Animal Research Health and Safety - Tabriz University of ... · Table 1. Animal facility containment levels: summary of practices and safety equipment Animal facility – Biosafety

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Animal Research Health and

Safety

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Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, University Avenue, Tabriz, Iran

URL: nano.tbzmed.ac.ir

Tell: +98 (41) 33367914

Email: [email protected]

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Aim and Purpose

This manual aims to provide learners with an understanding of the principles of

animal handling and safe working and how these can be applied in practice.

The learner will gain an understanding of the health and safety implications of

handling, restraining and moving animals. The learner will display how to handle

and restrain a number of animals. The learner will also carry out practical animal

grooming for different animals.

Scope

This manual applies to all staff, students, and other affiliates who have direct

contact with animals; direct contact with non-sanitized animal caging or

enclosures; direct contact with non-fixed or non-sterilized animal tissues, fluids, or

wastes.

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Animal Research Health and Safety A to Z

Contents Foreword ........................................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

Aim and Purpose ........................................................................................................................................... b

Scope ............................................................................................................................................................. b

General Safe Work Practices ..................................................................................................................... - 5 -

Basic Animal Facility Operations ............................................................................................................... - 6 -

Animal facility Biosafety Level .................................................................................................................. - 7 -

Animal facility – Biosafety Level 1 ......................................................................................................... - 7 -

Animal facility – Biosafety Level 2 ......................................................................................................... - 7 -

Animal facility – Biosafety Level 3 ......................................................................................................... - 9 -

Animal facility – Biosafety Level 4 ....................................................................................................... - 10 -

Animal Health Procedures ...................................................................................................................... - 11 -

Communicating With the Animal ............................................................................................................ - 13 -

Recognizing Pain and Distress ................................................................................................................. - 13 -

Animal Handling/ and Care ..................................................................................................................... - 15 -

Invertebrates ........................................................................................................................................... - 15 -

Transgenic and “knock-out” animals ...................................................................................................... - 16 -

Hazardous Substances ............................................................................................................................ - 17 -

Radiation ................................................................................................................................................. - 18 -

Sharps ...................................................................................................................................................... - 19 -

Slips, Trips and fall .................................................................................................................................. - 20 -

Zoonotic Diseases ................................................................................................................................... - 20 -

Prevention ............................................................................................................................................... - 20 -

Laboratory Animal Allergy ...................................................................................................................... - 21 -

Allergens ................................................................................................................................................. - 23 -

Risk factors .......................................................................................................................................... - 23 -

Signs and symptoms ........................................................................................................................... - 23 -

Testing ................................................................................................................................................. - 24 -

Work Place Hazards in Working with Animals ........................................................................................ - 25 -

References .............................................................................................................................................. - 27 -

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General Safe Work Practices

Learning and practicing good handling techniques, including restraint are very important to reduce stress and the risk of injury not only to the animal but to the researcher. Procedures with animals such as taking samples, surgery and post mortems include other hazards. Anesthetics and analgesics are chemicals (drugs) intended to cause loss of consciousness and/or loss of sensitivity to pain for the animal. These drugs can have the same effect on a researcher if they are exposed. Some general safety practices when working with animals include:

When animals are moved to a new facility, animals should be allowed to acclimate

If handling animals regularly is a requirement of the project, animals should be acclimated to the specific handling

Wear appropriate PPE (e.g. laboratory coat, gloves and safety glasses)

Remain calm when handling animals

Handle animals gently but firmly

Use animal restraints when possible

Use an assistant whenever possible

Sharps should only be used as necessary

Avoid recapping needles

Always have the sharp container nearby to avoid transporting a sharp while maintaining restraint.

Animals can harbor infectious organisms, which can be naturally occurring or introduced. The level of infectious organisms can be dependent on the type of work being conducted. As such medical surveillance should be implemented. Vaccination may be required for work with known or suspected infectious materials if the procedures and the material pose a high risk of infection to the researcher. Know and understand the potential infectious organisms the research animals may harbor, including the signs and symptoms of exposure. Notify your supervisor if you become or suspect you have been exposed to infectious materials. RCPN also requires that all animal bites be reported.

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Basic Animal Facility Operations

Training in basic facility operations provides the foundation upon which an animal facility can

successfully maintain disease-free animals and enable animal research to be performed with the

highest quality of care. Animal husbandry staff must understand the fundamental differences

between barrier and non-barrier housing mechanisms when both types exist within one animal

program. For both types of facility operations, training should cover the following topics:

1. Facility security including keys, key cards, key punch pads, video surveillance, palm/fingerprint scanners, iris scanners;

2. Traffic flow (i.e., path of travel for people, cages, animals, and equipment) for the facility and between other facilities within the animal program;

3. Mechanical operations and major fixed equipment (e.g., cage wash, bulk sterilizers); 4. Air flow, temperature and humidity controls, monitoring systems, and alarms; 5. Occupational health and safety programs and requirements including appropriate personal

protective equipment (PPE) usage; 6. Communication procedures for management, veterinary staff, researchers, coworkers,

maintenance staff, and occupational health providers; 7. Cleaning and sanitation procedures at levels of the primary enclosure, secondary enclosure,

room, and facility; 8. Waste disposal for animal-related, hazardous, and non-animal/nonhazardous waste.

