Animal Care Facility Disaster Plan

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Purpose:

The ILAR Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals recommends that institutions develop disaster management plans that take into account the safety of both personnel and experimental animals. This document is intended to establish procedures that provide for the health and safety of the Animal Care Facility (ACF) personnel and experimental animals in the event of unexpected, adverse conditions. This document also complies with the UTA Emergency Preparedness Plan. Scope: This document serves as a guide for all personnel and animal care in the ACF of UTA during emergencies, inform you of potential situations, and to help you to avoid and mitigate dangerous situations addressing the following emergency situations:

• Loss of Power
• Fire
• Snow or Ice Storms
• Tornadoes or Severe Thunderstorms
• Intrusion by Unauthorized Personnel
• Bomb Threat
• Hazardous Chemical Spill
• Biological Exposure
• Animal Rights Demonstrations
• Medical Emergency
• Animal Evacuation
• Disaster Recovery Plan
• Terrorist Threat

Readiness:

ACF personnel will take the following steps to prepare for emergencies:

• Know the location of the following
  1. Emergency information (ACF manuals) Laboratory Safety Manual, Radiation Safety Manual, Blood borne Pathogens Manual, Crisis Management Plan
  2. Telephones
  3. Emergency exits
  4. Fire alarms and extinguishers
  5. First aid kits
  6. Eye wash stations
  7. Evacuation routes and procedures
• Review and update this “Disaster Plan” at regular intervals during the year
• Be familiar with the facilities floor plan and evacuation routes
• Participate in practice fire drills and training program
• Volunteer to assist during an emergency with the evacuation of personnel and the protection of animals.  (See University’s designated safety liaison (DSL) program)
• Prepare yourself so you will know what to do, where to go, and how to cope until you are able to get home
• Read the facility SOPs to assure you are properly advised on what to do when an emergency occurs

DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN

Purpose

The Disaster Recovery Plan outlines information and procedures that are to be maintained in a current, readily available status.  The Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) will enable the Animal Care Facility to resume normal business as quickly as possible following a disaster.  Appropriate implementation of the DRP will help:

• To protect the safety and well being of personnel
• To minimize the loss and disruption of business.
• To minimize decision-making time during a crisis which will allow a rapid response and ensure an efficient transition from normal to backup/recovery operations.
• To maintain customer service at an acceptable level.
• To expedite the restoration of the facility, contents, and capabilities to normal working conditions.

Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the Office of Research Administration and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to implement this procedure and maintain current disaster information.  Other responsibilities are outlined within this SOP.

Procedure

A “disaster” includes any event where there is a significant disruption to normal business operations.  This may be as a result of fire or explosion, a prolonged failure of mechanical or electrical systems, or natural disasters, such as storm damage or flooding.
The following information and procedures are to be maintained in a current, readily available status.  In addition, contact lists will be held and updated regularly by management of the various research/administrative areas.

• Disaster Recovery Task Lists
• Contact Lists (Recovery Teams, Contractors, and Client Contacts)
• Standard Operating Procedures used for Disaster Recovery
• Equipment and Inventory Listing
• Vendor Contact Information

Contact Lists: Detailed lists will be maintained for each of the areas shown below.  The contact information will contain names, phone and/or pager numbers, addresses, and any account or authorization information, if appropriate.  The lists will be reviewed at least annually and will be amended as needed to insure that they remain current.

Recovery Teams:  This will include the Emergency Call list for the primary contacts immediately following any emergency, and secondary contacts for specific tasks related to each area of the business.

