The Special Animal Safety Protocol (SASP) Program establishes procedures so animal handlers working in DLAR facilities are well-informed regarding:
Adherence to SASP procedures is part of compliant research with animals at the University of Kentucky.
The Special Animal Safety Protocol (SASP) is a document designed to quickly give workers in DLAR important information when it is needed.
Whether a hazardous agent in use is a human pathogen or a harmful chemical, a SASP for each hazardous agent involved in studies will be found in the service binder of the animals' housing room (s).
*According to best practices and DLAR husbandry policies, specific procedures may require additional PPE.
Look for the ORANGE Hazardous Agent Awareness Card. These cards are required to be affixed to the animal's cage if a SASP agent has been administered to the animal or present in the cage/cage bedding.
The above information will also be useful in the case of an injury or incident with the animal. Remember, if any incident or injury occurs, report it to your supervisor regardless of severity!
If an exposure to a hazardous agent should occur, please keep the following in mind:
1. Stay calm. Secure any animals.
2. Doff PPE and follow first aid procedures.
3. If an animal was involved, please make note of its cage card, PI owner, and status.
4. Report your injury to your supervisor and, if needed, proceed to UHS for medical attention.*
5. If the accident results in exposure to infectious agents or recombinant materials, the supervisor should immediately report incident to the Department of Biological Safety.
*For life threatening injuries, call 911 or proceed immediately to the Emergency Department of UK Chandler Hospital.
Questions or concerns about the SASP Program may be directed to Melissa Hollifield, UK Animal Research Compliance Manager at (859)-218-5416, or mldraw00@uky.edu.