Environmental Health & Safety

Program Overview:

The UCR Animal Occupational Health Program (AOHP) is established to safeguard the health and safety of individuals engaged in animal care and handling activities. Its primary objective is to identify, assess, manage, and mitigate potential health risks associated with working with laboratory animals. Through comprehensive evaluation, the AOHP delivers personalized recommendations aimed at minimizing the risk of illness linked with laboratory animal research.

• Enrollment Process:

  Enrollment Process:

  Participation in the UCR AOHP is mandatory for all individuals with direct or incidental contact with laboratory animals. This involves completing an online questionnaire, which serves as a crucial tool for understanding and addressing potential health hazards. While participation is compulsory, individuals have the option to formally opt out of the program via the provided option on the questionnaire.

• Health Risks Awareness

  Health Risks Awareness:

  Working with laboratory animals exposes personnel to various health risks, including but not limited to:

  • Zoonotic diseases are infectious agents transmissible between humans and animals.
  • Allergies, particularly to rodents or other animals, are commonly used in laboratory settings.
  • Injuries such as bites, scratches, and other physical harm.
  • Handling of hazardous materials associated with animal manipulation.
• Enrollment Criteria

  Enrollment Criteria:

  Enrollment in the UCR Animal Occupational Health Program is mandatory for:

  • Individuals listed on Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols as research personnel.
  • Personnel engaged in animal-related research, testing, or educational activities.
  • Those with direct or incidental exposure to laboratory animals, including casual exposure.
  • Individuals entering Vivarium facilities for any purpose.
• Enrollment Process Details

  Enrollment Process Details:

  Enrollment involves completing the AOHP questionnaire. Disclosure of personal health information is optional, and individuals may choose not to provide it if they wish.

• Ongoing Compliance

  Ongoing Compliance:

  Ensuring ongoing compliance with the AOHP is vital for maintaining a safe work environment. Individuals are required to submit a new questionnaire under the following circumstances:

  • Before inclusion on an IACUC protocol.
  • Before initial contact with laboratory animals.
  • In the event of any change in health status, such as worsening allergies or pregnancy.
  • When there are modifications in exposure circumstances, such as introducing new animal models or new hazards.
  • Occupational Health Physicians determine enrollment renewal, which is typically recommended every three years or more frequently based on individual health status.
  • For laboratories with multiple IACUC protocols, AOHP renewal for each individual will be associated with a single Animal Use Protocol (AUP), provided that users list all the hazards they will encounter.
• Program Oversight

  Program Oversight:

  The UCR EH&S Occupational Health is responsible for overseeing and managing the online Occupational Health Surveillance and Screening (OHSS) tool on campus. Additionally, occupational health actively engages in maintaining agreements with local medical care providers who are certified in occupational health. These agreements aim to expand the range of services offered, including examinations for allergies, respiratory clearances, and other comprehensive medical surveillance measures. Principal Investigators (PIs) are no longer required to cover the cost of the program.

  By adhering to the AOHP guidelines, UCR ensures a safe and healthy environment for all personnel engaged in animal research endeavors.

• Immunization Requirement

  Immunization Requirement: Recommendation for Tetanus

  A tetanus booster within the last ten years is highly recommended for all individuals who have recurrent animal contact. This is based upon guidance from The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 

  You can record your last tetanus immunization in your medical evaluation as part of your animal occupational health form.
  Additionally, if you have received a Tdap vaccination within the past ten years or currently have it, please submit your vaccination records through the campus PNC system. Please review how to submit vaccine records via the portal. Should you encounter any issues, please contact us at ehsocchealth@ucr.edu.

  
  Where and How to Get Immunized

  If you are actively involved in animal work and/or have frequent animal contact, the tetanus immunization may be provided to you at no cost. 

  Please contact the EH&S Occupational Health group at UCR Occupational Health at ehsocchealth@ucr.edu regarding this process.
  UCR EH&S Occupational Health has partnered with Concentra clinics to simplify the process for you. 

  The closest clinic to our campus is Concentra Riverside Chicago Ave, 1760 Chicago Avenue, Riverside, CA 92507-2300, but you may get it at any Concentra clinic near you. Your referral will provide more details in your message.
  If you'd like to take advantage of this service, please provide your full name and birthdate so we can generate a medical referral for you, along with your Animal Use Protocol (AUP) and PI's name. 

  For any questions or assistance with scheduling an appointment, feel free to contact us at ehsocchealth@ucr.edu.