tips.
Many activities require general safety training such as Laboratory Safety, Radiation Safety and
Bloodborne Pathogens training. On-line training in these areas is found in the Faculty and Staff
Training Center on Blackboard. Once there, you will need a user name and password to enter the
site. After you are in, click on Faculty and Staff Training Center from the list of courses on the right side
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of the screen. From there, click on the appropriate link on the left side of the screen. For assistance,
contact Tech Support at (909) 469-5432 from an outside line or dial x-5432 from an inside line.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ANIMAL EXPOSURE
Allergies, infectious disease and physical injuries are the primary health risks to persons working
with or around laboratory animals.
Allergic reactions are exaggerated reactions by the body’s immune system, most often to
proteins, and are among the most common conditions that adversely affect the health of workers
exposed to laboratory animals. Proteins most commonly associated with allergic reactions are
found in the animal’s urine, dander and saliva, especially those from rodents. Nasal symptoms,
itchy eyes and skin rashes are the most frequent manifestations of an allergic reaction but, in
serious cases, asthma or anaphylaxis can occur. Symptoms that suggest the development of
asthma include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Severe and occasionally disabling
breathing problems can occur. Rarely, an employee with allergic symptoms will develop a
potentially life-threatening reaction following an animal bite or contaminated needle stick.
If an allergic reaction to laboratory animals is to occur, it usually does so
within one or two years of working with the animals although, on rare
occasions, it may take years to develop an allergic reaction. In either case,
once the worker has been sensitized, symptoms may occur within minutes
of re-exposure to the animals.
Disorder
Allergic Reactions to Laboratory Animal Allergens__________________
Symptoms
Signs
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Contact urticaria
Redness, itchiness of skin, welts, hives
Raised, circumscribed erythematous lesions
Allergic conjunctivitis
and/or rhinitis
Sneezing, itchiness, clear nasal drainage,
nasal congestion
Conjunctival vascular engorgement, clear
discharge usually bilateral)
Asthma
Cough, wheezing, chest tightness
shortness of breath
Decreased breath sounds, wheezing,
reversible airflow obstruction, airway hyperresponsiveness
Anaphylaxis
Generalized itching, hives, throat
tightness, eye or lip swelling, difficulty
swallowing, hoarseness, shortness of
breath, dizziness, fainting, nausea,
vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea
Flushing, urticaria, angioedema, stridor,
wheezing, hypotension
Allergies to latex gloves can occur with repeated exposure to products that contain natural
rubber latex. The allergy is a reaction to certain proteins in latex rubber. The reaction may occur
within minutes to hours after contact and produce a variety of symptoms. Mild symptoms
include skin rash, hives or itching. More severe reactions include, runny nose, sneezing,
scratchy throat, asthma and severe shock that can be life threatening. Persons with preexisting
allergies or food allergies to avocados, bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, apples, carrots, celery,
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melons or papaya are at increased risk of developing a latex allergy. If you are allergic to latex
or suspect you may be developing a latex allergy, use nitrile gloves instead.
Who is at increased risk of having an allergic reaction to laboratory animals?
A history of allergy to other animals, particularly dogs and cats, is the best predictor for who will
develop an allergy to laboratory animals. Activities such as handling animals and cleaning their
cages increase the risk of exposure to animal proteins that cause allergic reactions and thus place
the worker at greater risk of developing an allergy. Although workers with a personal history of
asthma, seasonal allergies or dermatitis are at increased risk, persons with no prior history of
allergies and only brief exposures can also become allergic to laboratory animals.
How can you reduce the risk?
Controlling exposure to allergens is the most effective strategy for reducing or
preventing allergic reactions so Protect Yourself!
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Work in a clean, well-ventilated environment.
Use a well-designed waste management system.
Limit the number of exposures.
Wear appropriate PPE such as a lab coat and disposable gloves
Never rub your face or eyes until you have removed your gloves and washed
your hands thoroughly.
Wear appropriate respiratory protection.
Zoonotic diseases are diseases that can be transmitted from animals or animal tissues to humans.
Although many animal pathogens can cause disease in humans, zoonotic diseases are not
common in modern animal facilities due to successful efforts at disease prevention and detection.
Nevertheless, some animal diseases may produce serious disease in humans even when the
animals themselves show few signs of illness. Therefore, you must be aware of possible
consequences when working with each species of animal and take precautions to minimize the
risk of infection. Personal hygiene is a critical barrier to the transmission of zoonoses. Should
you become ill with a fever or other sign of infection, let your healthcare provider know
that you work with animals.
