AAALAC Inspection - Environmental Health & Safety

Environmental Health & Safety
Biological Safety
Presented by
Alexis Brubaker, Associate Biological Safety Officer
On Behalf of
Sabrina Guarino, Biosafety Specialist

Preparing for AAALAC
• What is AAALAC?
• What do I need to know or do?
• What is EHS doing?
• What are we finding?
• How do I get more information?

Preparing for AAALAC
• What is AAALAC?
– Private, nonprofit
– Promotes humane treatment of research animals
– Voluntary accreditation and assessment
– 850 facilities in 35 countries

Preparing for AAALAC
• Why AAALAC?
- Demonstrates that we comply with the law and
meet all standards
- AND go the extra step to achieve excellence in
animal care

Preparing for AAALAC
• What do I need to know or do?
– AAALAC will be on site June 18 th -22 nd
– If you work with animals at ABSL-2
• Ensure your PI has been contacted by EHS
Biosafety
– Make sure your training, PPE, signage, and
practices are up to date!
– Ask questions!

Preparing for AAALAC
• What is EHS doing?
– ABSL-2 site consultations & outreach, to
ensure safe practices and use of
hazardous agents
– All vivariums are currently being
inspected to evaluate general safety
practices
– Signage updates
– Animal Biosafety Procedures (ABPs)
– Zoonotic Information Sheets
…with IACUC, CARE, Gannett, and
Others!

Example Signage

Preparing for AAALAC
What are the EHS Biosafety Site visits?
– Our chance to collaborate with your labs
– Observing safety techniques & reviewing procedures

A BRIEF REVIEW OF COMMON
FINDINGS

Proper Biohazard Cage Card
Labeling
Agent that was administered
Amount
Date of inoculation
Lab-to-Lab Transfers
Carry biohazards in sealed secondary
containment
Mark the container on the exterior
with a biohazard symbol

Biosafety Cabinet Use
When preparing and inoculating
Rear 2/3 area, if possible
Remember to remove arms slowly
Do not cover the front grill
Decon before & after use
Vacuum traps or filters for ‘house vac’

UV light
We do not recommend using as a
primary means of disinfection in
the biosafety cabinet
In order for these lights to be
fully effective they must be
cleaned and changed on a regular
basis
Must directly hit surfaces (won’t
penetrate paper, plastic, etc)

Disinfection Practices
Before and after task is completed
Contact time with the Spor-Klenz or 10% bleach
before wiping
Rinse with 70% EtOH
Decontaminate cages and other materials before
removing them from the BSC
Decontaminate bags before transport

Sharps
Disposal container is within arm’s reach for easy
and safe disposal.

Preparing for AAALAC
• How do I get more information?
– IACUC website: www.iacuc.cornell.edu
– CARE website: www.research.cornell.edu/care
– EHS Biosafety In-vivo website: www.ehs.cornell.edu
– AAALAC website: www.aaalac.org
– Ask EHS!
• www.ehs.cornell.edu/askEHS
• 607-255-8200