• Emergency Call List: The primary contact list for personnel to be notified immediately in the event of an emergency or disaster.  The Office of Research Administration is responsible for the preliminary assessment of damages and for directing the initial effort to protect the facility and personnel.  Team leaders from the other areas will be notified to initiate recovery procedures based on the extent of the damage.  All entrances will post the emergency contact list to the facility.  The Emergency Call list will be distributed to the UTA Police department, EH&S and Facilities Management.
• Facility Security & Damage Control:  This team will be directed by the Office of Research Administration and will execute procedures that will secure the building from unauthorized entry and protect it from further damage.  This team is also responsible for the preservation or relocation of materials stored under controlled temperature, and the care or relocation of animals housed in the animal care facility.
  Note: If the building structure, exterior or roof has been damaged, the building must be declared safe for re-entry before non-emergency personnel can enter the area.
• Media Statements:  The Institutional Official (IO), or Public Affairs Office, shall be responsible for all statements to the media.  All other personnel shall refrain making any statements to the media and shall refer questions to the IO.  The IO shall be the University’s Vice President for Research.
  Note: Information should be provided as needed to emergency personnel such as police, fire, paramedics, or HAZMAT officials.
• Damage Assessment: This team will be directed by the Office of Research Administration and will determine the actual losses incurred as a result of the disaster.  The information will be used for both insurance and restoration purposes.
• Laboratory/Research Data:  Designates from each research department will lead the effort to recover laboratory or research data from work that was in-progress at the time of the disaster.  The principal investigators will be responsible for determining the status of each study and reporting this information to the IO and the Office of Research Administration.
• Investigator Notification:  The Office of Research Administration is responsible for maintaining a current client list and notifying investigators of the status of the facility/business.  The Office of Research Administration shall authorize the notification of PI’s and any specific information that may or may not be released.  Designates from research departments will support the Office of Research Administration in reporting the status of studies in progress.
• Restoration (Facility, Equipment, and Information Systems):  Facilities Management (Physical Plant) is responsible for restoration of the facility, equipment and information systems.  This includes the contracting of work and the purchase of replacement equipment or systems (i.e. HVAC).  The Office of Information Technology (OIT) staff will support the restoration of computer related systems.
• Contractors:  Facilities Management is responsible for maintaining a current list of contractors for mechanical, electrical, security, communications, and other facility systems.  This will be used to expedite repairs to facility and utility systems.  For extensive damage, bidding of the restoration work may be appropriate.
• Investigators:  The Office of Research Administration is responsible for maintaining a current list of all investigators with work in progress.
• Equipment and Inventory Listing: Each research department is responsible for providing a list of both capital equipment and routine supplies used during the course of business.  These lists shall also indicate the materials, which are necessary to resume work.  This list will include a current inventory listing of all chemicals, quantity and location.
• Vendor Contact Information: Purchasing is responsible for maintaining a current list of vendors and account numbers.  This listing will include both suppliers of capital equipment from the asset listings and routine supplies that are needed to conduct studies or laboratory analysis.

EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS:

Emergency contact list:

In the event of an emergency in one of the categories listed above, the following emergency and ACF personnel may be called.

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Maps of emergency exits are posted:

• At each exit
• In each corridor
• In the ACF Manual

Emergency Exit signs:

• At each exit

Evacuation Routes are posted:

• At each exit
• In each corridor
• In the ACF Manual

Fire extinguishers are located in the following locations:

• Corridor 1508
• Corridor 1514

Lights and HVAC:

All animal rooms, surgery suites, and procedure rooms are automatically transferred to a secondary grid after 15 seconds. Personnel working in animal rooms are to stay there until supervisors with flashlights come and escort them to safety.  It is not advisable to move within the facility if lights are out because of the danger of tripping or running into equipment in rooms or hallways. 

Flashlights are located:

• The Animal Care Technician’s office 544A
• Warehouse Room 557 in a shelf in the front–right corner by the freezer
• Histology Suite Room 581 – in the cabinetry
• In all Surgery Suites, and Procedure Rooms

Transportation:

In the event evacuation of animals is required as directed by the UTA Attending Veterinarian, a central receiving truck (Ext. 23276) may be necessary to move animals off-site to contracted facilities. It may be also necessary to obtain additional vehicles, and those will be contracted with vendors listed on the Emergency Vendor list.

Materials and Supplies:

A two-week supply of potable water kept in sealed containers and a two-week supply of animal feed will be stored at the facility in the cold storage room for animal use in the event of an emergency/disaster. The facility will also keep compressed carbon dioxide used for euthanasia of all animals in the facility, should this become necessary.

PROCEDURES:

Loss of Power:

Failure, or interruption, of building power is no cause for alarm. Two grids service the Life Science Building. When service is lost on one grid, the building is automatically switched to the other grid.

Facilities Management (ext. 23581) should be contacted to confirm power has been switched to the secondary grid. 

• All non-essential electrical equipment will be turned off to ensure adequate capacity for essential functions such as HVAC in animal rooms, food coolers, and freezers until confirmation that power has been stabilized.
• Turn off all CPU’s, fax machines, copiers, and any other non-essential pieces of equipment.
• If emergency backup power is not available, and ambient temperatures are expected to rise or fall outside 60-80 F for more than two hours, the animals will be removed to UNTHSC.   Contact information for UNTHSC:  Dr. Egeenee Daniels or Ms. Sandy Dyer (817-735-2017)
• Exterior doors to the animal care facility will be monitored to prevent unauthorized entry.

