According to the PHS Policy IACUC approved research projects must be reviewed how often

2.22 Assurance of Compliance with Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

Ithaca College, hereinafter referred to as institution, hereby gives assurance that it will comply with the NIH Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, hereinafter referred to as "PHS Policy."

2.22.1 Applicability

This Assurance applies whenever this Institution conducts the following activities:  all research, research training, experimentation, biological testing, and related activities involving live, vertebrate animals supported by the Public Health Service (PHS).  This Assurance covers only those facilities and components listed below: 

1.  
2. The following are branches and :  components over which this Institution has legal authority, included are those that operate under a different name:  Ithaca College.

1.  The following are other institution(s), or branches and components of another institution:  Not applicable.

2.22.2 Institutional Policy

1. This institution will comply with all applicable provisions of the Animal Welfare Act or other federal statutes and regulations relating to animals and will provide the necessary resources to manage the program of veterinary care.
    
2. This institution is guided by the "U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training."
    
3. This institution acknowledges and accepts responsibility for the care and use of animals involved in activities covered by this Assurance. As partial fulfillment of this responsibility this institution will make a reasonable effort to ensure that all individuals involved in the care and use of laboratory animals understand their individual and collective responsibilities for compliance with this Assurance as well as all other applicable laws and regulations pertaining to animal care and use.
    
4. This institution has established and will maintain a program for activities involving animals in accordance with the Eighth Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals ("Guide")

1. This Institution agrees to ensure that all performance sites engaged in activities involving live vertebrate animals under consortium (subaward) or subcontract agreements have an Animal Welfare Assurance and that the activities have Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval.

2.22.3 Institutional Program for Animal Care and Use

1. The line of authority and responsibility for administering the program and ensuring compliance with this policy are as follows: LPlease see attached Organizational Chart - Attachment 1

1. The qualifications, authority, and percent of time contributed by veterinarian(s) who will participate in the program are:

1)  Carolyn McMaster, DVM

• Degrees: DVM 1978, Cornell University
• Training:  Dr. McMaster has over 30 years of experience diagnosing and treating laboratory and exotic species in her veterinary practice.
• Authority:  Dr. McMaster has direct program authority and responsibility for the Institution’s animal care and use program including access to all animals.

Dr. McMaster provides expert direction for the overall supervision of the laboratory animals at Ithaca College.  She has delegated the normal day-to-day maintenance of the animals to the animal caretaker, who is regularly supervised by the IACUC chair.  Dr. McMaster conducts regularly scheduled visits (at least 2 per year) and unscheduled visits (at least 2 per year) to the animal facilities in addition to serving as a member of IACUC.  Dr. McMaster notifies the IACUC chair in the event of any discrepancies from normal policy of animal husbandry and care.  It is the chair’s responsibility to assure expeditious remedy of the situation.  Dr. McMaster retains the prerogative of ordering or personally undertaking the necessary actions to insure that no animal undergoes inhumane treatment or suffering.  It is estimated that she devotes 2% of her time to these tasks.

The animal facilities are inspected at least once a year by a veterinarian employed by New York State.  These are unannounced visits.  Copies of the results of these inspections are provided for the IACUC chair and Dr. McMaster.

In the case where veterinary assistance is needed and Dr. McMaster is unavailable, back up veterinary care will be provided by the Cornell University Animal Hospital. This hospital is equipped to handle emergencies for a wide array of species and is staffed 24 hours a day by a team of licensed veterinarians covering a broad array of medical specialties.  The veterinarian team at Cornell University Hospital is led by Dr. Lorin Warnick, DVM, PhD.  Dr. Warnick has been a faculty member at Cornell since 1996, having worked as a large animal clinical epidemiologist and as Associate Dean for Veterinary Education.  He received his veterinary degree from Colorado State University in 1988, a PhD from Cornell University in 1994 and is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine.  

In addition, the services of the Diagnostic Center at the Cornell University Veterinary School are readily available.  This service can be utilized for necropsy interpretation and advice on special problems.
 

