University will comply with new governmental guidlines

The UA was ordered to comply with a federal mandate July 1, which states the university must follow new guidelines for occupational safety for animal-related research.

Michael Cusanovich, vice president for research and graduate studies, sent a memorandum to deans, directors and department heads at the University of Arizona, outlining the mandate issued by the National Research Council.

The NRC acts as an advisory council to the federal government based on the council's expertise, said Michael Rand, chief of biotechnical support services for UA animal care.

The NRC convened a committee to study occupational safety in January 1993.

"There's a big push in our country that the work environment be as risk-free as possible," Rand said.

Cusanovich said all individuals working in animal research will be assessed for risk potential and assigned a risk category. Each risk category will be monitored according to the potential of hazardous exposure.

In addition, all supervisory personnel will be required to attend an annual training class.

The program's first year will cost the university $90,000, which Cusanovich said his office will cover. Future costs are expected to be minimal to the individual or departments involved, he said.

Cusanovich said that non-participation in the program could result in the suspension of research grants and loss of the university's accreditation.

Rand said there are two ways the government regulates the compliance of universities.

First, the Public Health Service requires that all institutions receiving PHS grant money for animal research to have an Occupational Health and Safety Program for all personnel who have contact with animals.

The second method of regulation comes from the university's accreditation.

The Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International is the organization that certifies excellence in research and teaching using animals.

If the university fails to comply with the mandate, it could lose its accreditation, Rand said.