The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) has assumed responsibility for administering the Laboratory Animal Occupational Health Program (LAOHP). Mandated by federal requirements and external laboratory animal care accreditation agencies, the primary goal of the LAOHP is to evaluate and, if necessary, address potential health risks to you that may be associated with your use of animals in the research environment.

University policy requires that all faculty, staff, visiting scholars, and students who work directly with vertebrate animals, unfixed animal tissues or body fluids, and those who work in animal housing areas must participate in the LAOHP below. Continuing authorization to use animals is contingent upon your participation in the program.

Please refer to Lab Animal Safety Data Sheets where you can find a detailed information to assist you in understanding the potential occupational hazards associated with the use of birds, canines, felines, hooved mammals, rabbits, rodents and wild rodents.

Individuals who have contact or exposure to non-human primates, sheep, hooved mammals (including unfixed tissue, blood and bodily fluids) or whose work involves animal husbandry or veterinary care with any species must enroll in the LAOHP by completing the Health Questionnaire. Continuing authorization to use or work with research animals is contingent upon your completing and submitting the questionnaire. Others working with or around any vertebrate animals are strongly encouraged but not required to complete and submit the questionnaire. Additionally, if you work with or handle non-human primates, or pregnant or neonatal sheep, you must also attend the training program offered by the Veterinary Service Center.

1. Print and complete the LAOHP Health Questionnaire.
   
2. Submit the questionnaire to:
   
   Laboratory Animal Occupational Health Program EH& S
   480 Oak Road
   MC: 8007

Your information will then be evaluated by an Occupational Health Physician to determine the potential health risk exposure and whether further follow up and preventive measures may be necessary. Personnel that are not required to complete the questionnaire but later decide they want to enroll can do so at any time.

1. If you are immunocompromised due to treatment of certain diseases, e.g., cancer, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, or as a result of chronic viral illness, special considerations may need to be made for your safety.  You are encouraged to confidentially discuss your condition with the Occupational Medicine Consultant or your personal care physician.

2. Female personnel.  If you are pregnant or become pregnant while a student or working at Stanford University, certain precautions may need to be taken during your pregnancy if you work with animals, biohazardous materials or chemical agents.  (It is recommended that you discuss your pregnancy and your work environment with your personal care physician or Occupational Medicine Consultant as early as possible in case precautions need to be instituted.)

3. Bites and scratches. It is important to report all bite wounds and scratches. Wounds must be cleansed immediately in your work area.
   Instructions for proper cleaning of wounds will be given to you by your supervisor. After you have cleansed the wound, go immediately to Sequoia
   Occupational Health, 454 Forest Avenue, Palo Alto, (650) 566-0288, during the hours of 8:00 to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday or 9:00 am to
   1:00 pm Saturday. For after hours care or immediate life threatening injuries go directly to the Stanford Hospital Emergency Room (650-723-5111). It is very important to receive medical care after each bite or scratch in order to prevent infection.

4. Ergonomics.  If you would like general information about working safely and effectively (e.g., how to lift heavy objects, manipulations with excessive repetitive motion, etc.), visit the Ergonomics at Stanford Web page or contact Environmental Health & Safety at 723-0448 for more information.

5. If you have any concerns about other potential environmental hazards in your work area, contact Environmental Health & Safety at 723-0448 for follow up.