1. The IACUC at this Institution is properly appointed according to PHS Policy IV.A.3.a and is qualified through the experience and expertise of its members to oversee the Institution’s animal care and use program and facilities.  The  IACUC consists of at least 5 members, and its membership meets the composition requirements of PHS Policy, Section IV.A.3.b  Attached is a list of chairperson and members of the IACUC and their names, degrees, profession, titles or specialties, and institutional affiliations. 

Please see attached IACUC membership roster – Attachment 2
 

1. The IACUC will:
    
   1. Review at least once every 6 months the Institution's program for humane care and use of animals, using the Guide as a basis for evaluation. The IACUC procedures for conducting semiannual program reviews are as follows: 

As part of its semiannual meeting (which also involves a facility inspection), the IACUC reviews the college’s program using the “Semiannual Program Review Checklist”  http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/sampledoc/checklist.htm.  This checklist will be included in the semiannual report signed by all present IACUC members.                            

At this meeting, the chair, veterinarian, or IACUC members might bring up additional animal welfare or safety issues that might need to be addressed.

All IACUC members are invited to attend the meeting and inspection.

At the meeting, the IACUC reviews all protocols for ongoing animal research.  For this review, the principal investigator describes and responds to committee members’ questions regarding the following categories.  The PI will also use the Semiannual Program Review Checklist to guide the meeting and inspection:

1. ​Justification of the use of animals in research and teaching.
2. Purpose of the stated research proposal.
3. Categorization of the proposed animal use and procedures.
4. Identification of the species, the number used, the name of the building in which animals will be housed, and the source providing the animals.
5. Details of all the experimental, pre- and post-surgical procedures.
6. Euthanasia methods and animal disposition.
7. Availability and/or appropriateness of the use of alternative procedures.
8. Extent of the training of the PI and other personnel involved in the project.
9. Criteria and the process for expert consultation in planning projects that cause momentary, minor pain.
10. Safety of working environment for personnel, including inspections, Occupational Health and Safety and CITI training.

Any changes in normal animal care procedures are submitted in writing to the members of the committee at least 2 weeks prior to the semiannual meeting. All changes to procedure are voted on by the entire committee, with any absent members submitting their vote and/or concerns in writing to the chair. A checklist of items covered as part of the semiannual program review is attached.

See attached Program Review Checklist

1. Inspect at least once every 6 months all of the Institution's animal facilities, including satellite facilities and animal surgical sites, using the Guide as a basis for evaluation. The IACUC procedures for conducting semiannual facility inspections are as follows: 

In addition to its program evaluation, in conjunction with its semiannual meeting, the IACUC includes an announced facility inspection of all rooms in which animals are housed.  As part of this inspection, the principal investigator for each IACUC-approved project describes and responds to committee members’ questions regarding the above listed categories and will use the Facility Review Checklist (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/sampledoc/chek2a.htm) to guide the meeting and inspection.  

All committee members are invited to inspect all animal housing facilities, including USDA covered species, with the animal care staff, veterinarian, and chair of the IACUC.  In addition, at least two-voting IACUC members are present during inspections. Any concerns during the inspection are noted and corrected under the guidance of the chair.  A checklist of specific items examined during the facility inspection is attached.

See Attached Facility Checklist

1. Prepare reports of the IACUC evaluations according to PHS Policy at IV.B.3. and submit the reports to the Institutional Official.

The semiannual report to the IO will include a description of the nature and extent of this Institution’s adherence to the Guide, and any departures from the Guide will be identified specifically and reasons for each departure will be stated and reported to the IO for each six month reporting period during which the IACUC approved departure is in place. 

Deficiencies noted will be distinguished as minor (not directly affecting animal health or safety) or significant (directly affecting animal health or safety).  In consultation with the IACUC chair and veterinarian, the IACUC will create a reasonable plan and schedule for correcting each deficiency (using the Semiannual Program Review and Facility Inspection Report).  The IACUC will then determine if the deficiency has been corrected by the set deadline and will pass this information on to the chair.  The chair will report this information (as a memorandum or at the next meeting) to the committee and to the Institutional Officer.