If you are concerned that you may have symptoms suggesting an allergy or illness, notify
your supervisor immediately. Your supervisor may refer you to U.S. Health Works to
determine the best plan of action.
PREVENTION
Some common sense steps that can be taken to lessen the risk of contracting a zoonotic disease
include:
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Do not eat, drink or apply cosmetics, lip balm, or contact lenses around animals.
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When performing bedding changes, blood or urine collections or necropsies, work in
biological safety cabinets or use specialized PPE.
Wear gloves when handling animals or their tissues.
Do not recap used needles! Instead, discard them promptly in a
biohazard “sharps” container.
To reduce the risk of needle stick injuries, sedate or anesthetize
animals if manual restraint is problematic
Consult your supervisor or Environmental Health and Safety at
x-5528 if you need additional training at any time.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Physical hazards include animal bites and scratches, sharps injuries, injuries associated with
compressed gas cylinders and moving cages or equipment. The key to preventing these injuries
is proper training and meticulous attention to proper work practices.
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Use appropriate techniques for animal handling and restraint.
Do not recap used needles or scalpel blades. Dispose of sharps in approved containers.
Use proper lifting techniques with heavy loads or when doing repetitive tasks.
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a lab coat, gloves and face mask.
About bites, scratches and other injuries: Contact your supervisor immediately if you are
bitten or scratched, if you injure yourself on animal caging or equipment or if you experience
unusual disease symptoms.
If you are pregnant: Working with hazardous agents in general and toxic chemicals in
particular is discouraged during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider for advice about
working safely during pregnancy.
Toxoplasma is an infectious parasite that can be shed in cat feces. It can
infect the fetus in women who are exposed during pregnancy and do not
have immunity to the organism. To help assess the level of immunity
against this organism, serum samples can be tested. Cat feces should be
avoided and gloves should be worn when working in areas that are
potentially contaminated. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any
potential source of infection.
Nonhuman primates: Several primate viruses can cause disease in humans of which
Herpesvirus simiae (B-virus) is of greatest concern. This virus occurs naturally in macaques
such as rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys. Infected monkeys usually do not
show clinical signs but the virus may cause fatal encephalitis in humans.
Transmission to humans occurs by exposure to contaminated saliva,
secretions or tissues. This typically occurs as a result of a bite or scratch.
Transmission can also occur via splashes that come into contact with mucous
membranes or from injuries caused by contaminated equipment. Proper work
practices constitute the best protection against infection.
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Wear PPE that includes protective outer garments, gloves, face mask and eye protection.
Sedate monkeys whenever possible before handling.
In the event of possible exposure, obtain medical attention immediately. Instructions for
treating wounds and obtaining medical attention will be posted in each primate area.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) may be transmitted from humans to animals AND from
animals to humans. Nonhuman primates and persons in contact with them must be TB tested
regularly. To prevent transmission, appropriate PPE should be worn when working with or
around this organism.
Shigella, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Entamoeba histolytica cause diarrhea in primate
species and can cause similar problems in humans exposed to primate feces. Infection is best
prevented by the use of gloves and careful hand washing.
Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) is closely related to HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS in
humans, and, on rare occasions, can affect macaques. Some evidence suggests it may infect
humans as well so measures should be taken to prevent contact with monkey blood or blood
products.
If you work with dogs or cats, the main risks are bites and scratches that can lead to infection.
Cat scratch disease is caused by a rickettsial organism and is characterized by flu-like symptoms
and swollen lymph nodes. Cat bites can result in severe bacterial infections. The likelihood of
contracting rabies as a result of a bite is low because dogs and cats are usually vaccinated for
rabies or bred exclusively for research. Nevertheless, it is recommended that persons in contact
with dogs or cats be vaccinated against rabies.
If you work with farm animals, Q fever, a potentially serious disease caused by
Coxiella burnetii, is of concern. Q fever is carried by ruminants and is shed from
the placental membranes of sheep. This route of exposure may cause Q fever
pneumonia and other associated symptoms in laboratory workers. Sheep used in
research should be assumed to be infected and measures should be taken to
prevent transmission. All persons working with pregnant sheep should wear gloves, respiratory
protection and protective outerwear that is fluid resistant.
