Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What is one key focus of the occupational health and safety component in animal care programs?

1. Promoting employee financial literacy

2. Ensuring safe handling and care of laboratory animals

3. Maximizing laboratory space usage

4. Reducing the number of animals used in research

The correct answer is: Ensuring safe handling and care of laboratory animals

The primary focus of the occupational health and safety component in animal care programs is to ensure safe handling and care of laboratory animals. This emphasis is crucial because laboratory environments can pose various hazards to personnel, including biological risks from animal diseases, chemical exposure from cleaning agents or drugs, and physical dangers from handling animals. By prioritizing safe handling practices, animal care programs aim to protect the health and safety of both the staff and the animals. This includes training personnel on proper techniques for animal restraint, understanding animal behavior to minimize incidents, and implementing safety protocols to reduce the risk of injuries or accidents. The goal is to create a safe working environment that allows staff to effectively and compassionately care for animals, which is a key aspect of ethical animal research. The other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not directly address the core focus of occupational health and safety within animal care. Financial literacy, laboratory space maximization, and reducing the number of animals used in research may be important considerations in broader program planning but are not central to ensuring the immediate health and safety of personnel involved in animal care.