Guidance for non-University of Pittsburgh personnel utilizing animal models or entering dedicated DLAR animal housing and use space
The University of Pittsburgh (University) recognizes there are various circumstances where non-University personnel collaborate on projects utilizing University animals. Additionally, there are circumstances where both University and non-University personnel need access to University animal housing and use spaces. This guidance document is meant to serve as a resource for those requesting such access.
University hosts of visitors requesting access to animal facilities for research or educational activities involving animal models are required to complete this survey for visitor requests. The information provided will be reviewed to assure all clearances are in place for approval.
All visitors and hosts must review and complete University requirements for Academic visitors. Please see additional Information to complete this process.
The EH&S Handbook recognizes two classifications of visitors:
Visitor with Prolonged Exposure – A person who enters the facility with an escort 4 times or more within 30 days and does not have direct contact with an animal on any entry.
Visitor with Minimal/Limited Exposure – A person who enters the facility with an escort 3 times or less within 30 days and does not have direct contact with an animal on any entry.
Visitors must review and complete the necessary requirements of the relevant EH&S SOP found here.
Requirements of Visitors to Animal Housing, Procedural or Surgical Areas
1. Hosts of individuals who are not considered members of the University—defined as those who are not employed by the University (i.e., faculty or staff), enrolled as students, or holding a formal University appointment—must initiate the University’s Visitor Procedures. This requirement is especially critical for individuals who will access laboratory environments, including DLAR-managed animal facilities, and must be initiated as far in advance of the visit as possible, Visitors and hosts must complete all of the University Visitor Procedures prior to the steps below.
Medical treatments for individuals who are not University members are not covered by the University’s Workers’ Compensation Program or by Employee Health Services. Accordingly, any injuries sustained by such individuals while present in laboratory or animal research settings would be the sole responsibility of their personal health insurance providers.
2. An animal facility visitor is defined as any individual (including students) who is not listed on an active IACUC protocol for the site in question or a person who does not have explicit approval to enter animal housing or use spaces as part of their job function (e.g., DLAR animal care staff, approved safety and facilities management personnel, etc.).
3. University hosts of visitors requesting access to animal facilities for research or educational activities involving animal models are required to complete this form. The information provided will be reviewed by the Animal Research Protection (ARP) Division within the Office of Research Protections (ORP). This requirement does not apply to individuals such as contractors, regulatory officials, or others whose access is for legitimate purposes unrelated to research or teaching. Once compliance with the University Visitor Procedures and all applicable requirements have been verified, the University host will be provided with an authorization form to be presented to the University Attending Veterinarian or her designee and any applicable scientific director to obtain final permission for entry into animal facilities.
4. Permission must be obtained from the University Attending Veterinarian (Dr. Amy Cassano; phone: 412-648-8950; email: cassano@pitt.edu) or their designee, and any applicable scientific director prior to bringing any animal facility visitors into animal housing or dedicated animal procedural or surgical areas. When a visit is for research or training purposes, the Attending Veterinarian must be provided with the authorization form generated by the ARP division.
5. Training requirements for individuals encountering animals solely for training purposes, as part of a course must be detailed in the IACUC approved protocol. Instructors of courses employing animals should contact the IACUC Training Coordinator, (email: cgubish@pitt.edu; phone: 412-383-1737), far in advance of the course so that the training requirements for the students can be assessed and managed correctly.
6. Visitors entering animal housing or use areas where radiological or biohazardous conditions (Biosafety Level 2 or above) exist must complete a limited training program regarding occupational health and safety concerns and personal protection. Contact the IACUC Training Coordinator (email: cgubish@pitt.edu; phone: 412- 383-1737), as far in advance of the visit as possible to schedule this training.