Who should represent the animal facility on the institution's safety committee according to the described guidance?

• A. The facility's business manager
• B. The manager or veterinarian responsible for the animals in the facility
• C. The IACUC chair or designee
• D. A research scientist with hazardous materials expertise

Answer: (B)

Representing the animal facility on the safety committee should be someone who directly oversees the animals—the manager or veterinarian responsible for the animals in the facility. This person brings firsthand knowledge of housing, husbandry practices, and the specific hazards tied to the animal programs (such as zoonotic risks, allergens, and facility-related safety issues). They can translate safety policies into practical procedures, PPE, exposure controls, and emergency responses that fit the actual day-to-day operations of the animal facility, and they can coordinate with veterinary and IACUC oversight as needed. While other roles contribute to safety in broader contexts, they don’t have the same immediate, facility-specific responsibility for animal care and safety.