Everyone who contributes to research at the University of Michigan should rightfully expect a safe, healthy, and secure working environment. To ensure that personnel are protected to the greatest extent possible, Principal Investigators (PIs) are required to identify all hazardous materials and operations that MAY be used on their animal use protocol.
The U-M Department of Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) reviews the specific details (e.g., species, hazard type, dosage, route of administration) provided by the PI to:
- Evaluate and recommend proper protective measures,
- Determine occupational health risks,
- Identify needs for special medical monitoring, and
- Assign appropriate animal housing facilities based on risk assessment.
EHS determinations (i.e., “Safety Findings”) are sent via email (see sample message) to the PI or PI Proxy, who must then complete the Accept EHS Safety Findings activity in eRAM.
Findings often include, but are NOT limited to, specific requirements for:
- Proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Additional safety training
- Animal housing level and duration
- Engineering controls used in materials preparation and/or administration
- Appropriate waste disposal (e.g., materials containing products, carcasses, bedding)
EHS Safety Findings are shared with any individual who is assigned as an Animal Handler on the protocol after all findings have been accepted by the PI or PI Proxy. Findings are sent through an automated eRAM email notification and are also made available under the EHS Safety Findings tab in the eRAM Protocol Workspace (click image below to expand view of sample screenshots).
The PI bears ultimate responsibility for implementing all EHS requirements – including laboratory-specific training, donning/doffing of appropriate PPE, and personnel understanding and adherence to requisite safety procedures.
Any change to hazard(s) use requires a protocol amendment, which undergoes additional EHS assessment consistent with the processes outlined above. PIs are expected to review all approved changes with their laboratory personnel – including students – to ensure that necessary control measures are in place and being used correctly to help mitigate risk(s).
Questions?
For questions or concerns about responding to EHS Safety Findings, please contact [email protected]. Questions about the use of specific hazardous materials in animal activities should be directed to [email protected].
We thank you for taking an active role in safeguarding the research environment for all personnel as well as the animals entrusted to our care.