IACUC Policy 008: Animal Facility Access

1. Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to establish the training, documentation, and approval requirements for individuals seeking access to Ohio University’s animal research facilities. These requirements are designed to ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory standards, promote safety, and uphold the ethical care and use of animals in research and teaching.

2. Scope: This policy applies to all individuals—both Ohio University–affiliated and non-affiliated—requesting access to animal research facilities. It outlines training, documentation, and approval requirements to ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.

3. Policy: 

3.1 Individuals Affiliated with Ohio University  

Satisfactory completion of the CITI basic animal use course “Investigators, Staff and Students” under the “Working with the IACUC Course” is required for access approval to the animal holding facilities.  Primary Investigators requesting animal facility access for students or research staff not listed on an approved IACUC protocol will need to provide a CITI training certificate, as well as assurance that the person has been given the opportunity to be enrolled in the occupational health program by completing the Health and Risk Assessment form:   HEALTH AND RISK ASSESSMENT (ohio.edu)  

Requests for animal facility access must be made by the Primary Investigator of the research project to the Director of Laboratory Animal Resources.  These access requests must include the currently approved IACUC protocol number(s) that the requested person will be working on, along with their research role, university status and PID number (and/or assigned Proximity card number if applicable).

3.2 Non-Ohio University Affiliated Individuals  

Non-Ohio University individuals who wish to engage in activities that involve entering University’s research facilities and potential exposure to animals used in University’s research or education program(s) (“Activities”) are provided the Animal Research Facility Waiver. The purpose of the waiver is to acknowledge that, by participating in the Activities, she/he may be exposed to certain health hazards..  

Requests for animal facility access for non-Ohio University Individuals must be made by the Primary Investigator of the research project to the Director of Laboratory Animal Resources.  These access requests must include the currently approved IACUC protocol number(s).  

Access to the animal facilities by other outside visitors follows OU Policy 19.057.  https://www.ohio.edu/policy/19-057.html