The University of Florida requires the Chemical Hygiene Program for all UF employees and affiliates (students, volunteers, contractors, etc.) who work with chemicals in laboratory settings, including animal research areas.

• It is the responsibility of the investigator to notify research personnel and ACS staff of any hazards and SOPs required to handle animals exposed to chemical hazards.
• Investigators are required to report the use of chemical hazards in animals in their IACUC protocol.
• During the protocol development/review phase, a risk assessment of each chemical hazard is conducted by the research staff, EH&S, IACUC, and the ACS veterinary staff.
• When working with chemicals, occupational health risks for both research and animal care staff arise from:
  • Toxicity, half-life and metabolic byproducts of the compound
  • Methods of preparation
  • Concentration and method of administration
  • Amount of material excreted
• Chemical Hazards: Follow the EH&S Guidelines for SOPs to create a Chemicals in Animals SOP using the manufacturer’s SDS and literature. This is used to complete your IACUC Protocol.
• Novel Compounds: the following information should be addressed within the IACUC Protocol and SOP:
  • Description of the parent, or closely related compound(s).
  • Current toxicity and pharmacokinetic data, if available.
• Nanoparticles: Additional considerations for nanoparticle use in animals must be taken into consideration, appropriate precautions should be outlined in your IACUC protocol. Review the EH&S Nanoparticle Safety Guidance for more information.