The importance of traffic and air flows and procedures for preventing the spread of disease must be impressed upon staff working in barrier facilities. Related standard operating procedures should be used as training tools.

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Animal facility Biosafety Level

Animal facilities, like laboratories, may be designated according to a risk assessment and the risk group of the microorganisms under investigation, as Animal facility Biosafety Level 1, 2, 3 or 4.

RISK GROUP CONTAINMENT LEVEL LABORATORY PRACTICES AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT

1 ABSL-1 Limited access, protective clothing and gloves.

2 ABSL-2 ABSL-1 practices plus: hazard warning signs. Class I or II BSCs for activities that produce aerosols. Decontamination of waste and cages before washing.

3 ABSL-3 ABSL-2 practices plus: controlled access. BSCs and special protective clothing for all activities.

4 ABSL-4 ABSL-3 plus: strictly limited access. Clothing change before entering. Class III BSCs or positive pressure suits. Shower on exit. Decontamination of all wastes before removal from facility.

ABSL, animal facility Biosafety Level; BSCs, biological safety cabinets

Table 1. Animal facility containment levels: summary of practices and safety equipment

Animal facility – Biosafety Level 1 This is suitable for the maintenance of most stock animals after quarantine (except nonhuman

primates, regarding which national authorities should be consulted), and for animals that are

deliberately inoculated with agents in Risk Group 1. The animal facility director must establish

policies, procedures and protocols for all operations, and for access to the vivarium. An

appropriate medical surveillance programme for the staff must be instituted. A safety or

operations manual must be prepared and adopted.

Animal facility – Biosafety Level 2 This is suitable for work with animals that are deliberately inoculated with microorganisms in Risk

Group 2. The following safety precautions apply:

1. All the requirements for animal facilities – Biosafety Level 1 must be met.

2. Biohazard warning signs should be posted on doors and other appropriate places.

3. The facility must be designed for easy cleaning and housekeeping.

4. Doors must open inwards and be self-closing.

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5. Heating, ventilation and lighting must be adequate.

6. If mechanical ventilation is provided, the airflow must be inwards. Exhaust air is discharged to

the outside and should not be recirculated to any part of the building.

7. Access must be restricted to authorized persons.

8. No animals should be admitted other than those for experimental use.

9. There should be an arthropod and rodent control programme.

10. Windows, if present, must be secure, resistant to breakage and, if able to be opened, must

be fitted with arthropod-proof screens.

11. After use, work surfaces must be decontaminated with effective disinfectants

12. Biological safety cabinets (Classes I or II) or isolator cages with dedicated air supplies and

HEPA-filtered exhaust air must be provided for work that may involve the generation of aerosols.

13. An autoclave must be available on site or in appropriate proximity to the animal facility.

14. Animal bedding materials must be removed in a manner that minimizes the generation of

aerosols and dust.

15. All waste materials and bedding must be decontaminated before disposal.

16. Use of sharp instruments should be restricted whenever possible. Sharps should always be

collected in puncture-proof/-resistant containers fitted with covers and treated as infectious.

17. Material for autoclaving or incineration must be transported safely, in closed containers.

18. Animal cages must be decontaminated after use.

19. Animal carcasses should be incinerated.

20. Protective clothing and equipment must be worn in the facility, and removed on leaving.

21. Hand-washing facilities must be provided. Staff must wash their hands before leaving the

animal facility.

22. All injuries, however minor, must be treated appropriately, reported and recorded.

23. Eating, drinking, smoking and application of cosmetics must be forbidden in the facility.

24. All personnel must receive appropriate training.

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Animal facility – Biosafety Level 3 This is suitable for work with animals that are deliberately inoculated with agents in Risk Group

3, or when otherwise indicated by a risk assessment. All systems, practices and procedures need

to be reviewed and recertified annually. The following safety precautions apply:

precautions apply:

1. All the requirements for animal facilities – Biosafety Levels 1 and 2 must be met.

2. Access must be strictly controlled.

3. The facility must be separated from other laboratory and animal house areas by a room with

a double-door entrance forming an anteroom.

4. Hand-washing facilities must be provided in the anteroom.

5. Showers should be provided in the anteroom.

6. There must be mechanical ventilation to ensure a continuous airflow through all the rooms.

Exhaust air must pass through HEPA filters before being discharged to the atmosphere without

recirculation. The system must be designed to prevent accidental reverse flow and positive

pressurization in any part of the animal house.

7. An autoclave must be available at a location convenient for the animal house where the

biohazard is contained. Infectious waste should be autoclaved before it is moved to other areas

of the facility.

8. An incinerator should be readily available on site or alternative arrangements should be made

with the authorities concerned.

9. Animals infected with Risk Group 3 microorganisms must be housed in cages in isolators or

rooms with ventilation exhausts placed behind the cages.

