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Animal research Facilities

Policies and Regulations

INSTRUCTIONS TO RESEARCHER, LECTURER AND STAFF

All research, teaching and testing and activities based on laboratory animal conducted at the SPH must receive the approval from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

(For All Researchers, Lecturers, and Staff at Seksyen Penyelidikan Haiwan – SPH)

 
  1. All researchers, lecturers, and staff must record their entry before entering SPH premises.
  2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) — including face masks, rubber gloves, and lab coats or scrub suits — must be worn at all times during animal handling.
  3. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory when handling animals or entering any laboratory or animal room.
  4. Children under 12 years old are strictly prohibited from entering SPH research areas.
  5. Individuals responsible for research animals must inspect them daily for signs of illness and report any abnormalities immediately to the attending veterinarian.
  6. Research animals must not be transported between rooms or to any laboratory inside or outside the institution without prior approval. All movements must be properly recorded.
  7. Cage bedding must be changed according to the prescribed schedule to ensure a clean, dry, and healthy environment for the animals.
  8. All laboratory areas and animal rooms must be kept clean, neat, and well-organized at all times.
  9. In the event of a sudden animal death, the veterinarian must be notified immediately to perform a post-mortem and collect samples. Delays may lead to tissue autolysis and affect diagnostic outcomes.
  10. Practice good personal hygiene by thoroughly washing hands after handling animals or laboratory equipment.
  11. Food and drinks are strictly prohibited in all laboratories and animal housing areas.
  12. Smoking is not permitted anywhere within the SPH facility.
  13. In the event of an accident or injury during animal handling, immediately report the incident to your supervisor or the attending veterinarian, and seek medical treatment at Pusat Perubatan USM Bertam. The Occupational Safety and Health Unit must also be informed.