Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What document is crucial to have posted throughout a facility for emergency situations?

1. Safety manual

2. Emergency contact list

3. Employee handbook

4. Visitor log

The correct answer is: Emergency contact list

Having an emergency contact list posted throughout a facility is essential for several reasons. In emergency situations, time is of the essence, and having immediate access to critical contact information can facilitate a rapid response. An emergency contact list provides key phone numbers, such as those for emergency services, facility management, and specialized personnel trained to handle specific crises. This document ensures that all staff members are familiar with whom to contact in various emergency situations, which can include everything from medical emergencies to animal escapes or hazardous spills. In addition, having this information clearly visible and accessible reduces confusion and delays in responding to emergencies, ultimately contributing to the safety of both personnel and animals in the facility. In contrast, while a safety manual, employee handbook, and visitor log play their roles in a facility's operations, they do not provide the immediate contact information necessary for real-time emergency response, making the emergency contact list the most critical document to have readily available in such situations.