Animal Care & Use Changes
For many years, NIH and other federal funding bodies have required that research facilities provide an occupational health program for those who work with research animals. In 1997 the National Research Council published Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals, which established the standards for Occupational Health Programs in research facilities. You can purchase this booklet directly from the National Academy Press. As of 2004, the 1997 edition is the most current edition of this book.
The Difference
The biggest difference between the 1997 guideline and older guidelines is the concept of increased risk. It isn't the number of hours an individual works with animals that determines their participation in the program; it's increased risk. Earlier guidelines required participation based on the number of contact hours with animals; this is no longer acceptable under the 1997 guidelines.
Who is at "Increased Risk"?
An employee or student is at "increased risk" if they are exposed to live, vertebrate animals in a way that gives them an increased risk of an occupational illness, such as a zoonotic disease, physical injury, or allergy. Most people who work with animals are at increased risk of animal related illness.
Supervisors must objectively evaluate the working conditions of their employees and complete the Risk Assessment Form for Animal Care and Use and Biological Agents. Supervisors are encouraged to consult with EH&S and with Occupational Health Services for guidance in risk assessment. All individuals working with live vertebrate animals as a component of their employment must be enrolled in the Occupational health program. This applies to all workers who have contact with research animals, not just those who work in animal facilities.
Students who are only exposed to animals in a classroom setting are not required to enroll in the Occupational Health Program, but the instructor should provide them with information about any health risks associated with the species they will be working with. For example, students working with birds in a classroom setting should be provided with information about psittacosis, students working with sheep should be provided with information about Q fever. Instructors seeking information about animal associated health risks should contact EH&S or Occupational Health Services.
How to Enroll Employees in the Occupational Health Program
Supervisor starts process by filling out Risk Assessment, then employee will submit their Health Surveillance Questionnaire for Animal Care and Use of Significant Biological Agents; after verifying the Risk Assessment via emailed link. Complete the forms on-line at this web site http://safetyservices.ucdavis.edu/occupational-health-services/acu/acu-program.