The University of Louisiana at Lafayette-New Iberia Research Center has an on site Occupational Health and Safety unit. The Occupational Health and Safety program is provided for employees in order to address health and safety issues pertaining to working in a laboratory animal setting using non-human primates as the principle animal model.

The program is driven by Standard Operating Procedures that address the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s regulations and recommendations issued for the health and safety of all employees. The Unit provides oversight for the injury reporting, health surveillance, respiratory protection, radiological safety, chemical safety and biological safety programs.

The Occupational Health and Safety unit also plays a part in the health of our non-human primates by requiring that all employees, students, and visitors provide proof of a negative Tuberculosis test performed 6 months prior to contact with the animals at the Center. If the person cannot have a Tuberculosis test performed, a negative chest radiograph performed within 1 year of contact will be accepted. Other pre-visit requirements must be met for specific areas of the Center, ex. Respirator Clearance, Titers, etc. Contact the Safety Officer or your NIRC representative to obtain additional information regarding pre-visit requirements.