Fire:

Please refer to UTA Fiscal Regulations and Procedure7-6.

Smoke, heat, and toxic gases from a fire are the most common causes of fire related deaths and injuries. These elements collect at ceiling levels, while fresher air concentrates near the floor. In case of fire, the following procedures should be followed:

Readiness:

• Be aware of location of fire alarms, fire extinguishers and emergency exits and do not use elevators. 

Action:

• Alert personnel by yelling “evacuate.”
• Call ext 23003 and alert Campus Police.
• Activate the alarm system—fire alarm pull boxes are located by the stairwell doors.
• Stay away from surgery rooms and procedure rooms that contain oxygen. If possible, make sure oxygen bottles are turned off on your way out of the building. Do not cross through fire or smoke to ensure bottles are closed.
• The animal facility exhausts air separately from each room. In case of fire, ensure that each animal room door remains closed. All doors to surgery and procedure rooms should be closed after personnel leave the area.
• Small fires may be extinguished using fire extinguishers. Any fire that produces sufficient smoke or heat to pose a risk to the safety of the personnel should be left alone and all personnel should evacuate.
• Make sure everyone has evacuated the facility.
• Because of the potential risk to human life, no attempt will be made to evacuate the animals
• Minor injuries will be treated appropriately. Animals with serious smoke or thermal injuries will be euthanized.
• Ensure that all personnel attend training offered through the EH&S office to include fire extinguisher training.

Snow or Ice Storms:

The animals must receive essential care including food, water, medical care and environmental support during such storms.  The most likely storm-related problems will be loss of power and HVAC failure.  Personnel who are designated for animal husbandry on the date of the snow or ice storm will make their best effort to come to the Animal Care Facility to give essential care to the animals.   If they cannot make it to the facility they are to call the UTA Police Department (ext. 23003) to make arrangements for emergency animal care.  

Readiness:

• Check your work area(s) for adequate caging, feed and other supplies.
• Keep emergency supplies in your locker or desk drawers, including a flash light, out-of-state telephone contact number, family emergency telephone contact numbers, first aid kit, non-perishable food items and battery-operated radio.

Actions:

• Animal care operations must continue for all animals in the facility.
• If possible, personnel will be alerted in time to send home, but should be prepared to be confined to the facility for a period of up to 24 hours due to sudden, severe winter storms.
• Stay off the telephone as much as possible. Unnecessary calls may delay critical emergency care to victims if injuries are involved.
• Verify that your animals have been cared for and have full water and feed.
• If storms hit during the night, the emergency call list will be utilized to identify an individual who is able to reach the facility and who will assume responsibility for animal care. It may be necessary for a designated individual to remain at the facility for up to 24 hours to ensure animals receive proper care. It will be the responsibility of the designated individual to assure IACUC that the animals have received necessary care.
• In case of loss of water supply, priority will be given to drinking water. Cage cleaning will be suspended until water availability is restored.
• Sufficient drinking water will be stored in the facility to provide for the animals for at least two weeks. If weather forecasts permit advance planning, all barrels and wastebaskets will be filled with potable water. Sufficient feed will be stored in the facility to provide for the animals for at least two weeks. In the event of unexpected storm damage, a high quality commercial, dry dog food will be provided until normal feed supplies can be resumed.
• If restoration of normal care procedures and support systems is not possible within 48hrs, under the Attending Veterinarian’s direction, the animals will be transported to UNTHSC  via a central receiving (ext. 23276)  truck. Additional transportation arrangements will be made as soon as possible, if necessary.  All transportation procedures must comply with applicable regulations.

Tornados and Severe Thunderstorms: 

See UTA Fiscal Regulations and Procedure: 3-35

• Monitor weather conditions during tornado season (spring and summer).
• Identify safe areas (e.g. move to basement or first floor corridors away from windows) and you are advised against using elevators during severe weather events.
• Note: The DSL Program will aid in identifying and following procedures during severe weather events or other emergencies requiring evacuation.

