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 OHSP training and pass the quiz with a score of 90%. Register for training.
- Complete applicable forms in “What forms do I need to submit when working with research animals in an AVS-operated vivarium?” below.
- Provide proof of medical clearance, Health Professional Medical Evaluation to Principal Investigator—Form B, to AVS Operations Supervisor, either in-person at JABSOM BSB 122 or by email to avsofc@hawaii.edu.
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:
- Authorization for Release of Medical Information—Form E (complete yellow highlighted sections only)
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:
- Authorization for Release of Medical Information—Form E (complete yellow highlighted sections only)
Declining OHSP
If you choose to decline further medical evaluation and/or immunizations recommended by the Health Professional, complete the following forms:
- Authorization for Release of Medical Information—Form E (complete yellow highlighted sections only)
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:
- OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire—Form F (complete yellow highlighted sections only)
- Authorization for Release of Medical Information—Form E (complete yellow highlighted sections only)
- Medical Clearance for Respirator Use—Form H (complete yellow highlighted sections only)
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:
- Complete the online Visitor Request Form (VRF). Upon submitting the form, AVS will receive your request.
- 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
- Occupational Health and Safety Manual (replace with Occupational Health and Safety Manual in new documents)