Instrument for Developing a Comprehensive Plan for Assessing Aquatic Vertebrate Animal Study Sites at the University of Hawaii

Facility: ______Date:______

Principal Investigator:______

Resource Person(s): ______

Reviewer(s): ______

Mechanical System Monitoring and Preventative Maintenance Program (Guide1, 79, 85, 87, Guide2, 2, 35, 37) / A* / M / S / NA
Mechanical system monitoring is appropriate for the study activity
Redundant systems are adequate to deal with mechanical failures
Preventive maintenance (PM) program is adequate for the mechanical system
Resources for the mechanical system and PM are adequately provided
Environmental Parameter Monitoring
(Guide1, 78-80, Guide2, 37) / A* / M / S / NA
Standards for acceptable water quality are established (Guide1, 78)
Chlorine, chloramine, chemical, and reactive bioproducts are removed or neutralized prior to use in aquatic systems (Guide1, 78, 86)
Water quality tests and frequency of testing is appropriate for species, life stages, and systems to ensure animal welfare.
Life support system is appropriate for the study activity and monitored to ensure animal welfare (Guide1, 79)
Temperatures are optimum for the species and temperature is monitored to ensure animal welfare (Guide1, 80-81)
The macro-environment (temperature, humidity, ventilation, illumination, noise and vibration) is monitored to ensure animal welfare (Guide1, 78-83)
Contingency plans are in place to rectify unacceptable environmental parameters to ensure animal welfare (Guide2, 38)
Substrate and aquatic systems are adequate for study activity and routinely checked for excess organics to avoid potential disease vectors and poor water conditions
Equipment and gear usage between systems are held to a minimum to prevent transfer of disease to multiple systems. Disinfectants for sterilization of equipment/gear used appropriately and when necessary.
Appropriate Staffing Levels
(Guide1, 15-17, 78, 87) / A* / M / S / NA
Staffing levels are appropriate for the facility and activities
Adequacy of staff training program
Adequacy of documentation of training
Adequacy of continuing education appropriate for the species and activities
Daily observations of animals
Monitoring of animals on weekends, holidays, and after regular business hours
Adequacy of contingency plan for covering short staffing periods
Adequacy of staff to respond to emergencies and troubleshooting
Adequacy of response time of emergency team from alarming
Response Time Frames To Alarms (Guide1, 35, 87, 143) / A* / M / S / NA
Proven adequacy of emergency response in event of alarm to ensure animal welfare
Up to date, proven emergency response plan in place
Availability of Parts and Services for Addressing Mechanical Failures (Guide1, 87) / A* / M / S / NA
Are appropriate resources available to address mechanical failures?
Is there documentation from your Administration to demonstrate this support?
Average lead-time is reasonable for obtaining parts and services during an emergency to prevent adverse events affecting animal welfare?
Stocking Densities for Aquatic Animal Populations
(Guide1, 85, 87, Guide2, 35) / A* / M / S / NA
Is stocking density (fish-biomass to available water volume) appropriate for species and activities to ensure animal welfare?
Is dissolved oxygen and accumulation of waste products monitored to ensure animal welfare?
Are systems in place to deal with mechanical failures in a timely manner to prevent adverse animal events with the present stocking density?
Other programmatic adjustments are in place to ensure animal welfare in the event of a mechanical failure
Ability of the Animal Care and Use Program to Rapidly Deploy Resources to Address Animal Welfare Emergencies (Guide1, 13-14, 87) / A* / M / S / NA
Are adequate resources available for rapid deployment to address animal emergencies?
Are institutional procurement procedures adequate to rapidly deploy resources?
Relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) based on performance standards which support scientific objectives, support the health and welfare of the animals, include a justified performance index, and have associated outcome criteria (Guide1, 15, 18, 78, 84-88) / A* / M / S / NA
Appropriate SOPs written for Aquatic Management (Guide1, 84-88)
Do SOPs reflect appropriate outcome criteria (measures)?
SOPs are based on performance standards including a performance index (e.g. measure of performance) to ensure understanding and proper implementation
Effectiveness of SOPs is assessed for outcome criteria (e.g. ensuring animal welfare and reducing adverse events).
SOPs are regularly reviewed by staff and updated as needed to reflect current practices
Written documentation of training proficiency occurs
Qualified trainers educate the staff on SOPs
Alternative plans if appropriate measures for supporting animal studies in a compliant manner cannot be accomplished (i.e., suspending or terminating specific animal activities that cannot be conducted in full compliance with PHS Policy, the Guide1, institutional policies, and any other relevant animal care and use policies or regulations. / A* / M / S / NA
Is there an alternative plan in place for supporting animal studies?
Is this plan adequate to meet the needs of your specific animal activity?
Do you have adequate resources to develop and implement alternative plan?
Is there Administrative support for the alternative plan? (space, resources)

A*=acceptable, M=minor deficiency, S=significant deficiency, NA=not applicable

Guide 1: Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th edition, 2011, NCR

Guide 2: Guidelines for the Use of Fish in Research, 2004, Joint publication

Notes: