Environmental Health & Safety

Program Overview:

The UCR Animal Occupational Health Program (AOHP) is established to safeguard the health and safety of individuals engaged in animal care and handling activities. Its primary objective is to identify, assess, manage, and mitigate potential health risks associated with working with laboratory animals. Through comprehensive evaluation, the AOHP delivers personalized recommendations aimed at minimizing the risk of illness linked with laboratory animal research.

• Enrollment Process:

  Enrollment Process:

  Participation in the UCR AOHP is mandatory for all individuals with direct or incidental contact with laboratory animals. This involves completing an online questionnaire, which serves as a crucial tool for understanding and addressing potential health hazards. While participation is compulsory, individuals have the option to formally opt out of the program via the provided option on the questionnaire.

  New Occupational Health Surveillance System

• Enrollment Criteria

  Enrollment Criteria:

  Enrollment in the UCR Animal Occupational Health Program is mandatory for:
  •    Individuals listed on Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols as research personnel.
  •    Personnel engaged in animal-related research, testing, or educational activities.
  •    Those with direct or incidental exposure to laboratory animals, including casual exposure.
  •    Individuals entering Vivarium facilities for any purpose.

• Enrollment Details for Short-Time Visitors

  Enrollment Details for Short-Time Visitors:

  Enrollment involves completing the AOHP questionnaire. Disclosure of personal health information is optional, and individuals may choose not to provide it if they wish.

  UCR Home Institution Occupational Health Clearance for Visiting Researchers Engaged in Animal Work at UCR

• Health Risks Awareness

  Health Risks Awareness:

  Working with laboratory animals exposes personnel to various health risks, including but not limited to:
  •    Zoonotic diseases are infectious agents transmissible between humans and animals.
  •    Allergies, particularly to rodents or other animals, are commonly used in laboratory settings.
  •    Injuries such as bites, scratches, and other physical harm.
  •    Handling of hazardous materials associated with animal manipulation.

• Ongoing Compliance

  Ongoing Compliance:

  Maintaining AOHP compliance is essential for a safe work environment. Participants must submit a new questionnaire under the following conditions:

  • Prior to inclusion on an IACUC protocol.
  • Before initial contact with laboratory animals.
  • If there are changes in health status (e.g., worsening allergies, pregnancy).
  • When exposure circumstances change (e.g., new animal models or hazards).
    Enrollment renewal is typically every three years, or sooner based on health status. For multiple IACUC protocols, renewal will be associated with a single Animal Use Protocol (AUP) if all hazards are listed.
• Program Oversight

  Program Oversight:

  The UCR EH&S Occupational Health oversees the AOHP, managing the online Occupational Health Surveillance and Screening (OHSS) tool. They maintain agreements with local certified occupational health providers to offer a full range of medical surveillance services, including allergy assessments and respiratory clearances. Principal Investigators (PIs) are no longer responsible for program costs.
  By following AOHP guidelines, UCR ensures a safe, healthy environment for all personnel involved in animal research.

• Immunization Requirement

  Immunization Requirement: Recommendation for Tetanus

  A tetanus booster within the last ten years is highly recommended for all individuals who have recurrent animal contact. This is based upon guidance from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

  You can record your last tetanus immunization in your medical evaluation as part of your animal occupational health form.
  Additionally, if you have received a Tdap vaccination within the past ten years or currently have one, please submit your vaccination records through ehsocchealth@ucr.edu. A new vaccine portal will be available in April 2025. For students, use the existing patient portal.

  For help with vaccine record submission, contact ehsocchealth@ucr.edu.

  Where and How to Get Immunized

  If you work with animals, the tetanus immunization may be provided at no cost. Contact UCR EH&S Occupational Health at ehsocchealth@ucr.edu for details. Provide your full name, birthdate, AUP, and PI’s name for a medical referral.
  For scheduling assistance, reach out at ehsocchealth@ucr.edu 

  Resources Regarding Tetanus:

  CDC Tetanus Overview: 

  Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccines: Updated Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2019 .

  The CDC's Pinkbook that provides detailed information on Diphtheria, which often discusses Tetanus as well since they share a vaccine (DTaP). This resource is valuable for healthcare providers needing in-depth knowledge about the disease, vaccine schedules, and management protocols.
  CDC Pinkbook on Diphtheria: Chapter 7: Diphtheria | Pink Book | CDC 

  Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria) Vaccine Guide

  Standing orders for Administering Td/Tdap Vaccine to Adults

  Tetanus: Questions and Answers

  Digital Vaccine Record

  Your DVR is an electronic immunization record from the California Immunization Registry (CAIR), California’s official immunization record.

  Request Record 

  For DVR requests or questions, contact ehsocchealth@ucr.edu.

• Rabies Vaccine 

  For information about the rabies vaccine or questions, reach out to  ehsocchealth@ucr.edu.

  Rabies Vaccine Information

• Reportable Diseases

  Reportable Diseases 

  For any questions or assistance, feel free to contact us at ehsocchealth@ucr.edu.

   Reportable Diseases