10. Bedding should be as dust-free as possible.

11. All protective clothing must be decontaminated before it is laundered.

12. Windows must be closed and sealed, and resistant to breakage.

13. Immunization of staff, as appropriate, should be offered.

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Animal facility – Biosafety Level 4 Work in this facility will normally be linked with that in the maximum containment laboratory –

Biosafety Level 4, and national and local rules and regulations must be harmonized to apply to

both. If work is to be done in a suit laboratory, additional practices and procedures must be used

over and above those described here:

1. All the requirements for animal facilities – Biosafety Levels 1, 2 and 3 must be met.

2. Access must be strictly controlled; only staff designated by the director of the establishment

should have authority to enter.

3. Individuals must not work alone: the two-person rule must apply.

4. Personnel must have received the highest possible level of training as microbiologists and be

familiar with the hazards involved in their work and with the necessary precautions.

5. Housing areas for animals infected with Risk Group 4 agents must maintain the criteria for

containment described and applied for maximum containment laboratories – Biosafety Level 4.

6. The facility must be entered by an airlock anteroom, the clean side of which must be separated

from the restricted side by changing and showering facilities.

7. Staff must remove street clothing when entering and put on special, protective clothing. After

work they must remove the protective clothing for autoclaving, and shower before leaving.

8. The facility must be ventilated by a HEPA-filtered exhaust system designed to ensure a negative

pressure (inward directional airflow).

9. The ventilation system must be designed to prevent reverse flow and positivepressurization.

10. A double-ended autoclave with the clean end in a room outside the containment rooms must

be provided for exchange of materials.

11. A pass-through airlock with the clean end in a room outside the containment rooms must be

provided for exchange of non-autoclavable materials.

12. All manipulations with animals infected with Risk Group 4 agents must take place under

maximum containment – Biosafety Level 4 conditions.

13. All animals must be housed in isolators.

14. All animal bedding and waste must be autoclaved before removal from the facility.

15. There must be medical supervision of staff.

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Animal Health Procedures

The key role of the laboratory animal technician is to safeguard the welfare of the animals while

supporting the research mission through daily activities of animal care and facility transport.

Many animals have specialized care requirements as exotic species or because of

immunocompromised status or other vulnerability (e.g., the risk for non-human primates of

acquiring human diseases). Laboratory animal technicians operating at any level should be

knowledgeable in these concepts and in any specific procedures for animal health care that are

relevant to their duties.

A basic knowledge of species-specific behavior, biology, and care is inherent in the animal

technician's ability to perform the job well. Initial and ongoing training in these areas serves as

the crux of the ability of personnel to recognize early signs of pain and distress in research

animals. The cumulative expertise of senior animal care technicians, veterinary technicians,

veterinarians, researchers, and scientists should be included in the overall training of animal care

technicians on the different animal species. Cross-training animal care technicians in species-

specific behavior, biology, and care is also needed to avoid problems when the primary

technicians are away from the facility during weekends, holidays, vacations, and other leave.

Special training will also be necessary when animal care technicians take on additional job roles

or move to different facilities so that they are aware of different animal species and research

procedures to which they may be exposed. When an unusual, novel, or potentially controversial

research methodology is used by researchers, technicians may need training on the

methodology, research purposes, and potential risks.

Animal receiving is the first place where animals may require health care intervention; these

considerations have become more important where domestic and international animal

shipments between institutions have become routine. The training of receiving technicians

should cover shipment identification, handling, and routing of animals to housing areas or to

quarantine facilities for veterinary evaluation, testing, and/or treatments. Receiving technicians

should be trained on procedures for avoiding the transmission of infectious organisms between

incoming or outgoing animal shipments. It is also important that they recognize situations in

which animals may require veterinary care immediately upon arrival (e.g., if crates are damaged,

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transit time was excessive, or animals appear abnormal) and that they know the communication

channels to quickly summon veterinary support.

Technicians who operate in the quarantine/containment facilities are often health

care/veterinary technicians. These individuals should be knowledgeable about basic containment

equipment (e.g., types of primary housing), the methods for controlling infections, containment

procedures (including the sequence for accessing rooms and servicing shipment groups, the

duration of confinement, the management of sentinel animals, and the use of PPE), and animal

conditioning when necessary. Technicians should be competent in procedures for physical

examination, biological sample collection and processing, diagnostic testing (e.g., tuberculin tests

in non-human primates), medicating animals, and performing necropsies. They should also be

prepared to handle the requests of researchers, as allowed, for access to the animals or biological

samples while the animals remain in quarantine.

Veterinary technicians and other senior technicians have greater responsibilities in an animal

health program in addition to the functions mentioned above. Generally, these staff members

require the knowledge and skills to perform aseptic technique, monitor animals after surgery or

on treatment, and support or conduct veterinary procedures for diagnosis, treatment, or surgery.