Any minority views will be included with the report.  If there are no minority views, that fact will be stated.    

The report will be signed by a majority of the IACUC members.  

1. Review concerns involving the care and use of animals at the institution.  The procedures for reviewing concerns are as follows:

Individual concerns about animal care can be submitted to any member of the IACUC committee.  All concerns are presented to the chair, who discusses them with the veterinarian, if necessary, the animal caretakers, and the principal investigator using the animals.  If deemed necessary by the chair, a meeting of the IACUC can be called to discuss the concerns.  Any necessary changes in animal care or use can be mandated by the IACUC, with no reprisals to the reporting individual.  The IACUC shall provide every animal facility manager and principal investigators with a notice describing how to report concerns regarding animal care.  This information shall also be posted in a visible location and will be maintained on the website.  In addition, the Ithaca College Whistle Blower Policy (Section 2.34 – Ethics and Integrity) states that complaints may be made anonymously.  Complaints shall be dealt with confidentially to the extent reasonably possible.  No member of the College is subject to any reprisal for reporting any suspected violations.   The chair will report the concerns and the actions chosen by the IACUC to address these concerns to the Institutional Official.

1. Make written recommendations to the provost and vice president for educational affairs regarding any aspect of the institution's animal program, facilities, or personnel training. The procedures for making recommendations to the institutional official are as follows: 

The IACUC chair will submit recommendations, as approved by the IACUC, to the institutional official regarding changes in the animal care procedures, facilities, or personnel training.
 

1. Review and approve, require modifications in (to secure approval) or withhold approval of those activities related to the care and use of animals as set forth in the PHS Policy at IV.C. The IACUC procedures for protocol review are as follows: 

Unfunded protocols and protocols for teaching laboratories will be reviewed annually by the full committee. A complete review by full committee at least once every 3 years according to PHS Policy IV.C. 1.-5 is also required for protocols funded by federal agencies.

Animal protocols involving live vertebrate animals are submitted by the principal investigator to the chair of the IACUC at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled IACUC review.  These protocols include a project description (suitable for non-scientists), a statement of the purpose of the project, a rationale for the use of animals and the number of animals used, an explanation of why a non-living model is not appropriate, certification that this project does not duplicate previous studies, a description of how the animals will be used and cared for and what means are taken to insure a minimum of discomfort and suffering of the animals, and how the animals will be disposed of at the end of the study.  Protocols are distributed to all committee members at least two weeks prior to the full committee meeting as either electronic files or hard copies, depending on the preference of the committee members. 

Full committee review occurs during a convened meeting of a quorum of the IACUC members, and with a formal vote. At least five (5) business days prior to a meeting, the Office of Sponsored Research distributes copies of the protocols being presented or any other items of discussion to each IACUC member. The Committee then votes on protocol approval at the meeting.  Full IACUC review may result in: (1) approval, (2) revisions to secure approval, or (3) rejection.  IACUC decisions are made in writing to the principal investigator.  For protocols requiring revision, principal investigators are given two (2) weeks to make the necessary changes.  

No member may participate in the IACUC review or approval of a protocol in which the member has a conflicting interest (e.g., is personally involved in the project) except to provide information requested by the IACUC; nor may a member who has a conflicting interest contribute to the constitution of a quorum.  When a member has a conflicting interest, quorum must be maintained at the convened meeting.  If quorum is not maintained, the protocol will be reviewed at the next convened meeting where quorum is maintained.  Members unable to attend will submit their comments in writing to the chair prior to the meeting.  

For protocols requiring revisions, the Committee may vote to allow the protocol to be reviewed, and approved, using the Designated Member Review process.  Approval of the change from FCR to DMR must be unanimous (of a quorum of members) and is recorded in the minutes.  Committee members are given the opportunity to require that the requested modification(s) be brought before the next committee meeting (see procedures below). Animal work will not be permitted to begin or resume until final approval is granted. 

