I: Background and Purpose:

The University of California, Riverside, and the IACUC recognize various circumstances where non-University personnel collaborate on projects utilizing animals used for research purposes. Additionally, there are circumstances where collaborators would need to access the vivarium to assist with procedures to ensure research goals are achieved. This policy describes the requirements for investigators requesting access for collaborators unaffiliated with UCR.   

II: Related Policies and Guidance

·                  529-251: Policy on the Training of Animal Users

·                  529-271: Authority of the Attending Veterinarian

·                  529-283: UC Riverside Vivaria Facility and Room Entry Restrictions

III: Policy

All individuals performing academic activities with research animals housed at UCR must be fully trained prior to commencing research or teaching activities. Individuals must complete the required IACUC training or its equivalent, receive occupational health clearance, be approved on an Animal Use Protocol (AUP), and complete a vivarium tour with the Office of the Campus Veterinarian (OCV) and laboratory-specific training from the responsible Principal Investigator (PI) or PI designee.

A. IACUC Required Training

a) Visitors must complete the IACUC web-based training available on the CITI webpage or its equivalent.

b) If a visitor wishes to use their institution training in lieu of the CITI training, they must provide a certificate of completion for that training.

c) Visitors not affiliated with UCR that choose to complete the CITI training will need to create an account with CITI at their own expense. Contact the IACUC Office for assistance (iacuctraining@ucr.edu).

d) The IACUC Chair, Attending Veterinarian, or the IACUC Office Manager will determine if the certificate of completion provided in lieu of the CITI training meets the same requirements as the UCR CITI training.

B. Occupation Health Clearance

a) Visitors must follow the directions provided in the Occupational Requirements for non UCR and Home Institution clearance (Appendix A).

b) Occupational health clearance is determined by UCR EH&S.

C. Vivarium Tour  

a) Access to the UCR vivarium requires a facility tour provided by members of OCV.

b) Any visitor who wishes to waive the tour must seek clearance from the Attending Veterinarian. If confirmed, an escort may be required when entering the vivarium at all times.

D. Exceptions:

a) The requirements outlined in this guidance are the minimum that is required to access animals used for research at UCR.

b) The IACUC understands that research needs may require expedited clearance review or special considerations. As such, the above requirements are the minimum standards, but all requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis to meet the laboratory's research needs when appropriate.

Approved on: 06/10/2024

APPENDIX A

Occupational Health Clearance Form

Animal Occupational Health Program (AOHP) -

Requirements and Clearance for External Personnel Working with Animals at UCR

Introduction and Eligibility Criteria:

This waiver is for individuals who are NOT employees or students at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) and who meet one of the following criteria:

1.        Short-Term Visitors (90 days or less): Individuals visiting UCR facilities to observe or conduct animal research or educational activities. Some exceptions and restrictions apply.

2.        Employees of Another Entity: Individuals whose job responsibilities involve exposure to UCR-owned animals used in research or educational activities.

Requirements and Acknowledgements

As an individual in either of the above groups wishing to participate in activities that may expose you to animals used in UCR research or educational activities approved by the UCR Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), you must adhere to the following guidelines:

·        Vaccinations: If required by the protocol for access, you must provide evidence of such vaccination.  If your vaccination is set to expire during your visit to UCR, please ensure that it remains current and not lapsed for the entirety of the 90-day period. We recommend getting boosters if necessary.

·        Evidence of enrollment:  Provide evidence of enrollment from your home institution's occupational health program can be provided in lieu of enrolling in the UCR AOHP

Participation in UCR AOHP

·        You have the option to participate in the UCR AOHP at your own expense or sponsor resources. This includes:

1. Completing a medical questionnaire

2. Receiving Vaccination

3. Utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by protocol or medical needs.

·        Alternatively, you may choose to waive participation by:

1.        Completing this form

2.        Providing documentation of enrollment in a comparable occupational health program at your place of employment / research institution.

 

Immunizations and Tests Periodicity at UCR

Procedure	Reason	Frequency	Required By
Animal Risk Assessment	Allergies, exposure to zoonotic diseases, animal bites and scratches, handling hazardous materials, PPE needs, regulatory compliance, and health surveillance	Baseline, every 3 years, health changes, new animal species	All with animal contact
Health History	To identify any health conditions, including immunosuppression, surgeries, or zoonotic diseases, that may require additional protective measures	Baseline, every 3 years, health changes, new animal species	All with animal contact
HBV Immunization	Required for individuals exposed to human cells and blood, and completion of annual BBP Training is mandatory.	One series prior to titer (either 2 Heplisav-B shots or 3 standard shots)	Those working with BBP in animals
HBV Titer	As above	As needed based on results	Those working with BBP in animals
Tetanus (Tdap)	Animal bites and scratches	Every 10 years or post-incident	All with animal contact
Tetanus (Td)	As above	Every 10 years or post-incident	All with animal contact
Respirator Physical	Required for respirator users	Baseline, every 3 years or as determined by Occupational Health physician	Those who must use a respirator due to allergies, zoonoses or other issues

 

Visitor must complete the following information.

Visiting Researcher Information

Name and Credentials
Email Address
Phone Number in case we need to contact you
Home Institution
Approximate Date(s)/duration of visit or activity
UCR Protocol PI
UCR AUP Number
Species you will be Handling at UCR:
Description of Activities at UCR
UCR Faculty Member or PI / Supervisor

 

Health and Safety Acknowledgement

When interacting with animals involved in UCR research or teaching, there is a risk of exposure to various health hazards. These may include infectious agents, allergens, and potential animal-related injuries. It is crucial that your hosting PI or Supervisor briefs you on these hazards and provides guidance on necessary protective measures.

 

Signature and Acknowledgement__________________________________ Date: _______________

 

Participant Name (Please Print): _______________________________________________________

 

Submission Instructions: This form must be signed by an Occupational Health representative from your home institution and submitted to the UCR Occupational Health Department at least 2 weeks prior to participation in any project. Submit this form via email at ehsocchealth@ucr.edu.

 

Contact Information for Occupational Health at Your Home Institution (Please refer to the institution or clinic where individuals obtain clearances for the relevant contact details)

_______________________________________________________________________

 

I have reviewed the following requirement:

 

o  Individual is current on their tetanus vaccine and on file with our department.

 

o  Individual is current on their Hep B vaccine and on file with our department.

 

o  The individual is approved to work with the species identified above.

 

o  The individual has Respirator Clearance on file and has been fitted for the following respirators. ______________________________.

 

Signature of Occupational Health Administrator or Physician: ____________________________

 

Name (Print): ______________________________________ Date: __________________________

 

Email Address: ____________________________ Phone Number ____________________________

 

For any questions or concerns, please contact the Occupational Health team at EH&S ehsocchealth@ucr.edu