Readiness:

• Check your work area(s) for heavy objects (e.g. equipment) stored overhead that could fall on top of you during a tornado. Be aware of weather conditions during the spring and summer time of the year.
• Move away from rooms that contain tall cabinets and shelves that could overturn and prevent you from exiting the immediate room to the interior hallway.
• Keep emergency supplies in your desk drawers, including: a flash light, family emergency telephone contact numbers, first aid kit and a battery-operated radio
• Identify “Safety Spots” in your work areas that will provide you with protection from falling objects (i.e. interior rooms)

Actions:

• If a tornado watch is issued for the area of the UTA facility, on-going animal procedures may be completed, but new procedures will not be initiated. If a tornado warning is issued, and impact from a tornado is imminent, on-going animal procedures will be discontinued and the animals returned to their housing. Personnel will seek shelter in the basement of the Life Science Building – See UTA Fiscal Regulations and Procedure 7-3.
• Emergency personnel will pick up flashlights and the cellular phone will be readied as a backup to normal phone.
• If a tornado strikes the UTA facility, the animal area will be inspected as soon as feasible. Animals with minor injuries will be treated appropriately.  Animals with severe injuries will be euthanized.
• The UTA Veterinary Technician will make sure all personnel are accounted for.
• If the facility sustains damage sufficient to preclude animal housing and care, the animals will be transported to UNTHSC. 

Intrusions:

• Be alert to unauthorized persons attempting to gain access to animal facilities. Activists sometimes claim to “Have a delivery” or an “Appointment,” or claim to have left their access card elsewhere, and may pretend to have authority to gain access. Only those persons authorized for access by the Office of Research Administration are allowed to enter the animal facilities. If a break-in or other illegal act is in progress, call ext 23003.
• Action:
• If a break-in or other illegal act is in progress, call the UTA Campus Police at ext 23003.
• If you learn of animal activists targeting the UTA, whether on UTA premises, at researchers’ homes or elsewhere, call the UTA Campus Police at 817-272-3003.
• Be ready to provide information to the UTA Campus Police:
  1. Nature of situation / communications, etc.
  2. Department name
  3. Number of people involved
  4. Possible threat to personnel safety
• Safety precautions:
  1. Remain calm
  2. Be courteous
  3. Avoid an incident
  4. If you arrive during a disturbance, leave the area at once
• If inside the Facility:
  1. Remain calm
  2. Be courteous
  3. Avoid an incident
• Remain in your office or work area
• Request an escort if needed, to leave the building
• Use stairways inside building rather than elevator. Elevators may be taken out of service.
• Refer any questions from the media to the Institutional Official (IO), the Vice President for Research (817-272-1021), or the Public Affairs Office (817-272-2761).

Animal Activist Demonstration:

Animal Care Facility employees and researchers need to be alert to unauthorized persons demonstrating on or near campus property.  All animal facilities are secure areas.  Employees are required to wear photo ID at all times when in the animal facility areas, but should remove photo ID when near a demonstration area.  Do not engage demonstrators in conversation. .

Personal Response Action

• If a PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION is underway on public property (e.g., sidewalks, streets, etc.) avoid confrontation by walking around the demonstrators.
• If you LEARN OF animal activist demonstrations targeting the UTA Animal Care
  Facility, call Campus Police at 817-272-3003 or if on campus, ext. 23003.
• Information to be provided to the UTA Police:
  1. The nature of the demonstration.
  2. The location.
  3. The number of people involved.
  4. The possible threat to personal safety.
  5. The specific facility targeted.
• Safety precautions during a demonstration (any location):
  1. Remain calm.
  2. Be courteous.
  3. Avoid an incident.
  4. If you arrive during a disturbance, leave the area at once.
• If demonstration inside the building:
  1. Remain calm.
  2. Be courteous.
  3. Avoid an incident.
  4. If you arrive during a disturbance, leave the area at once.
  5. Remain in your office or work area.
  6. Stay out of the building lobby.
  7. Request an escort, if needed, to leave the building.
• ALWAYS use the stairways inside the building rather that the elevator.  Elevators may be taken out of service.

Bomb Threat:
Bomb threats are usually received by telephone or sometimes by note, letter or e-mail. Most bomb threats are made by callers who want to create an atmosphere of anxiety and panic, but all such calls must be taken seriously and handled as though an explosive is in the building.

Action:

• Any person receiving a phone call in which the caller states that a bomb has been placed in any UTA building should make every effort to obtain as much information as possible. The following questions should be asked:
  1. Where is the bomb located?
  2. When is it set to explode?
  3. Is the bomb contained in a box, briefcase, etc?
  4. Why did the caller place the bomb at that location?
  5. Would the caller like to speak to someone about correcting a “wrong” done to him or her?
  6. If your phone is equipped with Caller ID, write down the number that is displayed.
• Phone the Campus Police at ext 23003  (817-272-3003) and give them the information you were able to obtain.
• The Campus Police Officer in charge of the scene will probably request the employees of the affected area to assist in searching for the bomb. Those employees who work in the area would be most likely to recognize a suspicious package or device that does not belong in that area.
• Under no circumstances will any UTA employee attempt to move, disarm, or otherwise neutralize a suspected explosive device. Leave that dangerous job to the experts.

