Faculty of Science & Health

Dublin City University

Code of Practice on the Control of Laboratory Animal Allergies

Code Of Practice On The Control Of Laboratory Animal Allergies

Contents

1 Introduction 2

2 What is Laboratory Animal Allergy 2

3How the Allergy Develops 2

4 The Symptoms of Laboratory Animal Allergy 2

5 Controlling the Problem 3

6 Personal Protective Equipment 3

7 Occupational Health Monitoring 5

8 Action In The Event of a suspected LAA 6

9 Summary 7

10 Documents on which this Code of Practice is Based 7

Appendix 1: Management of Laboratory Animal Allergy in DCU 8

Appendix 2: Medical Questionnaires 9

1. Introduction

Currently in DCU the management of Laboratory Animal Allergies is based around the wearing of personal protective equipment, information provided to relevantstaff and the informal monitoring of symptoms by facility managers. The purpose of this document is to regularise the management of this issue in DCU such that the risk it poses to relevant personnel is reduced to as low a level as is reasonably practicable.

2. What is Laboratory Animal Allergy (LAA)?

LAA is an allergic reaction, which may develop as a result of repeated exposure to laboratory animals. Up to 44% of people who regularly work with small mammals and insects develop allergic reactions to proteins secreted in their urine, dander, or excreta. Usually this only causes annoying symptoms such as an itchy nose or watering eyes butin up to 10%of those affected serious diseases like asthma can occur.

All persons working with laboratory animals are at risk, even if allergy has never been a problem before. The risk is not confined to animal carepersonnel. Researchers, maintenance staff and anyone involved in the handling of waste materials from animal laboratories can be affected. Someone who already has asthma or a history of allergic conditions like hay fever or eczema are at greater risk but anyone working with laboratory animals could develop LAA.

3. How the allergy develops

Allergenic material becomes airborne whenever animals move around in their cages or are handled. Minute particles of soiled bedding, skin and droplets of urine become airborne (aeroallergens) and can remain suspended in the air for some time after. These are then breathed in or settle on exposed skin and clothing during work. In addition, many rodent species pass urine freely. Contamination of skin with allergenic material is inevitable unless protective clothing is worn during handling of animals and their bedding. In some people, allergens absorbed across the lining of the lung, or through breaches in the skin, then stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies which will trigger an allergic reaction whenever subsequent exposure to the allergen occurs, even if at very low levels

The development of such allergic sensitisation appears to be linked more to peak rather than cumulative exposure, so even exposures of 1- 2 hours per month can be dangerous if it involves high exposure work. The repeated simple handling of animals can generate a high exposure.

4. The symptoms of laboratory animal allergy

Many of the symptoms are similar to those of hay fever. These include sneezing and runny nose (rhinitis), itchy and watering eyes (conjunctivitis), and less commonly itchy skin rash similar to a nettle rash (urticaria). Coughing, tightness of the chest and wheezing (asthma) can also occur. Very rarely, acute collapse (anaphylaxis) can follow a bite or a needle stick injury.

It is important that symptoms of rhinitis and conjunctivitis are recognised and reported to the manager of the facility at an early stage so that measures can be taken to reduce the possibility of asthma developing subsequently.

Most people who suffer from LAA develop symptoms within a 2 year period and usually within 6 months of starting work. Occasionally however, symptoms can occur for the first time after several years of exposure.

5. Controlling the problem

The ventilation systems in animal houses are designed to contain and remove aeroallergens, but they can only reduce and not eliminate contact with them. Ventilation provides no protection against direct skin contact with allergenic material from handling.

Effective control relies on the use of protective clothing and work practices designed to reduce exposure times and amounts. If recommended work practices arefollowedand recommendations and rules on the use of protective clothing and equipment are complied with,the risk of developing allergies will substantially reduce.

6. Personal Protective Equipment

The selection and the correct use of appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is essential to reducing worker exposure to animal allergens. The selection of suitable PPE is based on the nature of the work being undertaken and the consequentialgeneration and anticipated risk of exposure to animal allergens.

Working with laboratory animals or in animal holding facilities is, for the purposes of PPE selection, broken down into three types dependent on the risk / exposure (see Table 1).

Howie style laboratory coats or upper body scrubs with full length sleeves should be worn at all times in animal holding facilities. These laboratory coats / scrubs should be kept exclusively for animal work. Basic hygiene precautions must be adhered to at all times with respect to protective clothing. Scrubs or lab coats which are free from contamination with animal hair, soiled bedding, blood, faeces, urine or other fluids may be worn in areas where food and drink is consumed. Scrubs or lab coats which are known or suspected to be contaminated with animal hair, soiled bedding, blood, faeces, urine or other fluids must not be worn in any areas where food and drink is consumed.

