Monday, September 12, and Wednesday, September 14, 2022, from 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM CDT

1V. Animal Research for Biosafety Professionals – An Introduction

Susan Harper, DVM, DACLAM, DACVPM, RBP(ABSA), NIH—Office of Animal Care and Use, Bethesda, MD

Lesley Colby, DVM, DACLAM, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Animal Research has contributed to major scientific advances in biomedical, veterinary, and environmental sciences and in public health. However, these efforts often pose significant risks to the health and safety of research and facility staff due to the wide range of species, complex experimental procedures and equipment, and facility hazards that are involved. Balancing optimal worker safety and animal welfare with research objectives yields the best results but requires a solid understanding of how animal programs are managed and an ability to identify and mitigate inherent risks. This course provides a thorough introduction to routine hazards commonly encountered in animal programs that utilize rodents, small animals, nonhuman primates, aquatics, and agricultural species, with a primary focus on identifying and managing biological, chemical, radiological, and physical hazards. The instructors are experienced laboratory animal veterinarians who are actively involved in the management, oversight, and evaluation of animal care and use programs. Topics include assessment and management of animal program hazards; universal regulations, guidelines, and quality standards that apply to animal research; duties and responsibilities of key program personnel; local oversight systems; best practices that enhance the quality of animal care; and strategies for biosafety professionals to develop and maintain effective partnerships with program staff and institutional animal care and use committee members. Opportunities will be provided to apply new knowledge and skills through group interactive activities and problem-solving sessions.

Objectives:

• Review basic hazard identification and risk assessment techniques relevant to research involving live animals
• Summarize the governing regulations and guidelines that pertain to the care and use of research animals, recognizing the difference between “regulatory requirements” and “best practices” that relate to performance-based standards
• Identify successful strategies for working effectively with animal program personnel on common research safety issues

Suggested Background:   None

Target Audience:                  New Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals, Laboratory Workers

Audience Level:                    Basic

Course Length:                      8 hours (two 4-hour live sessions with a 30-minute break each session)