Policies

Policy on the Classification and Expectations of Personnel Involved with Animal Activities

Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee
Aug 3, 2020 12:00 am

To outline the basic expectations for each classification of personnel permitted to work with animals.

(NOTE: This document was previously titled "Policy on Tracking and Training Personnel Involved with Animal Activities".)
  • Applicability

    This policy is applicable to all vertebrate animal activities conducted under the auspices of the University, and applies to all campus locations, including Ann Arbor, Flint and Dearborn.

  • Glossary Definitions

    Observers

    Observers are individuals who may be in close proximity to animals during a research or learning activity but must not handle the animals or perform any procedures.

    Short-Term Personnel

    Short-Term Personnel are defined as individuals participating in a research or learning activity for 30 or fewer consecutive days (1 month) or 15 or fewer total days over a six-month period.

    • The intent is to permit an educational event, such as a visiting scientist sharing procedural knowledge or a summer student doing a rotation; the role of short-term personnel should not be used to fill employment gaps.

    Long-Term Personnel

    Long-Term Personnel are defined as individuals participating in a research or learning activity for more than 30 consecutive days (1 month) or more than 15 total days over a six-month period.

    U-M Affiliated Instructors/Demonstrators

    U-M Affiliated Instructors/Demonstrators are individuals whose primary animal activity is the leading of teaching activities or demonstration of animals or animal procedures.

    Minor

    Any person under the age of 18.

  • Policy

    The Principal Investigator (PI) is responsible for ensuring individuals working with animals under his/her advisement are appropriately trained, apprised of any hazards or risks (e.g., occupational hazards and safety concerns associated with animal care facilities) and adhere to applicable regulatory requirements and U-M IACUC approved policies. All Individuals must adhere to the IACUC approved animal use protocol in addition to the requirements below.

    Personnel Requirements When Working With Animals

    Personal Classification

    Listed on an IACUC Approved Animal Use Protocol

    Enrollment in the Animal Handler Medical Surveillance Program

    Mandatory Training Requirements

    Limitations when working with animals

    Observers

    Not required

    Not required

    Not required

    Must be escorted at all times by:

    • A member of ULAM, or
    • The PI or other individual approved on the IACUC approved animal use protocol.

     

    Must not:

    • Handle animals or perform procedures.

    Short-Term Personnel

    Request for short-term personnel required in lieu of being listed on the IACUC approved animal use protocol b

    Not required

    Not required

    Must work under the supervision of:

    • A member of ULAM, or
    • The PI or other individual approved on the IACUC approved animal use protocol.

    Long-Term Personnel

    Required

    Required

    Required

    No additional limitations

    U-M Affiliated Instructors / Demonstrators

    Required

    Required

    Required

    No additional limitations

    Minors a

    Must obtain approval prior to working with animals in addition to meeting all requirements outlined according to the length of involvement with animals (e.g., observer, long term). Contact a RCA for guidance on obtaining approval.

    Must work under the supervision of:

    • A member of ULAM, or
    • The PI or other individual approved on the IACUC approved animal use protocol.

     

    Must not:

    • Perform procedures expected to cause pain or distress in animals and that do not involve the use of anesthesia or analgesia.
    • Work with hazardous materials.
    • Work with potentially aggressive animals (e.g., primates, dogs, cats).

     a Minors must comply with the U-M Standard Practice Guide (SPG) for Children on Campus and the EHS requirements for minors in research.
     b Submit requests for the addition of short-term personnel to a RCA. For U-M affiliated individuals include: full name, uniqname, role in research/teaching activity at U-M and expected dates/duration of animal activity. For Non-U-M affiliated individuals include: full name, title, experience, name of affiliated institution, role in research/teaching activity at U-M and expected dates/duration of animal activity. The request will be attached to the IACUC approved animal use protocol within 1-2 weeks of class/activity start date. 

    Animal Handler Medical Surveillance Program

    Individuals required to enroll in the Animal Handler Medical Surveillance Program, administered by Occupational Health Services (OHS), must complete an initial Animal Handler Medical Surveillance Questionnaire (MSQ) upon enrollment in the eResearch Animal Management (eRAM) system. In addition, individuals are required to update their MSQ if they have concerns with their work environment or changes to the following occur:

    1. Medical status;
    2. Species exposed to; or
    3. Level of animal contact

    High-risk individuals must complete a new questionnaire annually and may require further mandatory involvement (e.g., OHS clinic visit, species-specific protections) in the program. Reminders to complete or update the MSQ will occur when a high-risk species (i.e., non-human primate, sheep) is added to an existing IACUC approved animal use protocol and, at a minimum, yearly for all enrollees.

    Mandatory Training Requirements

    Mandatory Training courses are assigned to individual personnel according to the species and procedures listed under the individuals animal handling details. To fulfill training requirements, individuals must:

    1. Complete web-based training assignments prior to approval on an IACUC approved animal use protocol.
    2. Complete workshop training within 60 days of assignment notification, during which time, individuals may work with animals under the direct supervision of the PI or an individual that is listed on the IACUC approved animal use protocol and proficient on all applicable procedures.
    3. Retake online courses every 3-5 years.

    Failure to complete these requirements may result in removal from the IACUC approved animal use protocol or removal of permissions to work with specific species or perform specific techniques.

  • Compliance

    The provisions of this policy are under the direction and oversight of the U-M’s IACUC. The IACUC will, if necessary, suspend research or implement sanctions if policy infractions should occur.