Skip to main content
AUHSP Main > Risk Assessment


Risk Assessment

The principal objective of the AUHSP is to identify and track all persons having direct contact with animals used in research and teaching for the purpose of evaluating the human health risks associated with that contact and taking steps to ensure health risks for each individual are managed to an acceptable level. The AUHSP is predicated on the assessment of risk.

There are two types of risk assessment:

  1. Protocol risk is based on animal health status, biohazards, radiation/radioisotope use/hazardous chemicals etc. Protocol risk assessment is determined by members of the AUHSP working group that is comprised of members from Gannett, EH&S and CARE. Protocol risk is categorized as low, medium, or high.
    • Low Risk: When a low probability or low severity of adverse health effects exists. For example, work with SPF mice on a nutritional trial.
    • Moderate Risk: When a moderate or high probability and moderate severity of health effects exists. For example work with dairy cattle, which might harbor ringworm or Cryptosporidium.
    • High Risk: Any probability with high severity of disease exists. For example, work with wild caught raccoons which might harbor rabies.
  2. Personal risk is based on a person’s medical history in concert with the hazards they are exposed to in the work place.

There are two tools by which personal risk is assessed:

  1. Risk Assessment Form - Individuals considered to be at low risk will receive an automated email containing a link to the Risk Assessment form. Once this has been completed and submitted you will either receive an approval email or will be subsequently contacts by Gannett Health Services if additional information is required. If there is personal medical information that may change the personal risk level of an individual an AUHSP Medical Evaluation may also need to be completed.
  2. Medical Evaluation - Individuals considered to be at moderate or high risk will be contacted by Gannett and provided with this form and any additional follow-up information. Individuals who have certain medical conditions and have filled out a risk assessment form may subsequently be required to fill out a medical evaluation form.


AUHSP Main > Risk Assessment