The Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International will conduct an accreditation site visit at Emory University. The site visit is scheduled for February 19-21, 2014. Laboratories will be site visited, particularly those where surgery and other experimental procedures are performed on animals.
AAALAC International was founded in 1966 and is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs. AAALAC Accreditation demonstrates to funding agencies and the general public that the animal care provided goes beyond minimum regulatory requirements. Additionally, accreditation demonstrates that animal care contributes to a high likelihood of quality experiments and the generation of valid data. To prepare the labs for the AAALAC site visit, here are some quick reminders for your review and continued safe practice:
° Personnel should comply fully with the protocol approved by the IACUC and have specific knowledge of any and all procedures associated with each protocol. For example, any euthanasia method, aseptic surgery practice, and post-operative administration of pain-relieving drugs (or withholding) must be consistent with the described content of the protocol.
° The site visitors are likely to ask to see records that document post-procedural care and regularity of observation as required in the approved protocol.
° The use and storage of multi-dose containers of drugs, mixed combinations of drugs, and reconstitution of non-pharmaceutical grade drugs should be compliant with IACUC policies on expired materials, non-pharmaceutical grade agents and injectable agents found on the IACUC web site. To review these policies, go to the IACUC web site.
The use of paraformaldehyde, formalin and other fixatives for terminal animal perfusions should comply with laboratory safety standards for the prevention of human exposure to these agents. Contact your building liaison about monitoring for exposure to fixatives or formaldehyde derivatives.
In the animal facility, where hazardous chemicals are given to animals, the signage notification system and associated safety practices taught by DAR should be strictly followed. All other IACUC policies can be found at: http://www.iacuc.emory.edu/policies/index.html
Choose the “Policies” tab and select the links for any or all of the following:
– Expired Materials Policy
– Non-Pharmaceutical Grade Drugs
– Use of Injectable Agents
° The expiration dates of drugs, fluids, sutures and other consumable materials that may be given to animals should be routinely monitored. All expired items should be properly discarded.
° All controlled drugs, should be kept in a locked container meeting requirements for controlled drug storage and have accurate records of usage.
° Isoflurane Gas Anesthetic Vaporizer maintenance and calibration must comply with IACUC policy. To review this policy, go to the IACUC web site, select the “Policies” tab and then choose “Gas Anesthesia Vaporizer Maintenance”.
° Any food or treats for the animals that are kept in the laboratory should not be kept beyond the expiration date and should be stored in a closed, labeled container with a tight-fitting lid.
° Know how to access Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each chemical and drug used or kept in the lab.
° All personnel in the laboratory should know that there is an Occupational Health and Safety program available to them at no cost through the Employee Health Service. To participate in this program, go to the IACUC web site and select the “OHS” tab and then follow the instructions.
° All personnel in the laboratory should know how to obtain medical care in the case of an animal bite or other injury or accident .
° All personnel should know how to document an injury or exposure, whether trivial or non-trivial, via the PeopleSoft system. To access the PeopleSoft system, log on the “PeopleSoft: HR” site using your Emory network Id and password, select the “Self Service” folder and then select “Accident/Injury Entry”.
° Areas where animals are used should be kept clean and uncluttered, including areas for rodent surgery.
° Animals should not be housed or kept in laboratories (or outside of the animal research facility) for more than 24 continuous hours without the knowledge and consent of the IACUC.
The use of paraformaldehyde, formalin and other fixatives for terminal animal perfusions should comply with laboratory safety standards for the prevention of human exposure to these agents. Contact your building liaison about monitoring for exposure to fixatives or formaldehyde derivatives.
In the animal facility, where hazardous chemicals are given to animals, the signage notification system and associated safety practices taught by DAR should be strictly followed. All other IACUC policies can be found at: http://www.iacuc.emory.edu/policies/index.html.
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