To utilize designated member review (DMR), each IACUC member must be provided with, at a minimum, a list of the proposed research protocols or proposed significant changes to previously approved protocols prior to the review. Written descriptions of the research proposals must be made available to IACUC members upon request. Each IACUC member is provided a copy of the protocol document from the Office of Sponsored Research. Committee members are given a five (5)-business day member consideration period to review the protocol document and respond either allowing the DMR to review the protocol or to hold the protocol for the next FCR. Members are reminded that failure to respond within the member consideration period is considered as approval to use DMR for review. These responses are sent to the IACUC coordinator via email. The IACUC coordinator tallies the votes to ensure that more than half of the voting members respond, then at the end of the member consideration period, the IACUC coordinator sends the protocol to DMR for review. If any one member votes to hold the protocol until the next IACUC meeting, then the protocol is placed on the agenda for the next IACUC meeting. If all members vote to allow the DMR to review the protocol before the end of the member consideration period, then the IACUC coordinator sends the protocol to DMR for review.

The IACUC Chair designates one or more qualified members to review the proposal (or proposed amendment or annual renewal). These designated member(s) have authority to approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or request full committee review. A designated reviewer may not withhold approval; this action may only be taken if the review is conducted using the full committee method of review.

For designated review three outcomes are possible: 1) The protocol is unanimously approved by the designated reviewers. 2) The protocol requires additional modifications that are unanimously agreed upon by the designated reviewers.  If the designated reviewers require additional modifications, the concerns will be relayed in writing to the principal investigator who may then make the protocol adjustments and submit the amended protocol for the designated reviewers’ unanimous approval. All IACUC members are informed of such modification requests.  At this time, any IACUC member may request a full review.   3) The protocol is referred to full committee review. If referred to full committee, a convened meeting will be called to review and approve as described above.   Following approval by the full committee, the chair will notify the initiator of the protocol in writing that the protocol has been approved by the IACUC.  All approval letters inform the initiator that they must inform the IACUC of any changes in protocol from that approved by the committee.  

1. Review and approve, require modifications in (to secure approval) or withhold approval of proposed significant changes regarding the use of animals in ongoing activities as set forth in the PHS Policy at IV.C. The IACUC procedures for reviewing proposed significant changes in ongoing research projects are as follows: 

Proposed changes and concerns are submitted to the IACUC by the principal investigator principal investigator.  The principal investigator will submit a protocol to the committee and unless any member calls for full review, designated review will be used following the procedures outlined previously.  If full committee review is requested then that would also follow the procedures outlined previously.   

1. Notify investigators and the institution in writing of its decision to approve or withhold approval of those activities related to the care and use of animals, or of modifications required to secure IACUC approval as set forth in the PHS Policy at IV.C.4. The IACUC procedures to notify investigators and the Institution of its decisions regarding protocol review are as follows: 

The chair of the IACUC informs all investigators of the decisions regarding submitted protocols in writing immediately after the IACUC meeting.  All investigators with protocols not approved by the IACUC are notified in writing as to the reasons for rejections. The investigator may either resubmit a revised protocol for consideration or petition (either the IACUC chair or IO) to meet with the full committee if the proposed changes would seriously impact the research goals.  A summary of all protocol decisions are forwarded to the Institutional Official.
 

1. Post approval monitoring of each previously approved, ongoing activity covered by PHS Policy and USDA covered species is conducted at appropriate intervals as determined by the IACUC, including a complete review once every 3 years according to PHS Policy IV.C.1.-5.    Each previously approved, ongoing activity is reviewed during the semiannual program review meetings and facility inspections.  Each researcher that has an approved project summarizes the details of his or her study, and the IACUC members are free to ask questions.  In addition to semi-annual meetings, a complete review of all the existing animal protocols by the IACUC will be required on a three-year basis.  This review will require a formal protocol renewal of the original, approved protocol.  This protocol will undergo the same evaluation as a new or revised proposal as previously described.   
    
