Risk Assessment
Simply put, the principal objective of the AUHSP is to identify and track all persons having direct or indirect 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. Thus we can say the AUHSP is predicated on the assessment of risk.
There are two types of risk assessment:
- Protocol risk is based on animal health status, biohazards, radiation/radioisotope use/hazardous chemicals etc. Protocol risk assessment is determined by Gannett, EH&S and CARE together. 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.
- Personal risk is based on a person’s medical history in concert with the hazards they are exposed to in the work place. Personal risk is determined through screening by EH&S (Risk Assessment Form) and possibly a Medical Evaluation by Gannett.
There are two tools by which personal risk is assessed:
- Risk Assessment Form - Completed Risk Assessment Forms are reviewed by EH&S. 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.
- AUHSP Medical Evaluation - Gannett will contact individuals if there is a need for further information or a medical appointment. Gannett will notify EH&S of medical clearance status.