Stanford University

Return to LAOHP

Date: November 2000
Other Available Views: Adobe Acrobat (PDF)
References:  Administrative Panel on Laboratory Animal Care,   Laboratory Animal Occupational Health Program


Guidelines for Visitors in Animal Housing and Use Areas*

( Supplement to Laboratory Animal Occupational Health Program )

I. Risk Assessment - Visitors

Although a comprehensive training and health monitoring program for animal users is an important part of the Stanford University animal research program, the health risks are low for visitors. For purposes of this document, "visitors" may be defined as persons who fall under the following categories:
  • Inspectors
  • Site review staff
  • Tour guests
  • Workshop participants
  • Contractor service personnel.

Individuals recovering from surgery or otherwise immuno-suppressed may want to consider that certain areas pose an increased risk to personal health.

II. Procedures for Visitors

Visitors entering the General Housing areas MUST be chaperoned by Stanford personnel who ARE participating in the Laboratory Animal Occupational Health Program (LAOHP) and have attended the animal care and use training session. The Stanford personnel should assist the visitors in complying with all procedures and precautions that have been established based on the species and activity that will take place, such as donning masks, gloves, eye protections, etc. Questions regarding the appropriate precautions can be directed to Environmental Health & Safety, 725-3209 and/or the Veterinary Service Center (VSC), 723-3876.

*Please Note:
  1. This visitation policy is applicable to exposure to animals from the general housing areas only.
  2. Entry into quarantined areas or those containing known biological, radiological, or chemical hazards should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by VSC management in consultation with other University entities.
  3. Visiting researchers planning to work in Nonhuman Primate areas must provide proof of participation in an equivalent occupational health program or must participate in Stanford's LAOHP. Visitors may also be required to undergo primate-specific safety training provided by the VSC.