2. Be authorized to suspend an activity involving animals as set forth in the PHS Policy at IV.C.6. The IACUC procedure for suspending an ongoing activity are as follows:

If necessary, the IACUC can suspend an ongoing activity. The IACUC may suspend an activity only after review of the matter at a convened meeting of a quorum of the IACUC and with the suspension vote of a majority of the quorum present. If the IACUC suspends a previously approved activity, the Institutional Official (IO) in consultation with the IACUC shall review the reasons for the suspension, take appropriate corrective action, and report that action with a full explanation to OLAW.  The investigator, all members of the IACUC, the Institutional Official, and the OLAW are notified of the suspension. The animal use cannot be resumed without full review by the IACUC and evidence that the corrective actions recommended by the IO and the IACUC have been implemented. 

1. The risk-based occupational health and safety program for personnel working in laboratory animal facilities and personnel who have frequent contact with animals is as follows:  

A new-employee screening is conducted to determine that  employees are aware of the risk of workplace-related allergies, to verify they possess the necessary physical stamina to carry out the work, and to inform them of the procedures for health monitoring, accident prevention and accident reporting  Currently, Ithaca College requires the animal care staff receive a tuberculosis test at least once a year (or every six months if a staff member has/will received training at non-Ithaca College laboratories where TB may be an increased risk).  They must demonstrate a negative test for tuberculosis (Tine test or other) or provide verification from their physician that the disease is in remission.  In the latter case, a yearly verification will be required.  The animal care staff also undergo a yearly physical examination at the Ithaca College Hammond Health Center.  The physical may also be administered by the staff member's personal physician; verification is required in writing.  Animal care staff are also vaccinated against tetanus.  The Institution will provide two routine TB tests, tetanus vaccinations, and one routine physical, yearly, for animal care staff. 

Ithaca College Office of Environmental Health and Safety also holds programs on laboratory safety, fire safety and hazardous materials safety, yearly.  The program is based on hazard identification, risk assessment, and developing and implementing measures to minimize identified hazards and risks. Protective equipment (lab coats, gloves, masks, etc.) is provided as needed, with consultation with the department of Environmental Health and Safety. Resources on occupational health and safety are kept in CNS 131 and regular review is required of animal care staff. Material Safety Data Sheets are kept in CNS 171.

By filing an IACUC protocol with the IACUC, investigators identify risks and hazards in their protocol.  The protocols are evaluated by the IACUC with input from the veterinarian, as well as physician consultation, if needed.  In addition, the IACUC looks to identify hazards (actual and potential) during the semiannual program reviews and facility inspections.  

Common hazards and risks and procedures to minimize include:

Allergic reaction – Major sources of allergens include rodent urine and saliva.  Measure to minimize – education, protective clothing, gloves, hand washing and the use of a respirator to reduce aerosol exposure, if needed.

Zoonoses – The majority of animals used at Ithaca College are rats and guinea pigs that are purposely bread for research and are from pathogen free colonies.  Standard precautions are used when handling the animals, waste, bedding, tissues and fluids.

Bites/scratches – this can lead to exposure to biological hazards which may be transmitted through saliva, secretions, and/or blood.

Measures to minimize – purchase of laboratory rodents from laboratories which exclude zoonotic agents, training in animal handling techniques, and use of protective equipment.  Bites or scratches are washed immediately with antiseptic soap and water.  Minor injuries are cared for at the Hammond Health Center.  Injuries or illness requiring more than first-aid procedures may require immediate response by Campus Safety officers and are cared for by the Cayuga Medical Center Emergency Room or the employee’s primary-care physician.  Any injurious accident or any disease suspected of being employment related is to be reported in writing, within 24 hours, to the Ithaca College Office of Human Resources and the IACUC Chair. 