Hazardous Chemical Exposure/Spill:

Detailed information pertaining to chemical hazards may be found in the UTA Laboratory Safety Manual. The manual details hazard awareness policy, responsibilities, training requirements, special instructions, an index of chemicals, and chemical specific handling and emergency response procedures. Information specific to the Animal Care Facility may be found in our SOPs and the MSDS file in the Vet Tech office, Room 544A.

Chemicals used in the Animal Facility include volatile anesthetics, acidic compounds (phosphoric acid) and caustic compounds (cage and tunnel washer detergents). Acids and caustic compounds are handled with chemical proof gloves, goggles, mask, and apron or under fume hood. Chemical spills in the Animal Care Facility, capable of causing a health safety problem, have not occurred to date. Acids and corrosives may cause burns particularly to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Careful handling procedures reduce the potential for injury. Please refer to the Laboratory Safety Manual for defining large and small spills, and the procedures to follow in the event of a spill.

Response Actions: First Aid

• If face and/or eyes are affected, immediately go to an EMERGENCY EYEWASH STATION (Room 546 and 559A) and irrigate eyes continuously for 15 minutes. Seek MEDICAL ATTENTION.
• REMOVE clothing and flush skin with large amounts of water for 15 minutes in facility locker room showers. Seek MEDICAL ATTENTION.
• INHALATION: Remove individual to fresh air. Seek MEDICAL ATTENTION.
• INGESTION: Encourage the victim to drink large amounts of water. DO NOT force fluids on an unconscious individual. DO NOT induce vomiting except on the advice of a physician.
• IN ALL CASES: If injury is severe or the person is unconscious, treat as a Medical Emergency. Call the EMERGENCY NUMBER, ext 23003 or 817-272-3003 and give the following information:
  1. Location of accident/incident—building and room number
  2. Type of material involved—liquid or solid (wet or dry)
  3. Name of material if known
  4. Quantity involved
  5. Severity of injury
  6. Is an ambulance and/or physician required?
• Proceed with the necessary spill containment and clean-up procedures after rendering first aid

CLEAN-UP OF CHEMICAL SPILLS

Minor Spills Within the Work Area

• Confine liquids with paper towels
• Notify other workers of spill
• Clean up spills as soon as possible
• Use the necessary personal protection apparel and equipment
• Avoid producing dust or aerosols
• Contact the EH&S Office at ext 22185 or (817-272-2185) for assistance with disposal if necessary
• Report ALL spills of unusually hazardous materials to the EH&S office at 22185.

Large Spills—No Immediate Life/Health Threat

• Use paper towels or other absorbent to confine the chemical to the smallest possible area.
• Phone the EMERGENCY NUMBER, ext 23003 or 817-272-3003. Report ALL spills that occur outside the work area.
• Give the following information:
  1. Location of accident/incident—building and room number
  2. Type of material involved—liquid or powder/crystalline (wet, dry)
  3. Name of material involved if known
  4. Quantity involved
• Notify your immediate supervisor.
• The UTA Environmental Health and Safety Office or Campus Police will decide if the building is to be evacuated.
• Begin clean-up procedures as outlined above.
• Use necessary personal protection apparel and equipment.
• Avoid producing dust or aerosols.
• Contact the EH&S Office at ext 22185 or 817-272-2185 for assistance with disposal if necessary.
• Properly dispose of contaminated materials. Contact the EH&S Office for assistance by dialing ext 22185.

Possible Life/Health Threat

• Phone the EMERGENCY NUMBER, ext 23003 or 817-272-3003.
• Give the following information:
  1. Location of accident/incident—building and room number
  2. Type of material involved—liquid or powder/crystalline (wet, dry)
  3. Name of material involved if known
  4. Quantity involved
  5. Your name and phone number where you are now
  6. Whether clean-up assistance is required
• The EH&S Office or Campus Police will decide if the building is to be evacuated.
• Alert other workers in the immediate area.
• Contact the Animal Care Technician or the Attending Veterinarian (see contact information in appendix) to assess if animals’ health will be compromised and if animal evacuation is necessary.
• Prevent other people from entering the area until the Campus Police arrive.
• Contain the spill if possible using paper towels or other absorbents.
• Begin clean-up procedures:
  1. Follow clean up procedures outlined above
  2. Use the necessary personal protection apparel and equipment
  3. Avoid producing dust or aerosols
  4. Contact the EH&S Office at ext 22185 or 817-272-2185 for assistance with disposal if necessary

