Biosafety: IACUC Protocol Assistance

IACUC Safety Pre-Review

All IACUC protocols undergo a safety pre-review before full committee review. This step identifies any required safety-related modifications early, helping to streamline the review process. During the pre-review, the Institutional Biosafety Officer (IBO) and IACUC Coordinator verify that personnel training records meet IACUC policy requirements and that the protocol description and attachments are accurate and current.

Animal Hazard Safety Evaluation Forms

Protocols involving hazardous biological or chemical agents must include the appropriate Animal Hazard Safety Evaluation Form(s). These forms are designed to protect the health and safety of personnel working in LACU facilities.

Investigators must identify all hazardous agents — including chemicals, infectious agents, vectors, biologically-derived toxins, or other materials — to which LACU staff may be exposed following administration to animals. This includes hazardous materials that may be present in urine, feces, uneaten food or water, or shed viral particles, whether metabolized or not. Investigators should conduct a literature review to evaluate the likely presence, quantity, and form of any hazardous agents. Materials that are fully metabolized, administered in quantities too low to be excreted, or that present no realistic exposure risk do not need to be included.

On these forms, investigators must provide a risk assessment covering:

• Biosafety level of biohazardous agents
• Required PPE
• Animal handling precautions
• Special instructions for bedding disposal
• Any other measures needed to mitigate exposure risk

The IBO will review completed forms for accuracy and is available to provide technical assistance.

For information or assistance, contact the Institutional Biosafety Officer.

The Institutional Biosafety Officer will ensure applicable IBC, IRB approvals required for the use of infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi etc.), recombinant DNA, Human materials are obtained.