Precautions are taken regarding pregnancy, illness, or decreased immunocompetence.  Personnel are advised during training that if they are planning on becoming pregnant, are pregnant, ill, or have impaired immunocompetence that they should consult a health care professional/physician before working with laboratory animals.  If warranted, any work restrictions and/or accommodations are coordinated among the individual, his/her healthcare professional, and the Office of Human Resources. 

1. The total gross number of square feet in each animal facility (including each satellite facility), the species of animals housed therein and the average daily inventory, by species, of animals in each facility, are:
2. Animal Facilities, Total Sq. Ft: 2,876

   See attached Facility and Species Inventory for breakdown of square footage and animal census.
    

3. The training or instruction available to scientists, animal technicians, and other personnel involved in animal care, treatment, or use is:  All personnel involved in animal care and use must undergo training with the animal caretaker, or provide certification of previous training, prior to animal use. The animal caretaker provides a training session to all new animal users, particularly undergraduate research students, a minimum of three times a year. Principal investigators must provide sufficient proof of qualifications for animal use to the chair of the IACUC and the veterinarian (for invasive procedures) prior to beginning animal use. Any investigator lacking sufficient qualifications will be provided with appropriate training from the animal caretaker, IACUC chair, and/or veterinarian as needed. This training will include such topics as minimizing pain and distress and determination of animal number. When necessary, faculty and the IACUC Chair can consult with experts at nearby Cornell Veterinary Medical School. Documentation of all individuals certified for animal use will be maintained with the IACUC records.
    
4. IACUC Member Training
    

IACUC members are provided with the following materials:  the PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 2002; the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th Edition; the ARENA/OLAW IACUC Guidebook, 2nd Edition; and the brochure titled What Investigators Need to Know About the Use of Animals.

They are also notified of training opportunities (such as IACUC 101 courses) by the IACUC chair and are required to take the following training:

Initial Training – All IACUC members must complete CITI training on the Essentials of IACUC.  Training includes an overview of applicable federal government regulations. 

Continuing Education – For members who have previously completed the Essentials of IACUC training from CITI, training will need to be renewed every three years.  

Student researchers will also be required to complete CITI training in the Responsible Conduct of Research as well as Working with the IACUC.

2.22.4 Semiannual Reports

As specified in the PHS Policy at IV.A.2, as Category 2, all of this institution's programs and facilities, including satellite facilities, for activities involving animals have been evaluated by the IACUC and will be reevaluated by the IACUC at least once every six months in accord with IV.B.1. and 2. of the PHS Policy, and reports prepared in accord with IV.B.3. of the PHS Policy.

All IACUC semiannual reports will include a description of the nature and extent of this institution's adherence to the Guide. Any departures from the Guide will be identified specifically and reasons for each departure will be stated. Reports will distinguish significant deficiencies from minor deficiencies. Where program or facility deficiencies are noted, reports will contain a reasonable and specific plan and schedule for correcting each deficiency. Semiannual reports of the IACUC evaluations will be submitted to the provost and vice president of educational affairs. Semiannual reports of IACUC evaluations will be maintained by this institution and made available to the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) upon request.

2.22.5 Record Keeping Requirements

1. This institution will maintain for at least three years:
   1. A copy of this Assurance and any modifications thereto, as approved by PHS.
       
   2. Minutes of IACUC meetings, including records of attendance, activities of the committee, and committee deliberations.
       
   3. Records of applications, proposals, and proposed significant changes in the care and use of animals and whether IACUC approval was given or withheld.
       
   4. Records of semiannual IACUC reports and recommendations (including minority views) as forwarded to the provost and vice president of educational affairs.
       
   5. Records of accrediting body determinations.
       
2. This institution will maintain records that relate directly to applications, proposals, and proposed changes in ongoing activities reviewed and approved by the IACUC for the duration of the activity and for an additional three years after completion of the activity.
    
3. All records shall be accessible for inspection and copying by authorized OLAW or other PHS representatives at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner.