Radioactive Spill (No bodily contact)

• Phone the EMERGENCY NUMBER, ext 23003 OR 817-272-3003 and EH&S – Radiation Safety Officer at (817-272-2185) Ext 22185.
• Give the following information:
  1. Location of accident/incident—building and room number
  2. Type of material involved—liquid or powder/crystalline(wet or dry)
  3. Name of material involved—if known
  4. Quantity involved
  5. Phone (22185) and wait for arrival of Radiation Safety Officer
• Isolate the contaminated area. A determination must be made if it is hazardous to remain in the room where the spill occurred. If the isotope is a low energy beta emitter (ex. tritium, carbon fourteen, sulfur thirty-five) it is safe to remain in the room if you can stand 6 feet from the spill and the spilled material is not likely to become airborne (dust). For high-energy beta emitters like phosphorus thirty-two or gamma emitting materials, or for airborne particles, remain outside the door of the area with the door closed until the Radiation Safety Officer (Ext. 22185) arrives. Prevent others from entering or leaving the accident/incident area.
• Perform/assist in clean up of the radioactive material, as directed by the Radiation Safety Officer (22185). 

Radioactive Exposure (Direct bodily contact)

• Immediately remove all contaminated clothing/articles.
• Wash affected skin area with great amounts of water.
• Phone the EMERGENCY NUMBER, ext 23003 or 817-272-3003 and EH&S – Radiation Safety Officer at ext 22185.
• Give the following information:
  1. Location of accident/incident—building and room number
  2. Type of material involved—liquid or powder/crystalline(wet or dry)
  3. Name of material involved—if known
  4. Quantity involved
  5. Number of people/animals exposed
• Contact your supervisor / faculty sponsor.
• Place all contaminated clothing/articles in a plastic bag, and label the bag as:
  1. Radioactive
  2. Name of owner of contaminated clothing
  3. UTA phone number of owner
• Wait for arrival of UTA Radiation Safety Officer (22185).
• Isolate the contaminated area and animals (if exposed). Prevent others from entering or leaving the accident/incident area. DO NOT LEAVE THE AREA and REMAIN CALM.
• Severely exposed animals will have to be euthanized and the carcasses disposed of properly.

Biological Exposure

Biohazards include body fluids, blood, infectious waste, or other potentially infectious material. Any body fluid contains microorganisms capable of causing disease. Therefore, appropriate protective attire must be worn when having direct contact with any body fluid or tissue. Gloves must be changed and hands washed after handling laboratory specimens containing body fluids and between animal examinations. All procedures involving blood or other potentially infectious materials must be performed in a manner that minimizes splashing, spraying, and aerosolization of these substances.

