STUDENTS WITH ANIMAL CONTACT IN THE CLASSROOM, FIELD & LABORATORY

HEALTH RISK QUICK REFERENCE FOR INSTRUCTORS & STUDENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Students who have contact with live vertebrate animals either in the classroom, field, or laboratory setting, have the potential to be at risk of exposure to certain diseases, animal allergy and injury. It is important that students and faculty understand these risks and understand that there are methods to prevent injury and illness and resources for treatment should either occur. This information sheet is intended to provide information for students in the various teaching environments. When students at any level are exposed to animal risks as employees, they are required to be enrolled in the Occupational Health Program. This information applies to students who are not employees and are only exposed to animals in their course work. 

INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITY TO ASSESS RISK & INFORM STUDENTS

Instructors, PI’s, and laboratory personnel engaged in teaching need to be aware of the potential levels of risk to students and to provide training on safe practices, potential disease exposure, and resources and procedures to be used in the case of injury. This applies to both undergraduate and graduate and professional school students who are engaged in course work, independent study, or research.

RISK ASSESSMENT & TRAINING TOOLS & RESOURCES

• Risk Assessment Web Resources
• Species Specific Training Documents
• Animal Care Staff:  IACUC-staff@ucdavis.edu; 530-752-0514
• Attending Veterinarian - Vic Lukas, DVM: vlukas@ucdavis.edu, 530-754-0336
• Cowell Student Health Center: 530-752-2300
1. Tom Ferguson, MD, Ph. D., Medical Director: 530-752-7842
2. Maureen Greenhagen, Nurse Manager: 530-752-9632
• Occupational Health Services: 530-757-3200

INJURY PREVENTION STRATEGIES & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

• Hand Washing: The single most effective preventive measure that can be taken to prevent disease transmission is regular hand washing. Wash hands and arms after handling any animal. Never smoke, drink, or eat in the animal areas or before washing hands.
• Gloves - Wear appropriate gloves for the task and wash hands after removing gloves.
• Respiratory Protection: Respirators should be worn if there is a personal history of allergies or required by department policy or state law.
• Protective Clothing: Lab coats and coveralls may need to be provided to students if the nature of the teaching environment requires them. If provided, they should not be worn or laundered outside of the teaching environment.

FIRST AID INFORMATION FOR BITES AND SCRATCHES

• Control Bleeding: Apply continuous pressure for 5-10 minutes and if not controlled seek medical help.
• Cleanse Wound: Immediately clean with soap and water under pressure from the faucet for at least 5 minutes (minimum of 15 minutes for primate bites).
• Report Bite: Immediately report bite to instructor or department office and follow instructions
• Seek medical follow-up at Cowell Student Health Center, Advice/triage nurse line, 752-9649. After hours, use Sutter Davis Hospital, Urgent Care & Emergency Services, 750-5800, or local emergency room if injury occurs off-campus

NOTE:  This is a brief synopsis of information regarding animal contact and risk of injury and illness. Full information is available to instructors and students at the websites and contacts listed above.