Moreover, veterinary technicians' duties often include instructing new researchers on

anesthesia, aseptic technique, and monitoring animal’s preoperatively. Technicians who have

completed a 2-year veterinary technology educational program have qualifications that are ideal

for providing animal health support. For each species with which they work, technicians

performing anesthesia should be knowledgeable in the practical pharmacology of the analgesics,

anesthetics, and reversal agents used—specifically the route and dose of administration and type

and duration of drug effect. Training should be ongoing as information becomes available on new

drug agents, doses, and drug effects. Technicians should be trained on the observation of vital

signs and the use of specific monitoring devices to assess the physiological status of animals

under anesthesia. Knowledge of aseptic technique is essential and applicable to a variety of tasks

such as sample collection, bandaging, endotracheal intubation, and surgery. Veterinary

technicians are often called upon to perform more advanced procedures for biological sampling

such as vascular catheterization and serial blood collections. A special area of training is the

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support of genetically engineered rodent neonates with medical or behavioral problems. Survival

of these animals requires expert clinical management.

Communicating With the Animal

Your voice, your touch, and your smell, are all important cues used by animals. To establish a

two-way familiarity before a project starts, the people who will be handling or restraining the

animals should talk to, touch, and regularly handle each animal. The conditioning period after

transport to the laboratory is an excellent time to begin (usually one or two weeks). Consistency

in handling each animal is important. Most laboratory animals learn very quickly who their

regular handlers or caretakers are, and accept the handling without undue stress.

Recognizing Pain and Distress

Technicians who work with animals in any capacity should receive training on recognizing pain

and distress appropriate to their level of interaction with the animals. The recognition of pain

and distress in animals is an overarching necessity during the conduct of any task such as

observing or feeding animals, administering treatments, and transporting animals around the

facility. Staff should receive training on the normal appearance and behaviors of the species of

animals under their care with a special focus on the abnormalities that occur most commonly.

Animal care technicians who change cages should be trained to closely observe each animal they

handle or view in its cage. They should have sufficient knowledge to recognize an abnormal

appearance and/or behavior based on normal animals of the same species, strain, research

group, and age.

New veterinary technicians may not have had training to work with a particular animal species

used in research; however, with training on the unique biology, physiology, and behaviors of the

laboratory animal species in use at the facility, these individuals can readily apply knowledge and

skills learned in schooling and prior work experience to their duties of physical examination,

animal monitoring, and veterinary care. Many resources are available to support the training for

the species-specific recognition of pain and distress. Technicians should be trained on the

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procedures related to pain and distress, and on humane endpoints relating to causes that are

common in the research (e.g., surgery, tumors, sample collection, animal identification methods,

and infectious diseases). Training should include the institutional procedures of reporting and

documenting observations of problems to supervisors, veterinary staff, and/or researchers;

recognizing and addressing animal emergencies (e.g., poor vital signs, injury, escape); and

handling special circumstances (e.g., animals found dead). Additionally, personnel should be

informed about specific exemptions to humane endpoints approved on protocol for particular

animals. A linchpin in addressing a situation involving humane endpoints is the rapid

communication between the animal care technician, veterinary staff, and researchers to resolve

the situation in a timely manner.

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Animal Handling/ and Care

Basic Animal Behavior Related to Handling and Manipulations The flight zone is an animal's "personal space". The size of the flight zone varies with the tameness of the animal, and other animal-related factors. Completely tame animals have little or no flight zone and allow a person to touch them. An untamed animal, however, will begin to move away when the person enters the edge of the flight zone. When the person is outside the flight zone, an animal (or group of animals in a herd) will turn and face the person while maintaining a safe distance. When animals are in small cages or pens, all human "intrusions" are inside the animal's flight zone. Therefore, it is very important to condition the animals to regular handling to reduce the apprehension and stress. When an animal is apprehensive (e.g., about being picked up), aggressive (e.g., about to attack), or defensive (e.g., protecting itself, or its young), its posture and other behavioral signs can give clues about its state and possible intentions. In many mammalian species the "warning" posture includes: a lowered head, ears down or back, and in smaller animals, the mouth open in a snarl.

Invertebrates

As with vertebrates, the animal facility biosafety level will be determined by the risk groups of

the agents under investigation or when otherwise indicated by a risk assessment. The following

additional precautions are necessary with certain arthropods, particularly with flying insects:

1. Separate rooms should be provided for infected and noninfected invertebrates.

2. The rooms should be capable of being sealed for fumigation.

3. Insecticide sprays should be readily available.

4. “Chilling” facilities should be provided to reduce, where necessary, the activity of

invertebrates.

5. Access should be through an anteroom containing insect traps and with arthropodproof

screens on the doors.

6. All exhaust ventilation ducts and openable windows should be fitted with arthropod-proof

screens.

7. Waste traps on sinks and sluices should not be allowed to dry out.

8. All waste should be decontaminated by autoclaving, as some invertebrates are not killed by

all disinfectants.

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9. A check should be kept on the numbers of larval and adult forms of flying, crawling and

jumping arthropods.

10. Containers for ticks and mites should stand in trays of oil.

11. Infected or potentially infected flying insects must be contained in double-netted cages.

12. Infected or potentially infected arthropods must be handled in biological safety cabinets or

isolators.

