UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98195-4400

 

Environmental Health and Safety

201 Hall Health Center

Box 354400

 

March 2, 2006

 

To:   Edwin Rubel

Re:  IACUC Protocol Number: 2048-02

Title:  ÒDevelopment, Function and Regeneration of the Auditory SystemÓ

 

Occupational Health Recommendations

 

  1. Please refer to Occupational Health Program Recommendations Sheet for people working with Guinea Pigs, Gerbils, Fish, Rats and Mice.  Please refer to the information sheet on potential zoonotic diseases of tropical fish and zoonotic disease prevention while work with poultry.
  2. As noted, you have a sharps protocol in place.  Sharps containers must be in close proximity to where sharps are being used.  Dispose of sharps as soon as feasible.  No re-capping, bending or shearing of needles.  Re-usable sharps must be managed in such a manner to prevent accidental needlesticks.  If razor blades are re-used they must be secured in a highly visible place.
  3. For injuries, needlestick or sharps injury, call the Employee Health Center-UW Campus (EHC-UWC) at 685-1026.  After hours or if the clinic is not available, go to the UWMC Emergency Department (ED).
  4. It is noted you will be providing personal protective equipment (PPE), i.e., gloves, eye protection, lab jackets, masks etc.  Continue to assess for hazards through out the project that can be mitigated by the use of PPE.
  5. Regarding your work with the chemical agents or drugs that you will be administering to the animals, please refer to the attached Appendix 1 for the recommendations for use.

6.     Any work with fixing agents must be done in a chemical fume hood.  Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, such as: goggles, gloves, and lab jacket when working with fixing agents.  Consult the Lab Safety Manual regarding appropriate glove selection.

7.     Should an exposure incident (mucous membrane, open wound, parenteral) occur, inform the treating healthcare providers of the agent involved in the exposure incident, the dose being worked with at the time, and route of exposure.

  1. EH&S now has a new policy for voluntarily wearing respirators to reduce the risk of animal allergens.  Here is the link: http://www.ehs.washington.edu/ohsresp/voluntaryrespanimaluse.shtm.

 

 

Please attach a copy to your protocol.  All personnel listed on this protocol must read this information.

Please call for any questions. JoAnn Kauffman RN, COHN-S

EH&S Research and Biological Safety 206-221-3025