Table 1. Risk Categorisation of Animal Handling / Animal Facility Operations

Category / Typical Activities / Required PPE
High Risk /
  • The following processes if carried out outside of laminar flow workstations:
  • Cleaning / scraping out animal cages
  • Repeated cage transfer activities
  • Repeated animal immunisations
  • All dry shaving of animals
  • Repeated handling of soiled animal bedding
  • Repeated weaning activities
  • Any activity that involves the repeated handling of animals or animal products where there is a risk of large amounts of airborne particles being created
/
  • Full set of full body scrubs
  • Disposable gloves
  • Respiratory protection
  • Good personal hygiene practises

Medium Risk /
  • Single physical contact process / events excluding dry shaving
  • Animal feeding activities
  • Any process preformed in laminar flow work station
  • Any activity where there is a risk of airborne particles being created but not in large amounts – as assessed by facility management or their nominee.
/
  • Full upper body (neck to waist and arms) skin and leg coverage, e.g. closed Howie coat with trousers;full set of complete body scrubs; etc.
  • Disposable gloves
  • Good personal hygiene practises

Low Risk /
  • Non contact activities e.g. animal observations; walking through facility, etc
  • Any activity where there is little or no risk of airborne particles being created– as assessed by facility management or their nominee.
/
  • Full upper body (neck to waist and arms) skin coverage, e.g. closed Howie coat; full set of complete body scrubs; etc.
  • Disposable gloves when handling animals
  • Good personal hygiene practises

These PPE requirements apply to those persons who have not been previously diagnosed with any Laboratory Animal Allergy. Persons known to suffer any such allergy must consult with their manager and the University Safety Office before carrying out any of the high or medium risk activities outlined above.

When animals or their soiled beddingis to handled then disposable gloves must be worn.

The aim of protective clothing and gloves is to eliminate or minimise direct skin contact between the animals and their bedding and persons working with the animals. In this regard the wearing of clothing which does not substantially cover the wearer’s legs or arms in animal handling facilities is not recommended. In the event that direct skin contact is made betweena persons’skin and an animal / animal productthis must be followed immediately by the washing of the affected area.

Suitable respiratory protection must be worn when engaged in any high risk activity, i.e any activity where there is the potential to generate large amounts of airborne allergens. This is vital to ensure minimal exposure to and inhalation of animal allergens. It should be noted here that the inhalation of animal allergens generates a significant risk of developing an allergic reaction in exposed persons. A number of different types of respiratoryprotection are suitable for use in protecting against airborne animal allergies. Whatever type is used it must conform to a relevant EN standard (e.g. EN140 for half face masks; EN149 for disposable masks; etc). The two main types of respiratory protection that may be used on a regular basis are:

  • Disposable masks: If wearing this type of mask then persons will require suitable training and will require a fit test to ensure that the type of mask selected for use achieves a suitable seal around the users face. This can be arranged by the University Safety Office. This type of mask may not suitable for persons with facial hair. Persons with facial hair may be required to use a half face mask or may need to use a suitable material to seal the mask to the face through the facial hair.
  • A half face mask: Persons wearing these types of masks will again require fit testing and training in the correct use of the mask selected. These masks are suitable for persons with facial hair.

Persons sensitised, may be advised by the Health Risk Management Specialist to wear a different type of mask or respirator which will provide additional protection.

7. Health Risk Monitoring (Health Surveillance)

As part of the risk assessment requirements of the Biological Agents Regulations the University must ensure that persons working in or planning to utilise animal holding facilities are subjected to ongoing health surveillance. Persons who continue to work with laboratory animals will have their health regularly monitored by the University Health Risk Management Service. The purpose of this health surveillance is to protect the health of individual workers and to assist in the evaluation of control measures.

The role of the health risk management service in health surveillance for Laboratory Animal Allergy is to:

  1. Assess the health of employees who will be involved in animal work.
  2. Periodically monitor the health of existing workers in order to identify any problems at an early stage. The health risk specialist willthen be able to advise the worker and management of any necessary changes to minimise any risk to the worker’s health.
  3. Encourage any worker who has work related health concerns to self refer to the University HealthRisk Management Service via the Health & Safety Office.

As part of the LAA assessment process all relevant personnel will be required initially to complete an allergy assessment questionnaireand a spirometry test. This will set a baseline for each individual. Following on from this,individuals will be subject to initial review in six weeks and questionnaire assessmentbiennially. A copy of the allergy questionnaire is attached.

In the event that any of the medical tests or questionnaires raise any concerns then further testing of the individual may be required. The purpose of this further testing will be to ensure that the health of the individual is not being affected by their work with or around lab animals and that adequate exposure control and treatment measures can be identified as necessary.

