Facilities

Facilities Policies Safety

What to Know: Visitor Safety & Security in Animal Care Facilities

With the start of a new academic year just around the corner, we ask that all members of the University of Michigan (U-M) research community review institutional policies, guidelines, and expectations for personnel involvement in animal activities – specifically those individuals classified as visitors, volunteers, students, and/or observers. More information about personnel classifications can be ...
Guest visitor badge icon over background image of animal care facility

Facilities IACUC Policies Safety

Go Beyond the Glove: Essentials for Hand Hygiene in Animal Care Facilities

To ensure scientific integrity and protect personnel, the vast majority of animals used in biomedical research are purpose-bred to be free of specific pathogens that may cause disease in humans. Despite the multitude of systems (e.g., routine animal screening, housing in specially designed and controlled facilities, use of Personal Protective Equipment) in place to safeguard ...
Close up of person washing hands in sink with disposable latex gloves in background

Facilities Safety SOP

Requirements & Expectations for Proper Sharps Disposal

In September 2024, Michigan state law extended the timeline for disposal of sharps containers to 18 months. With the passage of the first new 18-month disposal deadline at the end of March, we ask that all members of the U-M research community review the following institutional expectations and requirements for proper sharps disposal: Container Use ...
Properly labeled and maintained sharps container

Facilities Safety

Waste Anesthetic Gas (WAG): What to Know & How to Protect Yourself

All individuals who use anesthetic gases in animal-based research should understand how to reduce exposure to potentially harmful vapors – commonly referred to as “Waste Anesthetic Gas” or “WAG” – that may leak during procedures. This includes knowledge of how to employ appropriate safety precautions, engineering controls, and scavenging systems to minimize risk(s) and ensure ...

Facilities IACUC

Winter 2026 Semi-Annual IACUC Facility Inspections Start Monday, March 9

The Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) will begin its next round of semi-annual facility inspections on Monday, March 9, 2026. Inspections will run through Thursday, March 12, 2026, and include any animal rooms, surgical suite support spaces, or areas where procedures are conducted with animals. Winter 2026 Facility Inspection Schedule View the complete ...
Facility inspection checklist reminder icon for Winter 2026 inspections

Facilities Husbandry Safety SOP ULAM

On the Move? Essentials for Safe & Secure Animal Transport

Providing a safe, secure, and properly controlled research environment is critical for maintaining animal health and minimizing variables that could impact study results.  When moving animals across campus – either from room to room, building to building, or through a common area – extra care must be taken to protect animal welfare and the integrity ...
Image of mouse cage set up for proper transport

Drugs Facilities Guidelines Husbandry IACUC Policies Safety

Lessons Learned from Fall 2025 Semi-Annual Facility Inspections

The Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) completed its latest round of semi-annual facility inspections in September. These routine inspections are one of the most important tools we have for assessing programmatic strengths and identifying areas for individual and collective improvement(s) in service to the animals entrusted to our care. Through this lens of ...
Multi-colored graph showing common deficiency areas identified during Fall 2025 semi-annual facility inspections

Facilities Safety

New Research Safety Continuity Policy Introduced

To strengthen U-M’s culture of safety and enhance shared accountability in academic and research settings, the department of Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) and the Research and Academic Safety Committee have introduced a new Research Safety Continuity Policy. The policy, applicable to all faculty Principal Investigators (PIs) who manage a research laboratory, shop, and/or studio ...
Clipboard and person icons showing continuity plan for laboratory