Abstract
Biohazard training and compliance of husbandry and research staff are often complicated at the University of Arizona by the sporadic nature of the work within the BSL-2/BSL-3 suite. Projects may last for a month and then not be repeated for a significant period of time. Failure to adhere to approved safety measures and techniques for specific rooms/projects over time increased the need for clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) that were easily accessed and utilized. SOPs available only in the employee lounge are of little use when a question arises while changing cages within a BSL-2 animal room. To this end, new SOP formats and display locations were developed and instituted to increase awareness and comprehension of techniques used within the BSL-2/BSL-3 suite. Changes included the placement of plain text as well as picture-enhanced SOPs in common areas such as the employee lounge and entrance to the biohazard suite, and within the animal rooms. The introduction of SOPs containing color photographs has been instrumental in increasing compliance of in-room procedures by both native English speakers and those who do not speak English as a first language. Overall, the use of multiple styles of SOPs has been a huge success. This process has helped to reduce confusion and increase compliance by both the husbandry and research staffs working within the University Animal Care facilities.