Background

The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals recommends all animal users maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and hygiene. This is to help provide protection from, and to help prevent the spread of, allergens, as well as infectious and hazardous agents.

 Although, engineering controls are the preferred method of achieving these goals, the use of dedicated, protective clothing is an integral part of such a program.

Examples of PPE include: 

• Protective outer clothing, e.g., lab coat, disposable gown or surgical scrubs
• Safety glasses or disposable face shield
• Gloves
• Non-slip shoe covers/booties
• Facemask or filtering face piece (N-95)

Related Policies and Guidance

• Policy 529-251: Training of Animal Users
• Policy 529-283: UC Riverside Vivaria Facility and Room Entry Restrictions

Policy

GENERAL

Closed-toe shoes and long pants are required when working with animals in laboratory or vivarium settings. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), in consultation with the Office of the Campus Veterinarian (OCV), and/or campus Biosafety Officer, will determine the required level of PPE. The OCV will provide the minimum PPE required for entry into the vivaria. Additional PPE requested by individuals should be provided by the lab. 

All personnel shall wear dedicated protective outer garments while in animal rooms. Additional clothing such as shoe covers, masks, hair bonnets, and full body outer garments may be required for certain animal rooms. All personnel shall wash their hands frequently, especially after leaving an animal room.

ANIMAL TECHNICIANS

All animal technicians shall wear protective clothing, consisting of a OCV provided scrubs or coveralls, and shoes, while in the vivarium. This protective clothing shall not be worn outside of the vivarium. The use of gloves and suitable respiratory protection is recommended when dumping cages and working with hazardous agents. The Office of the Campus Veterinarian is responsible for providing appropriate and adequate clothing and laundering facilities for the animal technicians.

References

1. National Research Council. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th edition, 2011.
2. The National Academies Press. AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals (most current edition)
3. The National Academies Press. Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals (most current edition)

Approved: 6/1/98, 12/9/04, 7/9/07; latest revision 2/14/2022