• EYES splattered with blood or body fluid:
  1. Flush with water at least 5 minutes.
  2. Use the EYEWASH stations (Room 546 and 559A).
  3. Contact Campus Police at ext. 23003 or 817-272-3003  and EH&S at ext. 22185.
  4. Call the Veterinary Technician. Emergency contact numbers are listed at the end of this handbook.
  5. PROCEED DIRECTLY to the UTA Student Health Center or if after hours, proceed to the nearest medical facility / emergency room.
  6. Report:  Submit an Animal Care Facility Non-Animal
     Unusual Circumstance                     
           Report to the Office of Research Administration.
• MOUTH splashed with blood/body fluid:
  1. RINSE with water at least 5 minutes
  2. Use the EYEWASH stations (Room 546 and 559A).
  3. Contact Campus Police at ext. 23003 or 817-272-3003 and EH&S at ext. 22185.
  4. Call the Veterinary Technician. Emergency contact numbers are at the end of this handbook.
  5. PROCEED DIRECTLY to the UTA Student Health Center or if after hours, proceed to the nearest medical facility / emergency room.
  6. Report:  Submit an Animal Care Facility Non-Animal
     Unusual Circumstance
           Report to the Office of Research Administration.
• NEEDLESTICK:
  1. MILK WOUND to induce bleeding.
  2. WASH with soap and water for 5 minutes.
  3. Contact Campus Police at ext. 3003 or 817-272-3003 and EH&S at ext. 22185.
  4. Call the Veterinary Technician. Emergency contact numbers are listed at the end of this handbook.
  5. PROCEED DIRECTLY to the UTA Student Health Center or if after hours, proceed to the nearest medical facility / emergency room.
  6.    Submit an Animal Care Facility Non-Animal Unusual Circumstance Report to the Office of Research Administration. 
  7. Report to the EH&S WCI Claims Analyst.
• OTHER INJURIES:
  1. REMOVE CONTAMINATED CLOTHING, wash skin, replace with clean clothing.
  2. Contact Campus Police at ext. 23003 or 817-272-3003 and EH&S at ext. 22185.
  3. Call the Veterinary Technician. Emergency contact numbers are listed at the end of this handbook.
  4. PROCEED DIRECTLY to the UTA Student Health Center or if after hours, proceed to the nearest medical facility / emergency room.
  5. Report:  Submit an Animal Care Facility Non-Animal
     Unusual Circumstance
           Report to the Office of Research Administration.
• CLEANUP ACTIONS: SMALL SPILL (< 200 ML)
  1. CHECK for exposure.
  2. PROTECT BODY: Put on personal protective clothing (gloves, safety goggles or glasses, and lab coat).
  3. PERFORM FIRST AID if needed.
  4. FLUSH spilled material with 1 to 10 dilution of bleach or betadine.
  5. WIPE down all equipment and surfaces potentially contaminated.
  6. DISPOSE of contaminated material as biohazardous waste.
• CLEANUP ACTIONS: LARGER SPILL ( > 200 ML)
  1. CHECK for exposure.
  2. PERFORM FIRST AID if needed.
  3. DO NOT TRACK spill through facility.
  4. LEAVE room.
  5. POST person by door to prevent re-entry.
  6. CALL  Campus Police at 23003 and EH&S at ext. 22185.
  7. Report:  Submit an Animal Care Facility Non-Animal
     Unusual Circumstance
           Report to the Office of Research Administration.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

• If person is unconscious and is not breathing:
  BEGIN Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you know how, and continue CPR until assistance arrives or until you are relieved.
  1. CALL 23003 if on main campus, or 817-272-3003 and EH&S at ext. 22185.
  2. Give following information:
     • Nature of the medical emergency
     •  Location of emergency:  building and room number
     • Your name and phone number from which you are calling
• If person is unconscious and is BREATHING
  1. Call 23003 if on main campus, or 817-272-3003 and EH&S at ext. 22185.
  2. Give following information
     • Nature of the medical emergency
     • Location of emergency:  building and room number
     • Your name and phone number from which you are calling
  3. Begin Basic First Aid procedures.
  4. MONITOR BREATHING – Gently tilt the head back and open the airway.
  5. STOP BLEEDING – Help victim lie down.  Press directly onto the wound with sterile gauze, paper towel, clean handkerchief, or gloved hand.  Maintain steady pressure for 5 to 15 minutes.  If bleeding from arm or leg, elevate that arm or leg.
  6. TREAT FOR SHOCK – Keep victim warm.  Keep victim flat or with legs slightly elevated.
  7. CHOKING – If victim can speak, encourage coughing.  If not, use Heimlich Maneuver for conscious person. For unconscious person, call for help and give resuscitation.  Try to clear airway if obstruction obvious.

ANIMAL EMERGENCY AND EVACUATION PLAN

When certain emergencies occur, it may become necessary to move animals from their secure animal housing.  This decision will be made by: Dr. Egenee Daniels
UTA Attending Veterinarian
817-929-4053 Or the UTA Back-up Veterinarian:
Dr. Tony Myers
214-341-9392

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Certain emergencies or natural disasters may occur that could deprive the animal care facility of electricity, water, and HVAC systems.  It is important that the facility is in readiness in the event of disaster by maintaining emergency provisions for the animals.

Materials:

• WATER – Enough for 2 week supply for the animal care facility and in sealed water barrels.
• FOOD – 2 week supply of feed for all species of animals housed in the animal care facility.
• CO2 – An adequate amount of euthanasia CO2  will be maintained in the event every animal in the facility should have to be euthanized. 
• ACTIVE PO’S & VENDOR AGREEMENTS – It may be necessary to acquire food, medicine, supplies, HVAC equipment, additional transportation in an emergency situation.  For a list of approved vendors with active PO’s and agreements see the attachment.
• OUTSIDE LAB ANIMAL FACILITIES -  The Office of Research Administration has agreements or contracts with the following institutions in the event the facility animals need to be housed offsite if restoration of normal care procedures and support systems is not possible within 48hrs, the animals will be transported to :
  1. University of North Texas Health Science Center

For a list of contacts at these institutions, see attachment.

