Risk Management
AUHSP Participation | Training | Good Lab Practices | Hazard Identification | Reporting
AUHSP Participation
- If required, complete the Risk Assessment Form and forward it to EH&S
- Gannett may require a Medical Evaluation.
- Follow safety recommendations at all times.
- Report promptly any accidents, illnesses and zoonotic diseases on the Cornell University Accident Report form.
Training
Receive adequate training in animal restraint and handling, chemical lab safety, and animal work-related hazards and safe work practices.
Good Lab Practices
- Maintain restricted access to the laboratory, animal facility, and animal procedure areas.
- Follow requirements for entry and exit for posted areas at all times.
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Use good personal hygiene:
- Wash hands after animal contact and before leaving the laboratory or animal facility.
- Do not eat, drink, smoke, handle contact lenses, or apply cosmetics in work areas, and wash hands before engaging in any of these activities.
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as recommended. Lab coats or coveralls are required when working with animals; additional PPE, such as gloves, shoe coverings or a facemask may also be necessary in laundered.
- Protect yourself from exposure to inhalation of aerosols by incorporating appropriate engineering controls (e.g. use work stations).
- Minimize splashes and aerosols.
- Isolate sick or infected animals whenever possible and handle and care for them last.
- Decontaminate equipment and work surfaces at least once a day and always after any spill of viable material.
- Dispose of waste appropriately. Contaminated bedding, animal carcasses, animal products, or items contaminated by animal products should be disposed of by following recommended guidelines.
- Contaminated sharps should always be disposed of in a Biohazard Sharps Container. Additional information about precautions when working with sharp objects can be found in "Sharps Precautions".
Hazard Identification
Reporting
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Notify your supervisor about the following events:
- you become aware of a sick or dead animal
- you have a fever, diarrhea, or other symptoms that could be associated with zoonotic diseases, biohazards or other hazardous materials that you work with.
- Notify Gannett for advice on direct and indirect animal exposure if you are or become immunocompromised.
- Notify CARE about animals with diseases that are potentially transmissible to humans.
- If you are ill or injured, seek medical attention at Gannett or inform your physician that you work with animals and may be exposed to zoonotic diseases. Have your physician contact the Occupational Medicine Office at Gannett regarding your illness or injury.
- Report promptly any accidents, illnesses and zoonotic diseases on the Cornell University Accident Report form.