Transgenic and “knock-out” animals

Animals carrying foreign genetic material (transgenic animals) should be handled in containment

levels appropriate to the characteristics of the products of the foreign genes. Animals with

targeted deletions of specific genes (“knock-out” animals) do not generally present particular

biological hazards.

Examples of transgenic animals include animals expressing receptors for viruses normally unable

to infect that species. If such animals escaped from the laboratory and transmitted the transgene

to the wild animal population, an animal reservoir for that particular virus could theoretically be

generated.

This possibility has been discussed for poliovirus and is particularly relevant in the context of

poliomyelitis eradication. Transgenic mice expressing the human poliovirusreceptor generated

in different laboratories were susceptible to poliovirus infection by various inoculation routes

and the resulting disease was clinically and histopathologically similar to human

poliomyelitis.However, the mouse model differs from humans in that alimentary tract replication

of orally administered poliovirus is either inefficient or does not occur. It is therefore very unlikely

that escape of such transgenic mice to the wild would result in the establishment of a new animal

reservoir for poliovirus. Nevertheless, this example indicates that, for each new line of transgenic

animal, detailed studies should be conducted to determine the routes by which the animals can

be infected, the inoculum size required for infection, and the extent of virus shedding by the

infected animals. In addition, all measures should be taken to assure strict containment of

receptor transgenic mice.

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Hazards arising directly from the inserted gene (donor organism)

Assessment is necessary in situations where the product of the inserted gene has known

biologically or pharmacologically active properties that may give rise to harm, for example:

1. Toxins

2. Cytokines

3. Hormones

4. Gene expression regulators

5. Virulence factors or enhancers

6. Oncogenic gene sequences

7. Antibiotic resistance

8. Allergens.

Hazardous Substances

There are many hazardous substances which must be used in veterinary practice including animal

medications, anesthetics, sterilizing chemicals, cleaning products and solvents.

Injuries caused through accidental exposure to hazardous substances include poisoning of

specific organs or of the whole body, chemical burns, eye irritations, respiratory problems and

skin conditions such as contact dermatitis.

Long term exposures can in some cases lead to the development of cancers. Many chemicals are

now known to be carcinogens, or cancer-producing substances.

Your employer must make sure hazardous substances are used according to the manufacturer's

or suppliers written instructions (in the form of a material safety data sheet, or MSDS) and the

safe working procedures in place at the veterinary clinic.

Hazardous substances must be stored securely and labeled clearly. A number of the substances

used in veterinary practice must be kept in locked storage and accessed only by veterinary

practitioners.

Employers must make sure employees are properly trained to understand the nature of the

hazardous substances present in the workplace, and to follow agreed practices for their handling

and storage.

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While access to the chemicals and drugs used for animal treatment will be limited to trained veterinary staff, you may be asked to use solvents, disinfectants and cleaning chemicals to perform routine tasks. These too are classed as hazardous substances, and you may need to wear gloves and other PPE to carry out cleaning tasks.

Radiation

! Students in work experience programs must not be exposed to radiation. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Radiation causes ionizations in the molecules of living cells. At low doses, such as we receive every day from background radiation, the cells repair the damage rapidly. At higher doses, the cells might not be able to repair the damage, and may either be changed permanently or die.

The body is able to replace most cells that die, but cells changed permanently may go on to produce abnormal cells when they divide. These cells may become cancerous. This is the origin of our increased risk of cancer as a result of radiation exposure.

The use of x-ray equipment in veterinary clinics is essential for diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury in animals. Potential employee exposures to radiation must be safeguarded against, and only qualified persons will be permitted to be involved in x-ray procedures. Unless assistance with an animal is needed, no individual other than the operator should be in the x-ray room during exposures.

If an animal is held in position during radiography, mechanical supporting or restraining devices should be available and used where possible. If the animal is held by an individual, that person must be protected with appropriate shielding devices (protective gloves and apron), and positioned so that no part of their body could be in the path of the x-ray beam.

In addition, the radiation exposure of any worker who carries out this job must be monitored. No person should routinely be asked to hold animals for x-ray. In the majority of cases, animals will be anaesthetized prior to x-ray, so there will be no need for any person other than the operator to be in the room.

X-ray rooms should be provided with sufficient radiation shielding, and veterinary x-ray facilities

should be inspected every three years.

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Sharps

! Students in work experience programs must not handle sharps. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Sharps include syringes used to inject drugs, to take samples of body fluids (such as blood for testing), and to tranquillize or anaesthetize animals in veterinary practice. They are also used in euthanizing animals.

Other sharps in veterinary practice include scalpels used in surgical procedures. These, like syringes, present significant health risks if not handled and disposed of with great care. They may be contaminated with animal blood and other body fluids, or with unknown substances.

Sharps must always be disposed of into a clearly labeled and appropriate sharps container. The container must be puncture resistant and leak proof. It must have a lid or top which can be securely closed, and must carry a “biohazard” label.

