Quick Guide to Animal Research and the Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S)
The Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) provides guidance and services to the campus community that promote health, safety, and environmental stewardship. This guide outlines EH&S program areas that are relevant to animal research and teaching.
Biological Agents
Purpose: The Biological Safety Program provides services for the University of California, Berkeley faculty, staff, and students involved in the biological science and recombinant DNA research. Services provided include training, consultations, laboratory walkthroughs, and compliance assistance.
Examples:
- World Health Organization Risk Group 2 and 3 infectious agents
- Select agents and other acute toxins
- Human cells, cell lines, tissues or fluids
- Recombinant DNA (including transgenic animals)
- Synthetic DNA molecules
- Work involving non-human primates/tissue
Forms and Applications: Biological Use Authorization (BUA)
Oversight Committee: Committee on Laboratory and Environmental Biosafety (CLEB)
Approval Time Frame: 2–3 months (See CLEB submission deadlines)
Prerequisite for ACUC Approval?: Yes
Contact: bso@berkeley.edu
Chemicals
Purpose: Labs must have written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for work using of hazardous chemicals or physical hazards. All lab personnel performing hazardous operations must document that they have read and understand all SOPs relevant to their research. New individuals should be given hands-on training for hazardous operations which should include all relevant SOPs.
Examples:
- Reproductive toxins
- Acutely toxic materials
- Carcinogens
Forms and Applications: Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Oversight Committee: Reviewed by Research Safety Specialist
Approval Time Frame: N/A
Prerequisite for ACUC Approval?: No, but SOP completion and training are required prior to use of the chemical
Contact: Sara Souza, sarasouza@berkeley.edu
Controlled Substances
Purpose: Controls are in place to prevent diversion and abuse and comply with DEA regulations. This program applies to labs that need independent access and maintain their own locked storage location and logbooks.
Examples:
- Buprenorphine
- Ketamine
- Pentobarbital
Forms and Applications:
- Application form and directions for completing registration
- Background checks
Oversight Committee: Committee on Laboratory and Environmental Biosafety (CLEB)
Approval Time Frame: Up to 4 weeks but final approval may also be limited by background check clearance from UC Police Department
Prerequisite for ACUC Approval?: Yes – ACUC approval of the procedure and individuals using the substance is verified prior to authorization but applications may be submitted in parallel
Contact: Krystyna Kozakiewicz, (510) 643‑1397, krystyna.kozakiewicz@berkeley.edu
Compressed Gas Cylinders
Purpose: Compressed gas cylinders pose serious physical hazards if not stored properly. Most gases also pose chemical or other hazards since many are toxic, flammable, corrosive, strong oxidizers or displace oxygen.
Examples:
- Oxygen
- Carbon dioxide
Forms and Applications: Review the Compressed Gas Cylinders: Proper Management and Use booklet for general guidance
Oversight Committee: N/A
Approval Time Frame: N/A
Prerequisite for ACUC Approval?: No
Contact: (510) 642‑3073, toxicgas@berkeley.edu
Toxic Gases
Purpose: The Toxic Gas Program specifies minimum requirements for safe storage, use, and handling of toxic gases on campus. EH&S evaluates toxic gas usage and offers technical advice on the program requirements.
Examples:
- Nitric oxide
- Ammonia
- Carbon monoxide
Forms and Applications: Review the fact sheet, Campus Toxic Gas Program
Oversight Committee: N/A (Laboratory Safety Specialist approves use)
Approval Time Frame: A minimum of one week
Prerequisite for ACUC Approval?: Yes
Contact: (510) 642‑3073, toxicgas@berkeley.edu
Radioisotopes and Radiation-Producing Machines
Purpose: The Radiation Safety Team facilitates the safe use of radioactive material and the use of radiation producing machines in research and education by implementing radiation safety programs and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state and local requirements. In addition, this team provides compliance oversight, technical information and training to UC Berkeley faculty, staff, students and visiting researchers at University-operated facilities.
Examples:
- 137Cs irradiator
- 14C
- Cabinet x-ray
Forms and Applications:
- Radiation Use Authorization (RUA)
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for each use of radiation
Oversight Committee: Radiation Safety Committee
Approval Time Frame:
- An RUA may be approved within 2-4 weeks depending on the complexity of the work activities and radionuclides planned for use.
- Approval for RUAs involving radiation producing machines may take up to several months due to the need to register these machines with the California Department of Public Health.
Prerequisite for ACUC Approval?: Yes
Contact: radsafety@berkeley.edu
Lasers
Purpose: The Laser Safety Program is intended to provide staff, researchers, students and visitors with a safe laser use environment. EH&S administers this program for the UC Berkeley Non-Ionizing Radiation Safety Committee (NIRSC). The campus Laser Safety Officer (LSO) is responsible for implementation of the Non-Ionizing Radiation Safety program.
Examples:
- Class 3B and 4 lasers
- 2-photon microscopes
Forms and Applications: Laser Use Registration (LUR) form
Oversight Committee: Laser Safety Officer (LSO) and Chair of the Non-Ionizing Radiation Safety Committee (NIRSC); signature required for approval of use
Approval Time Frame: Variable. Laser safety program requirements (engineering, administrative, and PPE) must be satisfied prior to use.
Prerequisite for ACUC Approval?: No, but required prior to use of laser(s)
Contact: Eddie Ciprazo, (510) 643‑9243, lso@berkeley.edu
Field Safety
Purpose: The Field Safety Program provides compliance assistance, technical information, and training to assist UC Berkeley faculty and staff that perform field research and teaching off campus and at University-operated field stations.
Examples: See the EH&S Field Safety Plan Template under How Do I: Create a Field Safety Plan?
Forms and Applications:
- Develop and maintain a field safety plan (see Field Research for other resources and reading material)
- Register travel outside of California with UC Office of the President (UCOP)
Oversight Committee: Reviewed by Research Safety Specialist
Approval Time Frame: Formal approval is not required by EH&S; however, this office can provide technical guidance. Field safety plans should be updated as field research activities or locations change.
Prerequisite for ACUC Approval?: No, but a field safety plan is required prior to leaving for a trip
Contact: Sara Souza, sarasouza@berkeley.edu
Training:
- Safety Spotlight Poster (April 2016): 5 Suggestions for Field Researchers
- Heat Illness Training
For general information and questions, please contact EH&S at:
Location: 317 University Hall
Main Phone Number: (510) 642‑3073
Website: https://ehs.berkeley.edu
Email: ehs@berkeley.edu