TULANE UNIVERSITY
ANIMAL HANDLER HEALTH SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM
(AHHS)
Program Information
This program is a valuable component of Tulane University’s biomedical research effort. The Tulane University program is designed to protect our employees from occupational exposure to conditions that may result in animal related illnesses. The requirements of the program are based upon those outlined in the Public Health Service document, Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals, published by the National Research Council. The program requirements were revised and approved by a faculty committee on February 11, 1993. The latest revision is in response to changing guidelines and recommendations provided by the NIH Office for Laboratory Animal Welfare.
As part of their health assessment, employees who will be working with research animals are provided with medical information, screening and immunizations relating to their animal contact. In addition, each month, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols are reviewed for Tulane University employees and affiliates that may have animal contact. Both new IACUC protocols and the annual updates are screened. Principal investigators who list personnel as participating in an IACUC-reviewed project, but have not registered with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS) are sent information regarding this program. Personnel must be listed as participating in the AHHS Program prior to animal handling. Principal investigators are responsible for ensuring that all personnel (including employees, students, and volunteers) involved with their IACUC-reviewed project are given program information. Investigators and personnel who do not respond to written requests from OEHS to participate in the AHHS Program will not be allowed to enter or work with animals in animal housing facilities.
Employees and affiliates that have animal contact must participate in risk assessment. The assessment includes the completion of a Risk Assessment and History Form for which the original is hand delivered to OEHS. It is then reviewed and follow up initiated with the employee based upon medical history noted in the completed form, the type of animal contact, screening, and immunizations required by the program. There is no charge for the completion of this form. If a question in the history section is answered in the affirmative and is related to animal handling, then medical follow up may be needed.
Program Elements
I. Risk Assessment and History Form
This form is required to be filled out by everyone working with research animals at Tulane University or entering Tulane University animal facilities (Vivarium). When completed, it will be reviewed by OEHS in the case of the TUHSC and Uptown Campuses or by the Occupational Medicine Nurse in the case of the TNPRC to determine whether additional information, follow up, and/or interaction is necessary. The original forms must be hand delivered to the appropriate representatives at the TUHSC, Uptown Campus, and TNPRC as indicated on the bottom of the last page of the form to be then hand delivered to the Biological Safety Manager – OEHS for further processing and data entry. All originals will be placed in a fire resistant file cabinet at OEHS for access only by the designated OEHS staff member.
Important information required on the form includes the type and frequency of animal contact. It is critical that the individual provides accurate information to provide significant baseline data, and because a licensed healthcare provider or physician who may perform further health assessment will use the information during the medical evaluation. The health assessment will not be performed if the assessment and history information is not available at the time of the appointment.
II. Immunizations and Screening
Tetanus immunization is highly recommended for all individuals with animal contact.
Hepatitis B Vaccination is recommended of all vivarial employees and other animal handlers where animals are genetically altered with human or non-human primate genes or tissues which may involve Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).
TB Screening is required for those who handle non-human primates. (Class C)
Rabies immunization is recommended for those vivarial employees who handle dogs and cats. A titer will be required if previously vaccinated. (Class B)
Toxoplasmosis IGG/IGM is required for females working around cats. (Class B)
For periodic or recurrent procedures or immunizations and for current employees who require on going medical monitoring, all medical examinations, including tests, screening and immunizations initiated through TUHC Occupational Medicine, will be billed to the individual’s budgetary unit.
III. Medical Evaluation
If a person answers “Yes” to any question in the History section of the Risk Assessment and History Form or to additional personal health concerns and it is related to animal handling, then one of the following must be initiated:
A. Schedule an appointment with Tulane University Hospital and Clinic Occupational Medicine at 586-3986 for a medical examination. The cost of this medical examination and any subsequent follow up will be the responsibility of the individual’s budgetary unit. When an appointment is scheduled, Occupational Medicine will contact OEHS and obtain a copy of their completed Risk Assessment and History Form. OR
B. The person may schedule an appointment to see their own physician for medical examination and/or follow up. The cost of such follow up will be the responsibility of the person involved. OR
C. Complete a Declination for Medical Examination form and hand deliver the original to the appropriate OEHS staff member. OR
D. The person may be excused from handling research animals or entering their areas. This must be documented by the supervisor with a copy to OEHS.
If medical follow up to include immunizations and screening is completed either by Occupational Medicine or by the individual’s designated licensed healthcare provider or physician, then a letter or Report of Physical Examination (used by TUHC Occupational Medicine) must be completed and signed by the licensed healthcare provider. Such documentation must indicate that the individual is medically qualified to handle or be exposed to the animals specified. Also, documentation must be provided which includes the dates of required immunizations and/or screenings. A copy of these documents will be kept by OEHS in confidence in the same manner as the submitted Risk Assessment and History Forms.
IV. Database
A computer database will be developed and maintained by OEHS to list all individuals who have completed and submitted the Risk Assessment and History Forms to OEHS, completed medical examinations, screening, and immunizations. This information will be kept in confidence. A copy of the names of all individuals by department and by principal investigator who have completed the Risk Assessment and History Form will be submitted monthly to the Department of Vivarial Sciences and Research (DVSR) or the Division of Veterinary Medicine (DVM - TNPRC) by the Biological Safety Manager – OEHS. Also, those who have not completed medical examinations, screening and/or immunizations as required by the AHHS Program will be reported on a monthly basis to the DVSR or the DVM by the Biological Safety Manager – OEHS.
V. Failure to Comply
Principal investigators and personnel (including employees, students, and volunteers) who fail to comply with the following elements of the AHHS Program will not be allowed to enter or work with research animals at any Tulane University animal housing facility. This will be enforced by the DVSR and the DVM at the TNPRC. When a principal investigator or individual initiates program compliance as directed by OEHS, the DVSR and/or the DVM will be advised by OEHS of compliance and will be instructed to restore animal handler privileges. If a principal investigator or person wishes to contest the decision for failure to comply, then they may submit a request in writing for review to the AHHS Workgroup.
VI. Animal Handler Health Surveillance Workgroup
An Animal Handler Health Surveillance Workgroup will be established to include the following representatives: Biological Safety Officer – OEHS, Director of the DVSR, Assistant Director of the DVSR, TNPRC Occupational Medicine Nurse and the Executive Director of the Comparative Medicine Program. The Workgroup will meet at least quarterly. Its responsibilities will include the following: develop, revise, and approve policies and procedures associated with the AHHS Program including forms used in the program; ensure that the appropriate information in the database is being sent to DVSR and DVM monthly; ensure that principal investigators and personnel are participating in the program as prescribed; review issues involving the program and develop recommendations; present issues and recommended action to Senior Administration; and annually evaluate the program and review needs for improvement
Click here for the Risk Assessment & History Form
Click here for theDeclination of Medical Examination Form
Reviewed and approved by Associate General Council (TUHSC)
July 7, 2004R
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