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The Laboratory Animal Facility

Health hazards in the laboratory animal facility

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It is important to be aware of the risks of working in a lab animal facility.

Gas anesthesia is a risk factor, where it is important to use the equipment correctly and know what you are doing.

Chemicals must also be used with caution.

Allergen density is great in most areas, so if you are allergic to fur, you should not be working in a lab animal facility at all, or you should use extra personal protection equipment. Even if you are not allergic when you start, there is a risk of developing allergy because you are constantly exposed to allergens. The University of Bergen has a health programme for monitoring the development of allergy. Everybody who works in the lab animal facility, both staff, researchers, technicians and students, must make sure they are enrolled in the health programme. See more information here.

One should also remember that everything the animal takes in, must also come out!
The test substances that are added to the animals in the experiments, must come out of the animals in one form or another. Drugs are metabolised in the body and excreted again as active or inactive metabolites via urine, faeces, saliva, skin, hair or other animal products.

Viruses and bacteria can multiply in the animal and are excreted in the same way so that the animal itself acts as reservoir of infection for other animals and humans who come into contact with either the animals or the animal products.

Proper protection is important when working with animals, so wear gloves, hood, mask, and protective gown outside of the base clothing.

The bedding in the cages will be containing waste from the animals, so the bedding and other animal products must be treated as hazardous waste.

Working with pathogens is risky, and it is important to know the procedures and follow them carefully.

Working with genetically modified organisms and animals are also subject to strict procedures.

Use of X-rays cause negative health effects and should only be performed by qualified personnel with proper protection.

If you are uncertain, please ask. We prefer that you ask too much rather than too little!

post@viv.uib.no