Chemicals and Novel Compounds in Animals

  • Facility Support Services
  • Occupational Safety & Risk Management
  • Research Safety & Services
  • 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.
    • List of Common Chemical Hazards

    SOP template and examples

    Resources