These should be replaced when they are only three-quarters full, to prevent people from forcing used sharps into a near-full container and risking injury. Sharps should be placed in the containers using tongs or tweezers – not with the fingers.

! You must report any sharps-related injury to your employer or supervisor immediately. Veterinary practices will have procedures to limit potential harm from accidental contact with sharps.

There are some standard procedures for treating blood and body fluids. The basic steps will usually include the following:

Gloves should always be worn where your hands could come into contact with potentially infected material (such as animal blood and body fluids)

Your hands must be washed with soap and water immediately after glove removal

Cleanup must be done in a way that will minimize splashing or spreading of droplets

If some splashing may be unavoidable during cleanup, additional PPE (eye and face protection) should be used.

A solution of 1:10 bleach to water (or other approved disinfectant) should be used to disinfect surfaces and equipment (including cleaning equipment) where body fluids have been spilled.

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Slips, Trips and fall

A slip, trip or fall can result in serious injury: neck and head injuries can cause damage to the spinal cord and nervous system. Many employees have suffered permanent disabling injuries as a result of a fall.

Your employer can reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls by providing suitable non-slip floor surfaces, good lighting and safe work procedures. In some work places, floor surfaces can be chemically treated to increase traction and ramps provided where floor levels change.

! Slippery floors in the work place are a serious hazard and can result in far more serious accidents than simply slipping and falling over.

You must follow instructions and safe work procedures provided by your employer, which may include:

cleaning all spills immediately

making sure there are no trailing electrical cords on the floor

keeping floors and walkways free of boxes and rubbish

Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic diseases are diseases carried by animals which can be transmitted to humans. In small animal veterinary practice, there are a number of these which must be guarded against. They include cat scratch disease ( bartonellosis, sometimes called ‘cat scratch fever'), cat bite abscesses, leptospirosis (a bacterial disease in dogs) and ringworm (dermatophytosis). Birds can transmit chlamydiosis, a bacterial disease most common in cockatiels and parakeets. The incidence of this disease is relatively low among pet birds, but an infected bird can transmit the disease to humans. Fleas and ticks feeding on infected animals can also transmit infections. Flea infestations must be treated, to lower the risk of transmission to humans. ! If they have any open wound on hands or fingers, veterinary workers should wear gloves when handling animals. Hands must still be washed afterwards with soap and warm water.

Prevention

Common sense steps that can be taken to lessen zoonotic disease risk include: 1. Do not eat, drink, or apply cosmetics or contact lenses around animals. 2. Wash your hands after handling animals.

3. Wear gloves when handling animals or their tissues. 4. Use proper manual and/or anesthetic restraint when working with fractious animals and/or

administering hazardous agents.

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5. Work in pairs whenever possible. 6. Do not recap used needles! Whenever possible, use safety devices, activate the safety feature

as soon as possible and dispose of them promptly in a biohazard “sharps” container. 7. When performing procedures such as bedding changes, blood or urine collections, or

necropsies, work in biological safety cabinets or wear specialized PPE as directed.

Laboratory Animal Allergy

Allergic reactions are among the most common conditions affecting the health of workers

involved in the care and use of research animals. Between 11 and 44% of the individuals working

with laboratory animals report work-related allergic symptoms. Of those who become

symptomatic, 4 to 22% may eventually develop occupational asthma that can persist even after

exposure ceases. Allergic symptoms consist of rashes where animals are in contact with the skin,

nasal congestion and sneezing, itchy eyes, and asthma (cough, wheezing, and chest tightness).

Symptoms of laboratory animal allergy are the result of the release of biochemical mediators and

the generation of inflammation in the tissues induced by the IgE response. The nature and

intensity of the symptoms are dependent on the level of exposure to the laboratory animal

allergen by the individual. Once the worker has become sensitized (developed IgE antibodies to

laboratory animal allergens), symptoms generally occur rapidly (within minutes) of exposure.

Continued daily exposure can result in chronic symptoms that may require daily treatment. These

symptoms can range from mild skin reactions to severe asthma. The most common symptoms

are related to allergic reactions involving the nose and eyes and are known as allergic rhinitis and

allergic conjunctivitis, respectively. Nasal symptoms include congestion, runny nose, sneezing,

and itching; ocular symptoms include redness and itchy watery eyes. Up to 80% of workers with

LAA report nasal symptoms. Skin reactions include hives at the site of contact with animal urine

or dander as the result of scratches. Other rashes include maculopapular (measles-like) rashes,

which are typically quite itchy and occur in about 40% of symptomatic individuals (Bush et al.

1998). Asthma may affect 4 to 22% of symptomatic workers exposed to laboratory animals.

Symptoms of asthma consist of cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It is important to

recognize that symptoms related to laboratory animal exposure may continue for several hours

or longer after exposure to the animals ceases. In addition, individuals may experience symptoms

of asthma when exercising and when exposed to cold air, dust particles, or strong odors. This

phenomenon, known as nonspecific airway hyper responsiveness, occurs in other situations of

allergen induced asthma. Systemic allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, can occur (albeit

rarely) as a result of an animal bite or from puncture wounds (e.g., needles contaminated with

animal

- 22 -

proteins). These reactions can manifest by generalized itching, hives (urticaria), swelling

(angioedema) of the lips, eyes, and/or extremities, respiratory distress due to edema of the

larynx, hypotension (shock), or acute asthma attacks. These reactions are potentially fatal.