If you work with rodents or rabbits: Allergies are common among personnel
who work with rodents (mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters) and rabbits. If you
have pre-existing allergies or if you experience a runny nose, itchy eyes or skin
rashes when working around these species you should report this immediately to
your supervisor. Measures can be taken to limit your exposure to allergens thus
reducing the severity of symptoms and decreasing the likelihood that symptoms will worsen.
Rodents and rabbits obtained from commercial sources do not constitute a significant source of
zoonotic diseases. However, animals caught in the wild can harbor a variety of bacterial, viral
fungal and parasitic infections that constitute a significant hazard to personnel.
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Sharps are common in animal care facilities and laboratories and include needles, broken glass
and scalpels. Do not recap used needles. Instead, all used sharp devices must be discarded in a
properly labeled biohazard sharps container. Locate sharps disposal containers as near to the
point of use as possible as traveling across a room to dispose of a scalpel or needle increases the
risk of injury and/or exposure. At no time is it permissible to dispose of any sharp device in a
regular waste container. Incorrect disposal of sharps puts custodial staff at high risk of injury
from cuts, puncture wounds, infectious agents or hazardous chemicals.
Electrical hazards are found throughout animal and laboratory facilities.
Electrical outlets should be covered and/or ground-fault protected. Be
particularly cautious when using electrical equipment in wet areas such as
cage-wash areas and rooms housing aquatic species. Do not use
equipment with frayed or damaged cords or cords with splices or repairs
made with electrical tape as such tape does not provide insulation. Use
power strips that have power surge protectors instead of extension cords.
Compressed gas cylinders may be found in animal facilities and laboratories. They are heavy
and are under high pressure and thus contain an enormous amount of energy. Uncontrolled
release of this energy from a typical compressed gas cylinder can easily propel
the cylinder through a concrete block wall. To minimize this risk, all
compressed gas cylinders, including empty cylinders, must be doubly secured
by wall chains or brackets. Replace the protective valve stem cap when the
cylinder is not in use.
Wet floors in animal rooms and cage wash areas increase the risk of slips and falls. The risk of
back injuries can be reduced by using proper lifting technique and not lifting excessively heavy
or bulk loads. Some jobs may require two people, so get help when needed. Hand, finger and
arm injuries can easily occur from moving large equipment and racks through narrow doorways
and hallways. Placing hands on the front of the rack rather than the sides where they are
unprotected can help avoid injuries to hands.
Noise is generally not a problem in rodent facilities but dogs and pigs are
known for their persistent and loud vocalizations that can become intense
in the confined area of a holding facility. Cage washers, high-pressure air
cleaning equipment and wet vacuum systems are other sources of
excessive noise. In areas with excessive noise, hearing protection is
recommended.
If you work with hazardous agents: The proper use of hazardous biological (biohazardous),
chemical and physical agents is dependent on careful planning, proper training and careful
attention to prescribed safe work practices. Signs should be posted indicating the nature of the
hazard, necessary precautions and emergency contact information. The PPE needed depends on
the agent used but, in all cases, gloves should be worn and hands should be washed with soap
and water after handling potentially contaminated materials. A biological safety cabinet should
be used when handling infectious materials, especially if there is a potential for generation of
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aerosols, and a fume hood should be used when handling toxic chemicals or radioactive
materials.
Biohazardous material is defined as infectious agents, toxins or other biological materials that
present a risk or potential risk to the health of humans, animals or the environment. The risk can
be direct through infection or indirect through damage to the environment. Biohazardous
materials include certain types of recombinant DNA, organisms and viruses infectious to
humans, animals or plants (e.g., parasites, viruses, bacteria, fungi, prions, rickettsia) and
biologically active agents (e.g., toxins, allergens, venoms) that may cause disease in other living
organisms or cause significant impact to the environment.
All human blood products, tissue and many body fluids must be handled as if infected and,
therefore, must be treated as biohazardous material. This includes human blood or bloodbased products, human clinical samples other than saliva, human cells and human cell lines,
unfixed human tissues and water containing human waste.
Persons who handle or are at risk of exposure to these potentially infectious materials must
be vaccinated against Hepatitis B virus or sign the Hepatitis B Vaccination Declination
Form.
Laboratory personnel are at the greatest risk because of their potential for direct contact with
concentrated stocks of infectious agents. Animal care personnel are at much lower risk but may
still be exposed through direct contact with infected animals, from animal bites or scratches or
through contact with contaminated bedding and cages.
