Animal Experiments Using Antineoplastic or Investigational New Drugs

• Read How to Handle Antineoplastic or Investigational New Drugs.
• Follow the rest of the steps in this checklist.

• Contact the chemical safety officer, (858) 822-1579, before beginning work with this protocol to ensure safe use of the chemical agent.
  • If protocol review indicates an unusual or unique risk to researchers or animal care staff, a safety considerations meeting will be required prior to acquiring animals.
  • Safety considerations meetings include all individuals (research staff, animal care personnel, and Environment, Health & Safety) that have a vested interest in ensuring the safe use of the particular chemical agent.

A principal investigator (PI) or knowledgeable designee must provide appropriate safety training.

• Inform employees about handling the drug or chemical, its physical properties (including solubility), and health effects seen in experimental studies and other applicable sources.
  • Review toxicological data from similar compounds if toxicological information is limited.
• Explain possible routes of exposure as appropriate:
  • Inhalation
  • Skin absorption
  • Accidental injection
• Provide and train employees in the proper use of personal protective equipment and engineering controls to prevent exposure.
• Call (858) 534-1086 to provide the Animal Care staff with a summary of the training information.

• Label all containers with the following information:
  • Name of the material
  • Concentration
  • Warnings
  • Protective measures/li>
  • Date, when appropriate
  • Preparer's initials, when appropriate
• Label animal cages with the appropriate hazard communication information below for the first 48 hours following administration of dosing solutions:
  • "Caution: Hazardous Chemical/ Drug"
• Maintain the signage following this initial period according to this criteria:
  • Aqueous dosing solutions – Once the bedding has been changed, the warning sign can be removed.
  • Oil-soluble dosing solutions – Maintain the signage for 96 hours.

• Injection or gavage: Use syringes and intravenous sets with Luer-lock fittings if possible when material is given via injection or gavage.
  • Perform priming into a sterile, alcohol-dampened gauze sponge.
  • Do not prime sets or syringes into the sink or any open receptacle.
  • House all affected animals in micro-isolator cages.
• Diet: Use a closed-caging system if the substance must be administered in the diet. Mix all diets containing the hazardous material in closed containers inside a chemical fume hood or Class II Type B2 biosafety cabinet.
  • See Biosafety Cabinet Usage Guidelines for more information.

Animal bedding, waste, and water — in addition to waste chemicals — may be subject to hazardous waste disposal requirements.

• Contact the Environmental Management Facility, (858) 534-2753, if you have questions about hazardous waste.
• See How to Request a Hazardous Waste Collection.