Keeping you Safe

Keeping you Safe with the Special Animal Safety Protocol (SASP) Program

Would you like to know if the animal you are working with has been used in conjunction with hazardous materials?

It's now easy! The SASP has everything you need to know.

Example of a SASP found in the service binder dedicated to the room.

SASP

The Special Animal Safety Protocol (SASP) is a document designed to quickly give you important information when you need it!

Whether the hazardous agent is a human pathogen, recombinant/synthetic nucleic acid material, or harmful chemical, a SASP for each agent administered to the experimental animal(s) will be found in the service binder located in the room --right where the animal is housed!

SASP = quick info

PI and emergency contact information
Characteristics of the agent and symptoms of exposure
MINIMUM PPE required.*
Required procedures, equipment, and disposal for working with these animals

* BEST PRACTICES AND DLAR HUSBANDRY SOPS MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL PPE

So how will you know if an animal you are handling has had hazardous agents administered to them?

Look for the ORANGE Hazardous Agent Awareness Card affixed to the animal's cage.

TAKE NOTE:

If the "PI Staff Only" sign is circled, do not handle!

Use the Hazardous Agent Service Request# to look up the SASP(s) for the animal in question.

SASPs are arranged in the binder by Hazardous Agent Request Form.

The above information will also be useful in the case of an injury or incident with the animal. Remember, if any incident or injury occurs, report it to your supervisor regardless of severity!

If an exposure to a hazardous agent should occur, please keep the following in mind:

1. Stay calm. Secure any animals.

2. Doff PPE and follow first aid procedures.

3. If an animal was involved, please make note of its cage card, PI owner, and status.

4. Report your injury to your supervisor and, if needed, proceed to UHS for medical attention.*

5. If the accident results in exposure to infectious agents or recombinant materials, the supervisor should immediately report incident to the Department of Biological Safety.

*For life threatening injuries, call 911 or proceed immediately to the Emergency Department of UK Chandler Hospital.

Questions or concerns about the SASP Program may be directed to Holley Hannabach, UK Animal Research Compliance Manager at 859-257-8655, or hmtr222@uky.edu.

Appreciate

Credits:

Created with an image by Howie R - "Tilly saying thank you https://www.instagram.com/sillytillycocker/"