Tulane University
Department of Comparative Medicine (DCM)
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
6.2.3 Safe Work Practices for Animal Research Involving Toxic Chemicals
A. Purpose/Scope
This document outlines acceptable practices in handling toxic chemicals (agents that are suspect or known human carcinogens, reproductive toxins, or highly toxic chemicals). It will also describe procedures/precautions to be taken while handling laboratory animals that have been exposed to these agents.
B. Background
Exposure to toxic chemicals can cause acute and/or chronic health effects. Health risks associated with toxic chemicals depend on both the inherent toxicity of the chemical and the nature and extent of exposure to them. Animal care activities can seriously influence the potential for employee exposure. Thus, animal care practices that might contribute to employee exposure need to be carefully assessed so that toxic hazards of chemicals associated with the care and use of research animals can be recognized and controlled.
C. Definitions
1. Carcinogen - a substance or agent producing or inciting cancer. A chemical is considered to be a carcinogen if:
a) It is regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen,
b) It is listed under the category “known to be carcinogens” in the Annual Report on Carcinogens published by the National Toxicology Program (NTP),
c) It is listed under Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer Monographs (IARC) ,
d) It is listed in either Group 2A or 2B by IARC or under the category “reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens” by NTP, and causes statistically significant tumor incidence in experimental animals.
2. Reproductive toxin – a chemical which affects the reproductive capabilities including chromosomal damage (mutations) and effects on fetuses (teratogenesis).
3. Highly toxic chemical - a chemical falling within any of the following categories:
a) A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 50 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
b) A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 200 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between two and three kilograms each.
c) A chemical that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of 200 parts per million by volume or less of gas or vapor, or 2 milligrams per liter or less of mist, fume, or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for one hour (or less if death occurs within one hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
4. PPE - Personal Protective Equipment.
5. OEHS - Office of Environmental Health and Safety
6. MSDS - Material Safety Data Sheet
D. References
§ Tulane University Environmental Health and Safety Policies and Procedures Manual, Section 30 Laboratory Safety, Part I “Work with Select Carcinogens, Reproductive Toxins, and Substances with a High Degree of Acute Toxicity”
§ Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals. 1997. National Academy Press: Washington, DC.
§ OSHA Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, 29 CFR Part 1910.1450.
E. Procedures
If toxic chemicals are used in animal research, the following procedures will apply:
Employees / Safe Work Practices / PPEResearchers / § Perform all work involving toxic chemicals under local exhaust ventilation (e.g. a fume hood, ducted biological safety cabinet, etc.).
§ Place a hazard warning label with chemical identity on the animal cages when the toxic chemicals are administered.
§ Review MSDS for toxic chemical with lab personnel.
§ Notify DCM prior to administration of toxic chemicals.
§ Notify DCM when toxic chemicals have been administered and cage labels applied. / § Follow recommendations from OEHS.
DCM / § Upon receipt of information by researcher that toxic chemicals will be administered to animals, inform DCM employees so that proper training can commence prior to administration.
§ Upon receipt of information by researcher that toxic chemicals have been administered, inform affected DCM employees of hazards and exposure control measures.
§ Document notification and training of personnel.
§ Ensure that appropriate warning labels have been placed on the animal cages.
§ Use negative air dumping station when dumping waste bedding.*
§ Use biological safety cabinet when changing cages.*
§ Follow recommendations from OEHS for the disposal of contaminated bedding and animal carcasses. / When handling cages or bedding from exposed animals wear:
§ Nitrile gloves
§ Shoe covers
§ Protective disposable outerwear
§ Additional PPE as recommended by OEHS.
* Wear N95 respirator if negative air dumping station or biological safety cabinet are not available.
Please note that any work involving formaldehyde, must comply with the OSHA Formaldehyde Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1048; see also section 28 of the Tulane University Environmental Health and Safety Policies and Procedures Manual which is available online at www.som.tulane.edu/oehs.
F. General Safety Information:
1. Personnel should always wash hands after working with toxic chemicals, exposed animals, or labeled caging.
2. Personnel should not wear gloves outside of the animal facility.
3. Refer to the MSDS for additional chemical safety information.
4. Contact OEHS (988-5486) for information regarding disposal of excess/waste chemicals.
5. In the event of a spill, refer to the MSDS for specific spill response information. Contact OEHS (988-5486) or Tulane Police:
a. Downtown 988-5555
b. Uptown 865-5911
Original SOP: November 16, 2004Review: December 8, 2009
Review: July 10, 2014
Georgina Dobek, DVM, DACLAM
Director, Department of Comparative Medicine
Tulane University Health Science Center
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