Animals exposed to biohazardous material must be housed in a containment
room or facility clearly identified with the universal emblem for
biohazardous material. Check with the Institutional Biosafety Committee
before using biohazardous or potentially biohazardous material in animals.
Fresh animal tissues, blood and body fluids should be treated as potential sources of zoonotic
disease.
If you need additional information, contact the Attending Veterinarian or the Biosafety Officer.
Inhalational anesthetics are often used in animal experiments and may pose a health risk to
persons working with or near them, particularly if pregnant. Depending on the agent, they may
be carcinogenic or otherwise toxic to major organ systems, e.g., the liver or kidneys. Proper
ventilation must be maintained by use of a scavenging device, a fume hood or other local exhaust
ventilation.
Ethylene oxide is a carcinogen that is used in some animal facilities to sterilize equipment that
cannot be autoclaved. The safest way to use ethylene oxide is with a sealed bag system inside a
properly functioning fume hood.
Radiation can present a hazard through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact or proximity.
Ionizing radiation is of particular concern because it can remove electrons from other atoms and,
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in mammalian cells, this may directly damage DNA or it may lead to the formation of free
radicals which are highly reactive with various cell components and can result in abnormal cell
function or cell death. Non-ionizing ultraviolet (UV) radiation can occur with the use of UV
germicidal lamps and transilluminators. UV light is very damaging to the skin and eyes and can
cause hyperpigmentation, burns, cataracts, photokeratitis and skin cancer. Protect skin and eyes
when using equipment that generates UV radiation. Cover hands with gloves and protect arms
with long sleeves. An appropriate face shield will protect the eyes and face.
There may be occasions when radioactive material must be administered directly to live animals
(in vivo). If a radioisotope is administered in vivo, the animal itself is now radioactive, as is
the cage in which it is housed and the bedding material lining the floor of
the cage due to the presence of contaminated urine and feces.
Animal care personnel are largely protected from exposure to such radioactive
material by their required use of PPE within the vivarium. Nevertheless, the
door to any room within a vivarium that is used either for the administration of
radioisotopes to live animals or to store radioactive material of any kind must be
posted with the sign on the left.
Any study conducted within a vivarium that requires the in vivo use of radioactive material must
be conducted using disposable cages to house the animals. At the end of each study, the cages
and all bedding material must be double bagged and properly disposed of in waste containers
designated and approved for disposal of radioactive waste. Contaminated animal carcasses must
be kept in a properly labeled designated freezer for storage until picked up by a vendor licensed
to dispose of such material or stored until the isotope has decayed to acceptable background
levels.
EATING OR DRINKING IN ANY LABORATORY, VIVARIUM OR
OTHER AREA DESIGNATED FOR THE USE OF RADIOACTIVE
MATERIAL IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED! No food or
beverages may be kept or consumed in areas posted for radioactive
material use or storage. In addition, all other activities involving handto-mouth motion such as application of cosmetics, lip balm, gum chewing,
etc. must be avoided. Do not place notebooks, pens, tools, etc. in posted
radioactive material areas as they can easily become contaminated.
Additional radiation safety training may be obtained by contacting the Radiation Safety
Officer at
(909) 469-5592 from an outside line or at x-5592 from an inside line.
WesternU adheres to the policy of ALARA, keeping radiation doses As Low As Reasonably
Achievable.
----------------------------------------------------------------Persons who have sustained a work-related injury or illness should report to their immediate
supervisor to initiate the proper paperwork and then immediately seek medical attention. Work-
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related injuries are covered under worker’s compensation and must be reported on the Workers
Compensation Claim Form. For California, it is DWC 1 and, for Oregon, it is
Report of Job Injury or Illness, form 801.
It is the responsibility of the person’s immediate supervisor to complete the
appropriate paperwork and submit it to the workers’ compensation coordinator
in Human Resources. For additional information about Worker’s Compensation,
contact Human Resources at (909) 469-5372 from an outside line or at x-5372 from an inside
line.
To confirm that you have read and understand the information contained herein, you must
pass the on-line quiz located in the faculty and staff training center on Blackboard. Once in
Blackboard, you will need a user name and password to enter the site. After you are in,
click on Faculty and Staff Training Center from the list of courses on the right hand side of
the screen. After accessing the Training Center, click on IACUC on the left side of the
screen. Then scroll down to the Occupational Health and Safety Program – Quiz and
begin. Contact Tech Support at 469-5432 for assistance.
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