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Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

Semiannual Inspections

Consistent with USDA Animal Welfare Regulations and PHS Policy, the K-State IACUC performs routine semiannual inspections of research and teaching animal facilities.

Semiannual IACUC visits are announced ahead of time. The inspections are scheduled for the first part of April and October annually.  The K-State IACUC and URCO will do our best to accommodate PIs and facility manager schedules within this timeframe. URCO staff will contact PIs and lab representatives to schedule inspections within a month before the anticipated visit.

Information

Documents to prepare
Documents to prepareWhy?

IACUC approval letters

It needs to be clear that all work has a currently approved protocol.

IACUC protocols

It needs to be clear that everyone working on the protocol has immediate access to the approved document and can therefore remain compliant.

Proof of current OHSP status for all lab members or student workers – initial enrollment, then annual renewal

Occupational Health and Safety programs are required by the AWA, the Guide, and the Ag Guide. K-State uses an annual renewal system to ensure the Occupational Health and Safety Program status and activity of each individual. Enrollment is spot-checked during inspections.

Training records - record of online training completion as well as lab-specific training

Training verification is K-State’s responsibility. One way IACUC ensures individuals have received training is to review written records of training. Records are spot-checked during inspections.

Animal surgery records

In order to evaluate and confirm compliance with approved animal protocols for surgical procedures, supportive care, and pain relief, surgery records must be available for review by the IACUC.

Animal monitoring records

It is the responsibility of the PI and the IACUC to ensure compliance with approved protocols. IACUC will check records for evidence of monitoring animals in accordance with all IACUC approved Animal Monitoring Plans.

DEA controlled substance logs

It is the responsibility of the PI and K-State IACUC to ensure compliance with storage and use of DEA controlled substances.

Signs to post
Signs to postWhy?

Disaster Preparedness Roster

Everyone must be able to access a number for key individuals who will be able to provide instructions in the event of a disaster.

Animal Room Door Sign

Anyone with an animal concern must be aware of how report their concern at any time, anonymously.

Safety When Working With Animals Notice

To promote individual awareness of the OHSP program and ensure all K-State individuals that have animal contact in an occupational way or in research are enrolled in the program.

Common deficiencies

Examples of common deficiencies found during an IACUC Semi-Annual Inspection include the following.

  • Expired drugs and supplies

  • Improperly labeled drugs and supplies

  • Drugs and human food stored in same refrigerator or refrigerators not marked for intended use

  • Inadequate controlled drug storage

  • Controlled drug logs incomplete or outdated

  • Improperly stored or improperly labeled feed and bedding

  • Inadequate record keeping for personnel training

  • Inadequate records for employee training on specific animal procedures (such as surgery, handling, drug administration, etc.)

  • Inadequate animal care records (missing entries on daily care logs, post-op surgery logs incomplete or not updated)

  • Incomplete records for room or housing sanitation

  • Animal health records not closed out when health concerns are resolved

  • IACUC protocols not available or posted for projects currently underway

  • Clutter and inadequate housekeeping

Inspection checklists used on visits

 

The K-State IACUC will use this checklist generated by the NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare during IACUC inspections and semiannual program reviews. This IACUC inspection checklist is based on the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th ed.