Hazardous Materials

Hazardous Material Use in Animals

All use of animals, including projects that involve the use of hazardous (chemical, radiological and biohazardous) agents must be approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) prior to initiating the study.

The use of hazardous agents in animals must also be approved by and comply with the requirements of the pertinent University committee or department charged with oversight. Projects involving rDNA, synthetic nucleic acid molecules, Infectious Agents, or certain biologically derived toxins must be approved by the Institutional Biosafety Committee prior to initiating the study. Investigators intending to use radioactive materials must obtain a license from the Radiation Safety Committee and chemical hazard use must be approved by the Campus Biosafety Officer.

Special Qualifications for Personnel Using Hazardous Agents

PIs are responsible for certifying that all of the individuals who will participate in the procedures performed on animals are qualified and appropriately trained for the species and hazards used.

Personnel who use hazardous agents in animal research must have previous experience with the agent or obtain appropriate training. Professional staff conducting projects with hazardous biological, chemical or radioactive agents should be qualified to assess danger associated with these programs and capable of selecting safeguards appropriate to the dangers of using hazardous agents. Comparative Medicine staff must be informed of safeguard procedures and become proficient in implementing the required safeguards before they are asked to care for those animals.

Notification of Intent to Use Hazardous agents in Animals

PIs intending to use biohazardous agents in animals are required to notify DCM at least two weeks or more in advance of initiating the study to assure that appropriate space, signage and training is completed. The actual start date will depend on having the appropriate space, approvals, training and personnel available to safely complete the study.