Occupational Health and Safety Program

Occupational Health and Safety Program (OHSP) for Entry into AVS-Operated Vivariums

Enrollment in the OHSP is required for all individuals whose duties involve routine exposure to animals, animal waste, or animal tissues; and/or who will be named as a person working with research animals on an IACUC protocol in an AVS-operated vivarium. Individuals exposed to animals and/or their byproducts must enroll in the OHSP to ensure continued access into the vivariums. Those individuals not yet enrolled in the OHSP who already have or are requesting access into an AVS operated vivarium, must complete and pass the quiz for the AVS OHSP training. They must also provide written documentation that their Health History Questionnaire forms were sent to Straub Occupational Health or an equivalent health care provider in order to maintain temporary access into the vivariums. Temporary access will be good for up to 30 days until the individual receives medical clearance from Straub or equivalent health care provider. PIs will also be notified during the IACUC protocol review process about the requirement of individuals not yet enrolled and listed on their protocols, to enroll in the OHSP if they will be working with animals, animal waste, or animal tissues in AVS-operated vivariums.

Once every three years, or sooner, if the individual’s working conditions and/or health status changes, they must be reassessed by Straub or an equivalent health care provider to maintain vivarium access.

The OHSP also applies to individuals who will not be working with research animals but will have exposure to areas where animals are located, including, but not limited to, personnel in non-research units such as Facilities Management, contractors, other support personnel, and visitors such as site inspectors who enter the vivariums.

Enrollment for Faculty, Staff, Fellows, Students and Volunteers

Individuals whose duties involve routine exposure to animals, animal waste, or animal tissue on an IACUC protocol in an AVS-operated vivarium. Follow these steps to enroll:

  • Complete applicable forms in “What forms do I need to submit when working with research animals in an AVS-operated vivarium?” below.

What forms do I need to submit when working with research animals in an AVS-operated vivarium?

Complete the following applicable forms and fax them to Straub Occupational Health Services at email dora.sakata@straub.net, fax (808)-529-4950, or mail to:

Straub Occupational Health Services

800 S. King Street, 3rd Floor

Honolulu, HI 96813

Enrolling In OHSP For The First Time Through Straub

If you are enrolling in OHSP for the first time, complete the following forms:

Renewals In OHSP Through Straub

You are required to be reassessed after three years or if there have been changes in health status and/or work assignment since your first enrollment. If so, complete the following forms:

Declining OHSP

If you choose to decline further medical evaluation and/or immunizations recommended by the Health Professional, complete the following forms:

Respirator Medical Clearance Through Straub

If you are required to wear respirators per the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) protocol, you may use Straub Occupational Health Services or an equivalent provider for your initial or re-evaluation for medical clearance to wear respirators. In addition, initial and annual respirator fit testing is required. For information on respirator fit testing, contact your local Environmental Health and Safety Office. If you use Straub Occupational Health Services for medical clearance to wear respirators, complete the following forms:

Visitors and Individuals Not Working with Research Animals

Individuals who will not be working with research animals but will have exposure to areas where animals are located, including but not limited to: personnel in non-research units such as Facilities Management, contractors, other support personnel, and visitors such as site inspectors who enter the vivaria. Follow these two steps to request access to the vivarium:

  • Following AVS approval of the VRF, the Vivarium Visitor Orientation Form (abbreviated OHS training for the vivarium) will be attached in an email to the individual to read, sign and be presented to AVS management staff on the day of their visit. Site specific information will be provided based on the facility that is visited.

Contacts

To check on the status of your submitted form, check with Straub or your academic unit.

  • John A. Burns School of Medicine, Janet Meeks
  • UH Cancer Center, Cliff Martin
  • Animal Veterinary Services, Stacy Sanders

Other Information