Introduction to Animal Hazards Both forms can be obtained from the IACUC office or the IACUC website. Please note that there is no charge for these services. Finally, personnel who will need to have access to the Biological Resource Facility (BRF) must complete a facilities tour with the BRF Manager to review the rules and policies Rosalind Franklin University of the facility, required attire, and other issues. Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) Animal Allergies
University faculty, students and staff who Allergic reactions to animals are among the work with research animals directly or most common of the occupational hazards encounter them indirectly can face a number associated with working with laboratory of hazards. Indirect exposure occurs when animals. If you already people must occasionally enter the animal have hay fever or other housing and procedure areas to perform other allergies, it is possible job duties (for example, Campus Safety, that you will develop an Engineering-Maintenance, or IT). This allergy to laboratory pamphlet is designed to acquaint you with the animals with frequent main risks associated with entering and/or or continued exposure. using our animal research facilities. Please Symptoms in allergic note that this document alone does not supply individuals can include you with all the information needed to respiratory and skin completely assess the occupational risks disorders; eye, nose and throat irritation; and associated with animal care and use. Rather, it is a summary of some of the hazards you skin hives. A small percentage of exposed may encounter along with some important workers might develop occupation-related health and safety tips. It is important that you asthma. Asthma is a more serious condition also consult with your supervisor for that presents as coughing, wheezing, and additional information about appropriate shortness of breath. Occupational asthma can safety precautions and methods of hazard be severe and persistent and may require control. removal of all exposure sources. Pre- placement screening can be helpful in All individuals with direct animal contact identifying and alerting persons who might (research or animal care staff) are required to be at risk for developing laboratory-animal obtain more advanced training than is allergy or asthma and educating them about presented here. The advanced training is protective measures. Let your supervisor protocol specific and is the responsibility of know if you have, or begin to acquire, allergic the Principal Investigator (PI) and supervisor symptoms so that appropriate intervention of such individuals. can be taken to prevent long-term difficulties.
Everyone who will have contact with animals Chemical Hazards directly and those who are likely to have Chemicals are prevalent in the laboratory and indirect contact (e.g. maintenance or security animal room environments since they are personnel) must complete: 1) registration used to disinfect and clean surfaces, form for the occupational health and safety anesthetize animals, and process tissue (OHS) program with their supervisor and 2) samples. Research protocols can also personally file a completely confidential introduce toxic or hazardous chemicals or medical evaluation form for the animal drugs into animals and these agents can enter research program to Vista Health Services. the waste stream of the animal facility. When
10-16-19 1 animals are dosed with hazardous chemicals, your supervisor know so that additional risk these agents or their hazardous metabolites assessment can be done and your exposure to are excreted in urine or feces, contaminating such agents can be minimized. Alternatively, the bedding and caging. When this possibility you can consult with an occupational health presents itself in the context of an IACUC- specialist through Vista Health (see pamphlet approved protocol, the PI of that laboratory is section below entitled “Personal Medical responsible for discussing safety practices Conditions That May Increase Risk”). In and procedures to be taken in specific rooms addition to negative reproductive effects, of the animal facility with the BRF manager some anesthetics may be carcinogenic or as well as with his/her research staff. toxic to major organ systems such as the liver or kidneys. Proper ventilation, with either a In many laboratories, a variety of hazardous scavenging device or an appropriate fume chemicals such as poisons, carcinogens, hood, is vital in reducing ambient irritants, reproductive or neurotoxins, and concentrations of anesthetic gases and must other agents are part-and-parcel of modern always be used. research. During routine analyses and assays in the laboratory as well as when such agents BRF rooms and cages containing animals are administered to animals, the chemical dosed with Chemical Hazards are clearly hazards tend to be present in very low marked and the PPE that is required for concentrations, significantly lowering an entry is posted on the door. individual’s risk. It is during the preparation of stock solutions, however, where highly Biological Hazards toxic chemicals are manipulated in their pure Individuals should avoid entering animal or concentrated state that the greatest rooms or contacting any containers or potential for a significant exposure resides. equipment marked with the universal Written Standard Operating Procedures Biohazard Symbol (shown here) unless they delineating methods of hazard control are are authorized for such contact, have been required for laboratories that use particularly thoroughly trained in hazardous chemicals. appropriate precautions, and are wearing the A variety of pictograms depict the type of appropriate PPE. The chemical hazard that could be encountered. types of biological Several examples are shown here: hazards include infectious or pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses, experimentally infected animals or tissues of such animals; human tissues such as blood and body fluids; human cell lines (including Acute toxicity Irritant. Health hazard established cell lines); cell lines from non- human primates; and recombinant DNA Anesthetic agents are frequently used in agents. animal research. Based on the results of epidemiological studies of operating room Infectious agents are classified on a scale of personnel and other exposed persons, 1 to 4, by increasing risk. Correspondingly, inhalation anesthetics, as a class, have been there are four levels of control - known as identified as reproductive toxins. An Animal Biosafety Levels (ABSL) 1 thru 4 - increased risk of spontaneous abortion and that provide increasing levels of protection to other reproductive effects have been those working with animals exposed to such observed in both exposed women and wives agents. Animal research at Rosalind Franklin of exposed men. If you are pregnant or University is currently limited to ABSL planning a pregnancy, you may wish to let Levels 1 and 2. Thus, there is no animal
