Report • CampusOptics

Laboratory Animal Area Exposure Risk: Quick Awareness Guide

This guide provides key safety, allergy, and prevention information for individuals who enter or work near laboratory animal areas at Georgetown University.

IMPORTANT: Reviewing this guide does not automatically authorize access to animal areas and does not replace any required training, medical clearance, protocol approval, DCM approval, supervisor/Principal Investigator authorization, Occupational Health review, or other institutional requirement.

Who Is This For? (“Other Covered Individuals”)

This guide applies to individuals who may not directly work with laboratory animals but whose role, location, or access needs may bring them into or near laboratory animal facilities or research spaces. This may include:

Support Staff: Facilities, custodial, security, or IT personnel.
External Personnel: Contractors, vendors, and equipment repair personnel.
Academic & Lab Staff: Students, interns, volunteers, visiting scientists, collaborators, or research/lab personnel who may enter areas where animals are present.

Note: Individuals who work directly with laboratory animals, are listed on animal research protocols, or have assigned animal-related duties may be required to complete additional training, medical clearance, health surveillance, or protocol-specific requirements.

Allergies & Symptoms

Animal allergens may be found in animal saliva, urine, dander, hair, bedding, and other animal-related materials. These allergens may become airborne or attach to clothing, equipment, dust, or surfaces.

Watch for symptoms that occur after entering animal areas, including:

Nasal/Sinus: Runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, or sinus symptoms.
Eyes: Itchy, watery, or irritated eyes.
Skin: Skin irritation, rash, hives, or contact dermatitis.
Respiratory: Coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or worsening asthma symptoms.

If symptoms occur repeatedly after entering animal areas, last longer than a common cold, or seem related to a specific species or area, notify your supervisor or Principal Investigator and contact Occupational Health.

Prevention & Safety Rules

The most effective way to reduce animal allergen exposure is to minimize contact with allergens and follow required safety practices.

Wear Required PPE: Use lab coats, gloves, masks, gowns, eye protection, or shoe covers as directed by posted signage, DCM requirements, EH&S guidance, Occupational Health requirements, or applicable protocols.
Practice Hand Hygiene: Wash hands after leaving animal areas or after contact with animals, bedding, waste, animal materials, or potentially contaminated surfaces. Keep hands away from your mouth, nose, and eyes.
No Food or Drink: Do not eat, drink, smoke, handle contact lenses, apply cosmetics, or take/apply medication in animal areas.
Follow Protocols: Follow all biosecurity, hygiene, waste disposal, sharps, and animal area access requirements.
Respirator Rules: Use respirators only as approved and in accordance with the Georgetown University Respiratory Protection Program. Required N-95 use requires medical clearance, fit testing, and training.

Special Rules for Nonhuman Primate Areas

Areas where nonhuman primates are housed involve unique health risks (such as B virus). Depending on your role and whether your access is an emergency, temporary, or ongoing, you may be subject to additional requirements, including:

DCM Training: Specialized training on zoonotic risks, specific PPE, and bite/scratch emergency protocols.
Medical Screening: Tuberculosis (TB) testing and documentation of measles immunity (MMR).
Occupational Health Review: For planned or ongoing work, your supervisor or DCM must notify Occupational Health in advance to review your exposure risk. (Medical records remain strictly confidential).

Contacts

Health, Allergy, or Exposure Concerns: Contact Occupational Health at 202-687-4411 or occupationalhealth@georgetown.edu.
Animal Area Access, PPE, or DCM Requirements: Contact DCM or your applicable supervisor/Principal Investigator.

Reporter Info

Email Address* Required

Phone Number* Required

First Name* Required

Last Name* Required

Location

Name* Required

Additional Location Details

Exact Location

Loading…

Electronic Attestation

By completing this acknowledgment, I confirm the following:

I have reviewed the Laboratory Animal Area Exposure Risk Acknowledgment.
I understand that laboratory animal care areas, research laboratories, or other areas where laboratory animals may be present may involve occupational health and safety risks, including animal allergens, injuries, infectious disease risks, chemical hazards, physical hazards, and other laboratory animal-related hazards.
I agree to follow all posted and communicated PPE, hygiene, safety, biosecurity, waste disposal, laboratory animal area access, and reporting requirements for any applicable areas I enter.
I understand that my electronic attestation serves as verification that I reviewed the overview and acknowledge the potential occupational risks and applicable safety expectations associated with laboratory animal area access or laboratory animal-related exposure.

* Required

By typing my name below, I certify that I am the individual completing this acknowledgment. I acknowledge that I have accessed and reviewed the Laboratory Animal Area Exposure Risk Acknowledgment, I understand the potential occupational risks and applicable safety expectations described above, and agree to follow all applicable requirements.* Required

Add Supporting Documents

Add files to upload as supporting documentation along with your incident.