OHS Process for Working with Animals at NC State
When working with animal subjects, personnel safety is essential. As a Principal Investigator submitting an Animal Vertebrate Use Application (AVAU), you certify that “I understand and certify that all personnel having direct animal contact, including the investigator, will participate in the Occupational Health and Safety Program”
Work Conducted at NC State-Owned Locations (NC State Animals)
Any NC State University employee and all visiting scientists/collaborators working directly with NC State-owned animals or working with animals in an NC State-owned facility are required to complete the Animal Contact Medical Questionnaire. NC State University Occupational Medicine will review the information and provide its recommendation. This process must be completed before any contact with animals begins.
Other legal agreements should be in place to cover visiting scientists (see suggested templates).
Work Conducted at Non-NC State-Owned Locations (Non-NC State Animals)
Any NC State University employee who is working with non-NC State-owned animals at a non-NC State location is also required to complete the Animal Contact Medical Questionnaire.
If the project is off-site but is directed by NC State personnel and non-NC State personnel are being asked to perform animal procedures specifically related to this proposed research, then the PI is required to inform all staff working with animals of all potential safety precautions related to the species or any agents used in the project. A memo stating the safety precautions and any OHS needs should be attached to the protocol. In some cases, OHS coverage may be needed but not always if the person is covered by their own OHS program.
If the project is performed at a private/commercial (farm, shelter, field study) non-NC State location, with non-NC State animals, then a consent form or permit from the location must be attached to the IACUC protocol stating that they are aware of the project and consent to allow NC State personnel on their site to perform the procedures with animals, or that the location’s staff will gather data or samples on behalf of NC State.