10-16-19 2 research being done with highly infectious or have an approved, detailed Standard exotic biological agents in the BRF. At Operating Procedure (SOP) for each type of present, only a few labs are working with agent in use that is available to anyone who mice and rats using infectious agents, and needs to access the room animals in each those agents have very limited potential for posted biohazard room. human infection. Personnel who may be exposed to potentially BRF Rooms and cages containing animals infectious organisms, either through direct dosed with biohazards are clearly marked contact or through contact with fresh tissues with the Biohazard symbol and the harvested from infected animals, may benefit associated PPE that is required for entry is from additional risk assessment and posted on the door. discussion of protective strategies with EHS and possibly an occupational health Because of their potential for direct contact physician. with concentrated stocks of infectious agents, laboratory personnel are at the greatest risk Zoonotic Diseases for occupationally acquired infections. Zoonoses are illnesses and infections that can Researchers may be exposed during the care, be passed from animals to people. A well- propagation, and maintenance of infectious known example is rabies. All the animals organisms; when injecting experimental used at Rosalind Franklin University are bred animals with infectious agents; and during specifically for research and do not have the examination of infected tissues harvested potential for transmitting the kinds of illness from the animals. that wild or non-purpose bred animals
Investigators wishing to conduct research would. At the present time, the vast majority of the animals in the BRF are rats or activities involving experimentally or mice obtained from commercial facilities, naturally infected animals should review the and these present a negligible zoonotic risk. CDC/NIH publication Biosafety in Additional information about zoonosis can be Microbiological and Biomedical Biological th accessed from the IACUC web site. Laboratories, 4 edition, and employ appropriate safety practices and procedures. Physical Hazards Rosalind Franklin University requires that Sharps are ubiquitous in animal programs. investigators working with biological agents Needles, syringes, pipettes, razor blades, or recombinant DNA in animals have prior broken glass, scalpels are commonly used in approval from the Institutional Biosafety animal facilities Committee (IBC) and the Environmental and laboratories. Health and Safety (EHS) Department before Sharps should be they seek approval from the IACUC. always be disposed of in designated puncture Animal care technicians face a much lower proof containers. This is to segregate them risk of occupational infection than those away from regular trash so that custodial staff researchers working directly with the are not exposed to cuts, puncture wounds, biohazardous materials themselves. infectious agents, or hazardous chemicals. Nonetheless, they may still be exposed Sharps disposal containers should be located through direct contact with infected animals, as near the point of use as possible. Traveling from animal bites or scratches, or through across a room to dispose of a scalpel, needle, contact with contaminated bedding or its or syringe is one of the most common causes dust. Animals exposed to infectious of accidental needle sticks. Sharps containers microorganisms are always housed in should be replaced frequently since an biohazard containment environments. With overflowing container presents an appropriate signage. In addition, the PI of the unnecessary and avoidable hazard. laboratory using biohazards in animals will Personnel should never recap needles or
10-16-19 3 attempt to retrieve anything from a sharps animals. Equipment that has frayed or container. damaged cords should never be used. Electrical cord splices and repairs made with Bites and Scratches from animals are best electrical tape are not acceptable, as the tape avoided by training in proper animal does not check current flow. Outlet strips handling techniques and by wearing should be substituted for extension cords and appropriate personal protective equipment octopus-type plug extenders. Lockout/tagout (PPE). Knowledge of animal behavior and procedures should be followed during how animals respond to their immediate maintenance and repair of energized physical environment is important in equipment. reducing risk of injury. Compressed gas cylinders are found Animals respond to sights, sounds, and routinely in laboratories and animal facilities. smells as people do, but they also hear, smell, These cylinders are under high pressure and and react to things that contain enormous amounts of energy. An people may not be able uncontrolled release of energy from a typical to detect. For example, five-foot compressed gas cylinder can easily if an animal hears a propel the cylinder through a concrete block high-pitched sound, it wall. Such an uncontrolled release can occur could be frightened when a cylinder is knocked over. To protect and react defensively. Many animals have a against this potential, all compressed gas flight zone, and if approached by another cylinders, even those marked “empty”, must animal (or you as the handler) the animal may be secured by a wall chain, bracket, or base. try to escape or act aggressively. Of course, Replace the protective valve stem cap when inappropriate handling of an animal can also the cylinder is not in use. cause discomfort, pain, and distress and provoke an animal to bite or scratch. Radiation Hazards This includes radioisotopes, x-rays, Minor skin damage caused by animal bites ultraviolet radiation (UV lights), and lasers. and scratches is sometimes ignored by animal Radiation can present a hazard through workers. However, even minor bites and/or proximity, inhalation, ingestion, or skin or scratches can result in infections and illnesses eye contact. if they are not properly treated. Scratches, scraps, and injuries from contaminated Ionizing Radiation. Experimentation equipment associated with animal care and involving radioisotopes is common in housing, such as cages, can be as great a risk molecular biology today. Use