Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals - Office of ...

4GUIdE FOR ThE CARE ANd USE OF LAbORATORy ANIMALSment) may be considered in some situations (Kaye et al. 1998; Murphy etal. 2009). Procedures for on-site packaging, labeling, transportation, andstorage of these wastes should be integrated into occupational health andsafety policies (Richmond et al. 2003).Hazardous wastes that are toxic, carcinogenic, flammable, corrosive,reactive, or otherwise unstable should be placed in properly labeled containersand disposed of as recommended by occupational health and safetyspecialists. In some circumstances, these wastes can be consolidated orblended. Sharps and glass should be disposed of in a manner that will preventinjury to waste handlers.Pest Control Programs designed to prevent, control, or eliminate the presenceof or infestation by pests are essential in an animal environment. Aregularly scheduled and documented program of control and monitoringshould be implemented. The ideal program prevents the entry of vermin andeliminates their harborage in the facility (Anadon et al. 2009; Easterbrook etal. 2008). For animals in outdoor facilities, consideration should be givento eliminating or minimizing the potential risk associated with pests andpredators.Pesticides can induce toxic effects on research animals and interferewith experimental procedures (Gunasekara et al. 2008). They should beused in animal areas only when necessary and investigators whose animalsmay be exposed to them should be consulted beforehand. Use of pesticidesshould be recorded and coordinated with the animal care management staffand be in compliance with federal, state, or local regulations. Wheneverpossible, nontoxic means of pest control, such as insect growth regulators(Donahue et al. 1989; Garg and Donahue 1989; King and Bennett 1989;Verma 2002) and nontoxic substances (e.g., amorphous silica gel), shouldbe used. If traps are used, methods should be humane; traps that catch pestsalive require frequent observation and humane euthanasia after capture(Mason and Littin 2003; Meerburg et al. 2008).Emergency, Weekend, and holiday Care Animals should be cared for byqualified personnel every day, including weekends and holidays, both tosafeguard their well-being and to satisfy research requirements. Emergencyveterinary care must be available after work hours, on weekends, and onholidays.In the event of an emergency, institutional security personnel and fire orpolice officials should be able to reach people responsible for the animals.Notification can be enhanced by prominently posting emergency procedures,names, or telephone numbers in animal facilities or by placing themin the security department or telephone center. Emergency procedures forhandling special facilities or operations should be prominently posted andpersonnel trained in emergency procedures for these areas. A disaster plan