Safety

Safety

EHS Offers New Tools, Resources for Field Studies

The Department of Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) has recently updated their website to provide additional tools and resources for individuals conducting field research. Updates include: Visit the EHS website for additional EHS Field Research Safety Guidance. Please note that the tools and resources listed on this page do NOT pertain to IACUC policies governing ...
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Husbandry Safety SOP

Updated Procedures for Animal Transportation Clarify Processes for Transport Involving Personal Vehicles

To ensure the safety and well-being of the animals being transported, as well as the safety of personnel in areas where animals must pass, all individuals involved in animal care and use should familiarize themselves with the Procedures for Animal Transportation. In addition to outlining species-specific transport instructions and ways to minimize environmental stressors to ...
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Safety

Have You Checked Your Eyewash Station This Month?

During the most recent round of semi-annual IACUC facility inspections, we encountered many instances of eyewash stations not being flushed monthly. These issues are not specific to one area, but have been found all across campus and in many laboratories. Proper care and regular maintenance of emergency eyewash stations is crucial to protecting your laboratory ...
Image of an eyewash station with reminder to check monthly ensure proper care

Safety

The Dangers of Needle Recapping and How to Protect Yourself

Recapping needles is extremely dangerous because it can result in accidental punctures of the fingers or hand, which can lead to potential exposure to hazardous chemicals, drugs, or infectious biological agents. How is Recapping Dangerous? How To Protect Yourself You can protect yourself by planning ahead for safe handling and disposal of needles without recapping. ...
Gloved hands recapping needle

Husbandry Safety

What You Should Know About Animal Allergies and Respiratory Protection

Workers in laboratories and animal areas are at risk of developing animal allergens due to contact with animals, animal bedding, excretion, and secretions. Most species of animals used in research have been identified as the source of allergic symptoms. The best approach for reducing the likelihood that a worker will develop an allergic reaction is ...
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Safety

Safe Use of Isoflurane in Animal Research

Isoflurane is a halogenated anesthetic gas commonly used to anesthetize research animals. Although safer than other types of anesthetic gases such as enflurane and ether, care must be taken to minimize individual exposure to isoflurane. Waste anesthetic gas (WAG) is the small amount of anesthetic that may leak from the breathing circuit and enter the ...
Close up image of isoflurane machine