• INVESTIGATORS – Primary investigators will be notified which facility their animals will be temporarily housed.  UTA personnel will coordinate with the offsite institutions on security and access policies for UTA research staff.
  For an emergency contact list of investigators, see attachment.

If it becomes necessary that animals belonging to UTA be moved from their secure housing, the following selection order will be used:

Transgenic (breeding)animals
Rats and mice (non-biohazardous)
Rabbits & Guinea Pigs
Dogs & Cats
Aquatics/Amphibians
Other animals.

It is the responsibility of the senior individual managing the animal emergency care to assure housing care, and security for any removed animal.

Team Lists

http://www.uta.edu/ra/oric/animal/animalcaredisasterplan.htm#equipment_and_materials

FACILITY SECURITY AND DAMAGE CONTROL TEAM

Team Leaders

Dr. Egeenee Daniels, Attending Veterinarian
Jeremy Forsberg, Director of the Office of Research Administration
Dr. Michael Roner – Assistant Professor Biology, IACUC Chair
Kirstin Morningstar – Office of Research Administration
Craig Powell – Director of EH&S
Alphas Wicker, LATG – Veterinary Technician

Team

All investigators listed on an IACUC approved protocol.

MEDIA STATEMENT TEAM

Office of Public Affairs

Dr. Kelsey Downum, Institutional Official – Interim Vice President for Research

LABORATORY/RESEARCH DATA TEAM

Dr. Michael Roner – Assistant Professor Biology, IACUC Chair
Department Chairs from each department conducting research.

INVESTIGATOR NOTIFICATION TEAM

Jeremy Forsberg – Director of Office of Research Administration
Kirstin Morningstar – Office of Research Administration

RESTORATION TEAM

Jeremy Forsberg – Director of Office of Research Administration
Kirstin Morningstar – Office of Research Administration
Alphas Wicker  (maintains list of contractors and vendor contact information)
UTA Police Department            
UTA EH&S Office          
UTA Facilities Management (Physical Plant) Department

TASK LISTS

EMERGENCY CALL TASKS

1. The Office of Research Administration is responsible for the preliminary assessment of damages and for directing the initial effort to protect the facility and the personnel.
2. Team Leaders from the other teams will be notified to initiate recovery procedures based on the extent of the damage.

FACILITY SECURITY AND DAMAGE CONTROL TASKS

1. The UTA Police Department and UTA Facilities Management (Physical Plant) will direct this team and will execute procedures that will secure the building from unauthorized entry and protect it from further damage.
2. The Office of Research Administration with EH&S will be responsible for the preservation or relocation of materials stored under controlled temperature and for the care and relocation of animals housed in the animal care facility.
3. In the event of damage to the building structure, exterior, or roof, Facilities Management must declare the building safe for re-entry before non-emergency personnel can enter.

MEDIA STATEMENTS TASKS

1. The IO or Public Affairs Office shall be responsible for all statements to the media.
2. All other personnel shall refrain from making any statements to the media and shall refer questions to the IO or designate.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT TASKS

 Refer to the UTA Crisis Management Plan.

1. The Office of Research Administration will direct this team.
2. The Veterinary Technician is responsible for maintaining equipment and inventory lists.
3. This team will determine the actual losses incurred as a result of the disaster.

LABORATORY/RESEARCH DATA TASKS

1. The Research Department Designate(s) will lead the effort to recover laboratory or research data from work that was in-progress at the time of the disaster.
2. The Office of Research Administration is responsible for maintaining a list of all clients with work in progress.
3. Research designates will be responsible for determining the status of each study and reporting this information to the team leader.
4. The Office of Research Administration will assist the team leader and the research department  representatives in this effort.
   

INVESTIGATOR NOTIFICATION TASKS

1. The Office of Research Administration is responsible for maintaining a current investigator list.
2. The Office of Research Administration shall authorize the notification of investigators and any specific information that may or may not be released.
3. The Office of Research Administration is responsible for notifying the investigators of the status of the facility/business.
4. Research Department representatives will support the Office of Research
   Administration in reporting the status of specific studies in progress.

RESTORATION TASKS

1. UTA Facilities Management is responsible for restoration of the facility, equipment and information systems.
2. The Purchasing Department will assist this team in contracting work and purchasing replacement equipment or systems.
3. The Office of Information Technology (OIT) staff will support the restoration of computer-related systems.