of as direct animal bites and should be radioisotopes in or with animals addressed similarly. The most important presents hazards that must be thing you can do to prevent infection dealt with in special ways. For following any bite or scratch is to example, specific tissue that may immediately and thoroughly wash the injury concentrate a radioactive with soap and water. It is required to you material might have to be handled or inform your supervisor as well as that disposed of differently. Bedding from Campus Safety Department (X3288) of any animals exposed to radioactive materials animal bites, scratches or other injuries you should be surveyed to determine its sustain during your work at the University. radioactivity and then disposed of accordingly. If an isotope could be released Electrical hazards are found throughout by exhalation, additional engineering animal and laboratory facilities. Particular controls will be required. attention should be paid to use of electrical equipment in wet areas, such as the cage In addition to general laboratory safety wash area or the rooms housing aquatic precautions, basic radiation protection
10-16-19 4 measures are required when administering injuries to back and shoulders when moving radioisotopes to animals. Investigators cages, bags of feed and bedding, pieces of wishing to use radioactive materials in equipment, and supplies. Researchers animals must be pre-authorized by both the working with heavy animals such swine also Radiation Safety Officer and IACUC. At the require training in proper lifting methods to present time, no research involving animals avoid injury. dosed with radioisotopes is ongoing at the University. If and when this changes, the Wet floors may be encountered in animal rooms housing such animals will be specially rooms and cage wash areas. Extra caution marked with the universal sign shown above when walking in wet zones is important to and the PPE required to enter the area will be reduce the risk of falling. posted. Noise: Exposure over several years to Non-ionizing Radiation. Exposure to excessive noise may result in hearing loss. ultraviolet (UV) radiation can occur during This is not much of an issue in rodent the use of UV germicidal lamps and facilities but can be serious in animal rooms transilluminators. UV light is very damaging housing dogs or pigs (both to the skin and eyes. Exposures can cause known for persistent and loud hyper-pigmentation, burns, cataracts, vocalizations that can reach photokeratitis, and skin cancer and thus it is intense levels inside the important to protect skin and eyes when using confines of the holding UV generating equipment. Lasers emit facility). In addition, equipment such as cage concentrated beams of optical radiation in the washers, high-pressure air cleaning UV, visible, and infrared regions. Depending equipment, and vacuum systems may also on wavelength, power level, and duration of produce excessive sound levels. A useful way exposure, such beams can present eye of assessing whether a noise exposure might hazards (corneal and retinal burns, cataracts, be excessive is to try to carry on a or retinal injury) and skin hazards (burns and conversation in the area. The noise may be skin cancer). There may be significant non- excessive if normal speech or talking is beam hazards associated with laser systems, difficult or impossible. Animal care staff most notably electric shock and hazardous who work in areas where excessive noise aerosols generated by laser/substrate levels have been identified (i.e., cage wash reactions. Personnel who work with or areas) are educated about hearing protection around lasers should be trained in the hazards and provided access hearing protectors when and the means to protect themselves, working in noisy areas. including use of proper eye protection in such areas. The PI and EHS Department will Personal Medical Conditions provide additional information in this area. That May Increase Risk Some medical conditions may increase an Other Hazards individual’s risk of developing an Various Equipment such as autoclaves, cage occupationally acquired infection. These washers, room washing equipment, and other include chemotherapy, immunosuppressive machinery have the potential to cause injury drugs such as prednisone, chemotherapy from high pressure, high heat, and other. agents and immune system modifying drugs Training on the proper and safe use of such used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, equipment is essential. persons who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy might wish for a confidential risk Back injury risk is primarily relevant to assessment from a medical professional animal care personnel, and training in proper before conducting certain experiments or lifting technique is imperative. The use of being in the proximity of inhalation proper lifting techniques can help prevent anesthetics, reproductive toxins or other
10-16-19 5 hazards. Any given individual’s risk will depend on a combination of factors including Bibliography: the individual’s health history, the type of Occupational Health and Safety in the Care research animals, and the type of chemical or and Use of Research Animals. National biological agents in use. Research Council. 1997. National Academy Immunocompromised people, Press, Washington, D.C. such as individuals receiving https://www.nap.edu/read/4988 chemotherapy or radiation for cancer, are at greater risk of Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical acquiring an occupational Laboratories (BMBL) 5th Edition. Centers illness. A person with HIV, for Disease Control & Prevention. 2009. leukemia, organ transplant, U.S. Government Printing Office, kidney failure or certain Washington, D.C. medications that the immune http://www.cdc.gov/biosafety/publications/b systems weak should work mbl5/ closely with the occupational The Guide for the Care and Use of health service and their Laboratory Animals, 8th Ed National supervisor to find accommodations to reduce Research Council. 2011. National Academy their risks. If you have concerns about your Press, Washington, D.C. situation, you should contact EHS to arrange https://www.nap.edu/catalog/12910/guide- for additional risk assessment and for-the-care-and-use-of-laboratory-animals- confidential follow-up and consult with an eighth occupational health physician.
Employees should also be aware that some conditions such as animal allergies develop over long periods. Employees should be educated to recognize the symptoms and seek medical advice should they develop.
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