I: Background and Purpose:
The
University of California, Riverside (UCR) supports biomedical research in an
ongoing quest for knowledge to benefit the health and well-being of humans and
animals. UCR is committed to ensuring the humane treatment of animals used in
biomedical research. As part of this commitment, UCR requires all personnel to
be trained in the proper care and use of research/teaching animals prior to
receiving the privilege of working with animals.
In
accordance with Federal requirements (PHS Policy and the Animal Welfare Act),
the IACUC mandates online training (with an exam) that provides the federally
required training, describes the animal care and use program at UCR, and includes
information on basic animal procedures.
II:
Related Policies and Guidance
III: Policy
A. Training Requirements:
- All PIs must complete the online training course prior to
approval of an AUP.
- All lab personnel added to an AUP via a personnel amendment
must complete all required training before the personnel amendment is approved.
The IACUC Office (iacuc@ucr.edu) will provide the instructions needed for
completion of training, followed by personnel amendment approval.
- The required training includes an Occupational Health Program
(OHP) component overseen by UCR EH&S. All individuals expected to work with
animals must enroll in the OHP.
B. PI’s Responsibility:
- All lab personnel expected to perform surgical procedures
are required to complete the online training.
- In addition to the online Aseptic Surgery Training, the Principal
Investigator (PI) is responsible for ensuring that all personnel receive
training in all procedures involving laboratory animals prior to handling
vertebrate animals.
- The PI is also responsible for maintaining the
documentation of training for laboratory-specific animal procedures approved on
their AUP(s). This documentation must be made available to the IACUC and other
oversight bodies upon request.
C. Training Requests and Verification of Proficiency
- Any requests to receive training on animal handling
procedures by laboratory personnel should be submitted to the Office of the
Campus Veterinarian (OCV).
- The IACUC or OCV may also request additional training or
verification of proficiency related to animal handling or animal procedures,
should noncompliance related to these procedures be identified.
- Verification of proficiency may be required for invasive
procedures or as per AUP approval (e.g., physical method of euthanasia without
prior anesthesia).
D. Retraining:
- The IACUC requires the online training course to be
repeated every three years, unless otherwise stated by the IACUC.
- The IACUC may request retraining of the PI or lab personnel
if warranted, or due to issues of compliance.
Originally
approved: 11/7/2008; Reviewed and updated: 12/14/2020; 01/08/2024 Revised
06/09/25