Occasionally, a milder form of systemic reaction can manifest in which the allergic individual

develops a maculopapular rash or hives under protective clothing as a result of a respiratory

exposure to laboratory animal allergens.

Table 2. Laboratory animal allergens

Animal Allergen MWb (kD) Source Biological function

Mouse (Mus musculus)

Mus m 1 (prealbumin) Mus m 2 Albumin

19 16

Hair, dander, urine Hair, dander Serum

Lipocalin-odorant binding protein Unknown Serum protein

Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Rat n 1A/Rat n 1B (α2u-globulin) Albumin

18.7 Hair, dander Urine, saliva Serum

Lipocalin-pheromone binding protein

Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)

Cav p 1 Cav p 2

Hair, dander, urine Hair, dander, urine

Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Ag 1 (Price and Longbottom 1990) Ag 2 (Warner and Longbottom 1991)

17 Hair, dander, saliva Hair, dander, urine

Possible lipocalin

Cat (Felis domesticus)

Fel d 1 Albumin

38 Hair, dander, saliva Serum

Unknown Serum protein

Dog (Canis familiaris)

Can f 1 Can f 2 Albumin

25 19

Hair, dander, saliva Hair, dander, saliva Serum

Lipocalin cysteine protease inhibitor Lipocalin Serum protein

- 23 -

Allergens

1. Most laboratory animal allergens are small acidic extracellular glycoproteins called lipocalins.

They are carried on small particles that are capable of remaining airborne for extended periods

and penetrating exposed employees’ lower airways.

2. The proteins most frequently associated with allergic reactions are found in animals’ urine,

saliva, and dander

Risk factors 1. Contact with animals, their secretions, excretions, bedding, and feed place workers at risk for

developing an allergic reaction to laboratory animal allergens.

2. Twenty to 30 percent of individuals working with laboratory animals will develop an allergic

reaction to animal proteins.

3. Five to ten percent of individuals will develop asthma as a result of working with laboratory

animals. Asthmatic reactions are more likely to occur among individuals who have hyper reactive

airways.

4. Risk factors for developing an allergic reaction include:

a. An allergic reaction to another animal species. This is likely due to physical similarities

in the animals’ proteins.

b. The intensity of the exposure. However, although exposure to small concentrations of

allergens can provoke an allergic reaction.

c. The duration of the exposure.

d. The route of exposure. The most effective route is via the respiratory tract.

Signs and symptoms 1. Most allergic signs and symptoms involve the upper airway (e.g., rhinorrhea and nasal

congestion) and eyes (e.g., conjunctivitis, tearing and itching). Skin manifestations include a

maculopapular rash and urticaria. Less frequently, the lower airway may be involved (e.g.,

coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath).

2. Nasal symptoms almost always develop first. The mean time to onset of nasal symptoms is

seven months from the first exposure. Occupational asthma without nasal symptoms is very

uncommon.

- 24 -

3. Allergic symptoms most frequently appear in the first 6 to 36 months of starting work with

animals. However, they may not present for years.

4. When symptoms do occur, they typically begin within 15 minutes of the exposure. Half of the

allergic employees will also develop additional symptoms three to four hours following the

exposure. That second reaction will peak four to eight hours following the exposure and

resolve in 12 to 14 hours.

5. The longer the exposure continues before the employee develops symptoms and the longer

the employee’s symptoms are present before the exposure is discontinued, the less likely

they will recover permanently. This is especially problematic for individuals with lower

respiratory reactions. If the exposure is not eliminated promptly, the worker may require life-

long treatment for asthma.

Testing 1. Neither a history of prior allergic disease nor elevated IgE levels reliably helps predict

individuals who will become sensitized to laboratory animal proteins.

2. A negative skin test may be useful in excluding the diagnosis of an allergic reaction to animal

proteins. In a review of seven published studies, Bush reported that the concordance between

skin tests and symptoms was 81% (790 of 971). However, 13% (124) had a positive skin test but

were asymptomatic and another 6% (57) had symptoms suggestive of allergic reactions to animal

proteins but did not have a positive skin test. The significant variation in the findings in the articles

may be the result of inadequate standardization of the allergens and the testing methodology.

3. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and radio allegro sorbent (RAST) testing has also been

used to evaluate possible allergic reactions to animal proteins; however, RAST results do not

correlate with clinical findings as well as skin test results.

4. There is no practical value in routinely screening employees (e.g., skin prick testing, in-vitro

assays or pulmonary function testing) for increased susceptibility to laboratory animal proteins

prior to entering the work area or during employment, unless the employee has symptoms

suggestive of a laboratory animal allergy.

! If you are unsure about the likely behavior of any animal, leave it to more experienced workers

to approach and handle it.