2.22.6 Reporting Requirements

1. At least once every 12 months, the IACUC, through the Institutional Official, will report in writing to the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW).
   1. Any change in the status of the institution (e.g., if the institution becomes accredited by AAALAC or AAALAC accreditation is revoked), and change in the description of the institution's program for animal care and use as described in this Assurance, or any changes in IACUC membership. If there are no changes to report, this institution will submit a letter to OLAW stating that there are no changes.
       
   2. Notification of the date that the IACUC conducted its semiannual evaluations of the institution's program and facilities (including satellite facilities) and submitted the evaluations to the appropriate dean.
       
2. The IACUC, through the Institutional Official, will provide the OLAW promptly with a full explanation of the circumstances and actions taken with respect to:
   
   1. Any serious or continuing noncompliance with the PHS Policy;
       
   2. Any serious deviations from the provisions of the Guide;
       
   3. Any suspension of an activity by the IACUC.
       
3. Reports filed under VI.A.2. and VI.B. above shall include any minority views filed by members of the IACUC.

1. Emergency Animal Care Principles

In all emergencies, human life and safety will take precedence over animal life. The staff or animal users must not put themselves or their colleagues in danger in order to evacuate animals. The staff will work with the attending veterinarian to determine appropriate actions based on the individual emergency situation.

In the event of a large scale disaster, euthanasia of animals may be necessary. Euthanasia will be a last resort and will be conducted under the direction of the attending veterinarian.

Safety Information Principles

Access to the lab facilities is restricted in order to provide safety for the health and well-being of the research animals and the personnel who work there. After hours, the facilities are protected by an alarm system and officers from Public Safety.

General Disaster Protocol for Animal ID, Triage, Transportation, or Euthanasia

Identification of genetically distinct or irreplaceable animals.

A system of cage/pen identification markers will be used. These markers will be a bright, reflective color stating "save me" applied to the cage card of animals identified by investigators for saving if at all possible.

Triage of Animal Populations

In the event of a major disaster affecting a localized group of animals or campus-wide disaster, injured or affected animals will be triaged by trained animal care personnel and/or emergency veterinary staff as long as human safety is not compromised. Those animals deemed savable will be treated on site if possible, and/or transported to suitable, predetermined locations for further care. Those with life-threatening injuries or conditions not amenable to recovery will be humanely euthanized on site by trained personnel.

Relocation/Transportation of Animals Following or During a Disaster, or Preemptive Movement in Case of an Impending Disaster with Warning

In the event animal removal/relocation from a building(s) is needed, traditional laboratory rodent and other colonies will be moved to other like animal-approved facilities on campus if possible. Others will be transported to the Veterinarian Offices off-campus.

Levels of Emergency

Emergencies can generally be classified into three levels:

Level I (Disaster)

A community-wide emergency that seriously impairs or halts the operation of Ithaca College. Outside emergency services would be needed. Major policy considerations and decisions would always be required.

Examples of a level I disaster include, but are not limited to:

• Mass casualties
• Natural disaster such as an earthquake or tornado
• Large-scale hazardous material spill
• Health epidemics
• Major weather emergency
• Armed assailant
• Utility failure
• Workplace violence

Level II (Major Emergency – Depending on Circumstances)

A serious emergency that completely disrupts one or more operations of Ithaca College and may affect mission-critical functions or life safety. Outside emergency services, as well as major efforts from campus support services, would be required. Major policy considerations and decisions would usually be required.

Examples of a level II major emergency include, but are not limited to:

• Hostage situation
• Major fire
• Civil disturbance
• Widespread power outage
• Bomb threat
• Laboratory explosion
• Suicide
• Death of a student, faculty, or staff member (depending on circumstances)
• Rape (depending on circumstances)
• Shooting or stabbing
• National terrorist incident
• Workplace violence
• Public health threat
• Severe weather

Level III (Minor Emergency)

A localized, contained incident that is quickly resolved with internal resources or limited help and does not affect the overall functioning capacity of Ithaca College.

Examples of a level III minor emergency include, but are not limited to:

• Small fire
• Small hazardous material incident
• Limited power outage

Last Revised: June 1, 2015

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