Research involving animals must be approved by Radford University's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The IACUC ensures that all research involving vertebrate animals is performed ethically and in accordance with all regulating agencies.
The Animal Contact Occupational Health and Safety Program (OHSP) exists to ensure occupational exposure to animals and/or animal-derived materials are monitored and to reduce the health risks of personnel conducting work associated with the use of animals. Personnel working directly with research animals or who may have indirect animal contact face several occupational health risks, including the possibility of allergic reactions, animal-related injuries, and exposure to hazardous materials and zoonotic diseases.
Enrollment in the Animal Contact OHSP is required for all personnel involved in IACUC-approved animal protocols and for employees working in Radford University animal facilities. This includes individuals working directly with animals or animal tissues and/or working in close proximity with animals. This program is provided at no cost to the individual.
For additional information on Radford University policies regarding animal research, please refer to the Research Compliance Office.
To complete OHSP training, please contact ehs@radford.edu and request enrollment in the Animal Contact OHSP Training.