It should be noted that no specific medical information gathered as part of this assessment will be disclosed to management. The Health Risk Management Specialist will simply provide management with a statement of fitness and advise work modifications when these may be beneficial to the health of the individual concerned.The Manager of the Bio resource Unit will on an annual basis provide a list of users of the unit to the The Health Risk Management Service. This will facilitate cross checking of currency of their health surveillance assessments.

8. Action in the event of suspected LAA

Ant staff member / researcher who suspects that they are suffering from a LAA(e.g. if they develop a cough or wheeze) should contact the manager of the Bioresource facility and/or the Health and Safety Office to arrange an immediate consultation with the Health Risk Management Service. In such circumstances the Health Risk Management Service may advise a temporary cessation of certain tasks until further tests have been conducted.

9. Summary

  1. Staff / Researchers whowork directly with or handlelive laboratory animals will need to be subjected to a monitoring regime to asses their condition with regard to LAA
  2. This will involve completing a questionnaire and some simple medical tests as outlined above. This service is provided free to the individual by DCU and it is confidential.
  3. Medical surveillance is designed to minimize the risks to staff / researchers from laboratory animal allergy. It also helps the manager of the Bioresource facility to ensure adequate control measures are implemented that help minimize the risk.

Individuals will be recalled biennially for on going medical surveillanceor more frequently if required. Immediate assessment will be providedif an individual reports any of the symptoms of laboratory animal allergy.The cooperation of all Bioresource Facility Users is essential in minimizing the risk by wearing personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coat and mask) and following good hygiene practices.

10. Documents on which this code of practice is based

  • Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
  • Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations 1994/1998
  • Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2001
  • ‘Working safely with research animals’ Health and Safety Executive 1997
  • ‘Control of animal allergy’ Guidance note EH76 Health and Safety Executive 2002
  • Codes of practice and guidance issued by UK universities (Exeter, Imperial, Sussex, York)
  • Nicholson, P. J. Mayho G. V,. Roomes, D , Swann A. B, Blackburn B. S. (2010) - Health surveillance of workers exposed to laboratory animal allergens Journal ofOccupational Medicine No.60:pp591–597

Appendix 1: Management of Laboratory Animal Allergy inDCU

Appendix 2: Medical Questionnaires

Skin Surveillance Questionnaire

Employee details

Surname Forename
DOB Contact phone no
Address
Staff ID No Department Company

If answer to any of the following questions is yes please give details including frequency and dates

Do you suffer from or have you ever had / Yes / No / Please give details
1. Have you ever suffered fromEczema/dermatitis
Psoriasis
Other skin problem
2. Do you suffer from dry or chapped skin?
3. Do you suffer from acne?
4.Have you ever suffered from bad dandruff/or scalp problems?
5. Have you ever suffered from
blisters on the sides of your fingers
excessive palm sweating
6. Have you noticed any change in the colour of any areas of your skin?
7. Were you ever treated for any skin condition?
8. Have you ever had skin testing for allergies or skin disease?
9. Can you wear woollen clothing?
10. Did you ever develop a RASH from
Cosmetics
perfume
jewellery
medications
11. Do any of the following run in your family?
Allergies
Asthma
Hay fever
Eczema
12. Do you have to wash your hands frequently at work?
13. Do you use gloves at work?
14. Tick which types of glove you use Rubber □
Latex □
Vinyl □
15. Do you have problems in relation to your glove usage?
16. Do you use skin creams regularly at work?
17. Have you had skin problems/rashes that are related to any substance you
were exposed to in a previous job?
18. Were you allergic or sensitised to any substance in a previous job?
19. Do you have hobbies that involve skin contact with chemicals?

Signed ______Date______

RESPIRATORY QUESTIONNAIRE

Employee details

Surname Forename
DOB Contact phone no
Address
Staff ID No Department Company

If answer to any of the following questions is yes please give details including frequency and dates

