Reviewed and Adopted on February 8, 2024 by IACUC
- Every employee working with animals shall have a pre-employment physical. Persons with evidence of diseases transmissible to animals (e.g. tuberculosis), allergies to animals that would prevent the employee from performing their assigned duties or could lead to progressive debilitation of the employee or who may be immune deficient to such an extent that the employee’s well-being may be at risk shall be prohibited from working with animals. Appropriate medical personnel in the University Health Service shall make this assessment.
- It is mandatory that every employee working with animals shall provide evidence of a current immunization for tetanus (vaccination at 10-year intervals). Certification of immunization (e.g. letter from health professional) shall be kept in the employee’s file maintained by the Office of Human Resources.
- Normal sanitary conditions will be observed such as hands washed in washed out. Animal care personnel will wear protective clothing, eyewear, etc. (Provided by UMES), as conditions warrant.
- Proper cleaning and disinfection of equipment will be done. Application of disinfectant shall follow vendor prescribed guidelines for effective usage.
- Brief seminars on zoonosis, allergies, illness and immune suppression, precautions to be taken during pregnancy, and personal hygiene will be presented as needed by the consulting veterinarian, the campus staff physician, and physician assistant, veterinarian or public health nurse. University specialists on hazardous materials would also present seminars on:
- The safe use of chemicals,
- Physical hazards and how to avoid them
- Physical hazards and how to avoid them
- Each PI shall inform persons working with animals of potentials risks, appropriate procedures and equipment and correct safety techniques for the animals under their care.
- All on-the-job injuries will be reported to the Office of Human Resources by the employee and his/her supervisor.
- A medical evaluation or collection of a health history, that meets federal, state and local HIPAA regulations for privacy, is implemented as part of the risk assessment process as a required component of the occupational health and safety program.
- Minor injuries not requiring the attention of a health care professional will be attended to at the job site. First aid supplies are available in all animal care units.
- Minor injuries not requiring the attention of a health care professional will be attended to at the job site. First aid supplies are available in all animal care units.
- Injuries of a life-threatening nature require activation of the Emergency Medical System (EMS) by dialing 911 on the telephone. The decision to activate EMS will be at the discretion of the injured individual and/or the first responding individual on the scene. The Princess Anne Volunteer Fire Department provides 24-hour fire and EMS coverage to UMES. If hospitalization is required, individuals will be transported by EMS personnel to Tidal Health-Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC). The Tidal Health-PRMC is a full-service medical facility, which provides routine and emergency medical care to the immediate tristate area.