- 25 -

Work Place Hazards in Working with Animals

Hazard Possible Harmful Effects Possible Employer Action to Prevent Injury / Illness

Preventative Action Students Can Take

Animals Even usually placid animals may inflict injury if under stress or in pain. Animal behavior is difficult to predict and may change without warning

Bites, mauling, scratches (smaller animals) and Impact injuries such as fractures, crushing, bruising (larger animals)

Allow only experienced and trained staff to handle or restrain animals

Instruct staff in safe animal handling, including recognizing ‘warning’ signs

Label cages where an animal’s behavior gives reason for concern

Provide personal protective clothing

Students must not handle animals unless the animal and the task have been assessed by their supervisor

Don’t approach any animal unless assured by your supervisor that it’s safe

Autoclaves / sterilizers Burns, scalding from steam Ensure that only trained and experienced staff operate autoclaves

Ensure regular plant maintenance

Students must NOT be exposed to any dangerous plant or equipment

Animal enclosures, stalls and cages

Cuts from metal edges, manual handling injury, risk of infection and disease if areas housing animals are not frequently cleaned and disinfected

Ensure regular cleaning and maintenance

Assess manual handling and redesign cages to minimize risk

Provide wash-up facilities, instruct staff in personal hygiene

Don’t open enclosures, stalls or cages for any purpose unless the task (and the animal) has been assessed by your supervisor

Wear gloves when cleaning

Cuts Infection Ensure tasks with potential risk of cuts are assessed

Provide protective gloves

Provide appropriate washing facilities

Wear protective gloves

Wash hands immediately

Seek first aid immediately if needed

Allergies to animals or insects (or to animal feeds such as grasses)

Allergic reactions: asthma or other respiratory illness, skin reactions

Document any known allergies among staff members

Prevent or minimize exposure – procedures must be established and followed by all workers

Follow safe working procedures

Report any suspected allergic reaction to your supervisor, without delay

- 26 -

Table 3. Work Place Hazards in Working with Animals.

Hazard Possible Harmful Effects Possible Employer Action to Prevent Injury / Illness

Preventative Action Students Can Take

Hazardous substances (drugs used in treatment, anesthetics, cleaning chemicals)

Cytotoxic (cancer treating) and other drugs can cause illness. Short-term effects can include nausea, headaches

Follow strict handling, labelling and storage procedures for all hazardous substances

Provide protective clothing (such as gloves) for staff

Students must not medicate animals or handle any drugs used in animal treatment

Wear rubber gloves when using cleaning chemicals

Hazardous waste (soiled towels, swabs, syringes etc.)

Infectious diseases, cuts or needle stick’ injuries; irritation to skin, eyes, nose or throat

Treat all waste as hazardous

Arrange for safe disposal into labelled containers

Provide gloves where needed

Wear rubber gloves when handling soiled material

Don’t handle syringes

Adopt good hygiene practices

Housekeeping Slips, trips and falls as a result of slippery surfaces or things left on the floor or on the ground

Ensure that spills are cleaned immediately

Keep work areas clear of items that could present impact hazards

Follow procedures for cleaning up spills

Report any spills or obstacles

Manual handling Musculoskeletal injuries (sprains and strains)

Assess every manual handling task

Use mechanical aids or team lifts

Train workers in manual handling

Don’t attempt any task if you think it may be difficult to do safely – ask for help!

X-rays (radiation) Significant health risks, including cancers

Minimize potential for exposure to X-rays during radiography

Students must NOT be exposed to radiography processes

Zoonosis (diseases caught from animals)

Diseases including hydatid disease, ringworm, Q fever

Minimize potential for zoonotic infections – training, safe work practices, vaccination

Always wash up after contact with animals

Students must not enter any workplace where Q fever has been reported

- 27 -

References

1. Research & Clinical Safety manual, Office of Research and the Department of Environment, University

of Michigan.

2. Laboratory Animals guidelines, Office for Research Safety, Northwestern University.

3. WORKING SAFELY WITH ANIMALS manual, UCSF Occupational Health and Safety in the Care & Use of

Research Animals.

4. Bush RK, Stave GM. Laboratory animal allergy: an update. ILAR journal. 2003 Jan 1;44(1):28-51.

5. Laboratory Animal Allergies data sheet, Iowa State University of science and technology, Canada.

6. Occupational Health and Safety Program (OHSP) for Personnel with Laboratory Animal Contact,

University of Kentucky, UK.

7. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, www.osha.gov

8. The Laboratory Safety Manual, University of Saskatchewan.

Document ID: RCPN 52

Document name Animal Research Health and Safety

Document arrangement Mohanna Osali

Date 5/26/2018

Full file name Animal Research Health and Safety

Document Description This manual aims to provide learners with an

understanding of the principles of animal handling and

safe working and how these can be applied in practice.

The learner will gain an understanding of the health and

safety implications of handling, restraining and moving

animals. The learner will display how to handle and

restrain a number of animals. The learner will also carry

out practical animal grooming for different animals.

Author / translator Asal golchin