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Guide for the Care and use of Laboratory Animals: Eighth Edition
Facilities for Sanitizing Materials
A dedicated central area for sanitizing cages and ancillary equipment should be provided. Mechanical cage-washing equipment is generally needed and should be selected to match the types of caging and equipment used. Consideration should be given to such factors as the following:
location with respect to animal rooms and waste disposal and storage areas
ease of access, including doors of sufficient width to facilitate movement of equipment
sufficient space for staging and maneuvering of equipment
soiled waste disposal and prewashing activities
ease of cleaning and disinfection of the area
traffic flow that separates animals and equipment moving between clean and soiled areas
air pressurization between partitioned spaces to reduce the potential of cross contamination between soiled and clean equipment
insulation of walls and ceilings where necessary
sound attenuation
utilities, such as hot and cold water, steam, floor drains, and electric power
ventilation, including installation of vents or canopies and provisions for dissipation of steam and fumes from sanitizing processes
vibration, especially if animals are housed directly above, below, or adjacent to the washing facility
personnel safety, by ensuring that safety showers, eyewash stations, and other equipment are provided as required by code; exposed hot water and steam lines are properly insulated; procedures with a propensity to generate aerosols are appropriately contained; and equipment, such as cage/rack washers, and bulk sterilizers, which personnel enter, are equipped with functioning safety devices that prevent staff from becoming trapped inside.
Environmental Monitoring
Monitoring of environmental conditions in animal holding spaces and other environmentally sensitive areas in the facility should be considered. Automated monitoring systems, which notify personnel of excursions in environmental conditions, including temperature and photoperiod, are advisable to prevent animal loss or physiologic changes as a result of system malfunction. The function and accuracy of such systems should be regularly verified.
