We have b een working on this issue for the past year also.  < /p>

We changed the IACUC chemical hazard form that investigators fi ll out for animal protocols to include:

·         Marking substances as carcinogens, toxics, reprod uctive hazards, cytotoxic/antineoplastic agents, investigational drugs with limited safety data, and/or nanoparticles or nanoparticle formulation.

· ;      ;    Based on what the y mark on the form our animal husbandry staff now designate certain cages a s chemical hazards, post the door and treat the waste (cages/bedding/water bottles/carcasses) differently. 

·         Split the risk assessment section up into “M aterials Handling/Administration” and “Cage Changing” so that both researchers and husbandry staff are addressed

We have also started writing SOPS for specific hazardous chemica ls used in animals that address issues related to both researchers and husb andry staff.

-Cathy

Catherine R. Brennan

Chemical Hygiene Officer

CB#1650

Environment, Health and Safety

1120 Este s Drive Extension

University of North Ca rolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC  27599-1650

(919) 843-5331

(919) 962-0227 FAX

We are working this out as we s peak. Very timely question.

From a chemical h ygiene standpoint I want the researchers, in their animal use protocols, to provide hazard info and/or LD50 info for all chemicals used in protocols t o assess the chemical handling requirements for those chemicals under the l ab standard.

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If the fall into OSHAs “p articularly hazardous substances” (carcinogens, reproductive toxins, or acutely toxic chemicals) then they should be handled in a containment (i f decanted) or a closed system (syringe or gavage).