Yes / No / Please give details
1. Do you usually cough for certain periods of the morning, day or night?
If answered YES, please answer question 1.a and 1.b
a. Do you cough on most days for as much as three months of the year?
b. For how many years have you had this cough?
2. Do you usually bring up phlegm from your chest in the morning, day or night?
If answered YES, please answer question 2.a and 2.b
a. Do you bring up phlegm on most days for as much as three months per year?
b. For how many years have you brought up phlegm?
3. Does your chest every feel tight or your breathing difficult?
4. Do you have shortness of breath when hurrying on level ground or walking on a slight hill?
If answered YES, please answer question 4.a, 4.b and 4.c
a. Do you get short of breath walking on level ground with people of your own age?
b. Do you have to stop for breath while walking on level ground at your own pace?
c. Do you become short of breath while washing or dressing?
5. Does your breathing ever whistle or sound wheezy?
If answered YES, please answer question 5.a
a. For how many years has your breathing sounded this way?
6. Do you have asthma?
If answered YES, please answer question 6.a and 6.b
a. How old were you when asthma started?
b. Do you take any medications for asthma?
7. Do you have any allergies other than drug allergies?
If answered YES, please answer question 7.a and 7.b
a. Have you ever been skin tested for allergies?
b. If YES to question 7.a were your allergy skin test results positive?
Yes / No / Please give details
8. Have you had pneumonia?
Have you had tuberculosis?
Have you had bronchitis/emphysema?
Have you had hay fever/sinusitis?
If you get a cold does is usually go to your chest?
Have you had chest illnesses that have kept you off work or in
bed for a week or more?
Have you had sarcoidosis?
Have you ever coughed up blood?
9. Has a doctor ever told you that something was wrong with your chest x-ray?
If answered YES, please answer question 9.a
a. When did a doctor tell you that something was wrong with your chest x-ray (day/month/year)?
(If you do not know exact day, please provide month and year or just year). For year, enter last 2 digits (i.e. 66" for 1966)
10. Have you ever worked, or do you now work, with irritant chemicals or gases?
If answered YES, please answer question 10a and 10b
a. For how many years?
b. Do you feel that the materials you work around affect your breathing?
If you answered YES to question 10.b, what are they?
Please list materials
11. Have you ever worked, or do you now work around dust, fumes, smoke, gases or chemicals?
If answered YES, please answer question 11.a, 11.b, 11.c and 11.d
a. Have you ever worked, or do you now work in a foundry, mine or quarry?
If YES, for how many years?
b.Have you ever worked, or do you now work, in sandblasting?
If YES, for how many years?
c. Have you ever worked, or do you now work, with asbestos?
If YES, for how many years?
d. Have you ever worked in, or do you now work in, a textile mill that produces cotton dust?
If YES, for how many years?
12. Within the past 6 months, have you had an itchy, runny or sore nose while at work?
If answered YES, please answer question 12.a and 12.b
a. When you are NOT at work, do these nose symptoms
Stay the same, get better or get worse?
b. How often do you have these nose symptoms?
Daily, Several times a week, Once a week or less than once a week (<once)
Yes / No / Please give details
13. Within the past month, have you had an itchy or sore throat while at work?
If answered YES, please answer question 13.a and 13.b
a. When you are NOT at work, do these throat symptoms
Stay the same, get better or get worse?
b. How often do you have these throat problems?
Daily, several times a week, once a week or less than once a week (<once)
14. Within the past month, have you experienced frequent sneezing bouts whilst at work?
If answered YES, please answer question 14.a and 14.b
a. When you are NOT at work, does your sneezing
Stay the same, get better or get worse?
b. How often do you have these sneezing problems?
Daily, several times a week, once a week or less than once a week (<once)
15. Within the past month, have you had itchy, runny or burning eyes while at work?
If answered YES, please answer question 15.a and 15.b
a. When you are NOT at work, do these eye symptoms
Stay the same, get better or get worse?
b. How often do you have these sneezing symptoms?
Daily, several times a week, once a week or less than once a week (<once)
16. Are you a CIGARETTE smoker?
 If NEVER a cigarette smoker, go to question 17
 If EX-CIGARETTE smoker, answer questions a, b, c and d
 If CURRENT cigarette smoker, answer questions a and b
a. If you are a current or ex-cigarette smoker, at what age did you begin?
b. If you are a current or ex-cigarette smoker, how many cigarettes did/do you smoke per day?
c. If you are an ex-cigarette smoker, at what age did you stop?
d. Did you stop within the last 12 months?
NO- stopped over a year ago
YES- stopped within last 12 months
17. Are you a PIPE smoker?
If NEVER a pipe smoker, go to question 18
 If EX-PIPE smoker, answer questions a, b, c and d
 If CURRENT PIPE smoker, answer questions a and b
a. If you are a current or ex-pipe smoker, at what age did you begin?
b. If you are a current or ex-pipe smoker, how many ounces did/do you smoke per day?
c. If you are an ex- pipe smoker, at what age did you stop?
d. Did you stop within the last 12 months?
NO- stopped over a year ago
YES- stopped within last 12 months
18. Are you a CIGAR smoker?
 If NEVER a cigar smoker, go to question 18
 If EX-CIGAR smoker, answer questions a, b, c and d
 If CURRENT cigar smoker, answer questions a and b
a. If you are a current or ex-cigar smoker, at what age did you begin?
b. If you are a current or ex-cigar smoker, how many ounces did/do you smoke per day?
c. If you are an ex-cigar smoker, at what age did you stop?
d. Did you stop within the last 12 months?
NO- stopped over a year ago
YES- stopped within last 12 months

Physical examination