CAGE PROCESSING in Animal Facilities - Felasa

6.2 Start up of operationIt is part of the manufacturer’s responsibility to first put the machines into operation or to name an expert whodoes so in his place. Thereby, all operation, control, and safety devices must be checked for function and correctadjustment.6.3 HandoverThe manufacturer must hand over the following documents to the operator: Declaration of conformity, operatorguide, and maintenance papers as well as, if agreed upon, a performance record (please refer to chapter 7) ofthe machine.Please note:For large machines, a test phase is recommended. If so desired, it must be specified before issuing a tender.A factory acceptance test might also be reasonable.6.4 Operating staffWhen handing over the machines, the manufacturer must instruct the machine operating staff by introducingthem to the operator guide. It is the customer’s responsibility, however, to ensure a sufficient instruction of his/her staff (operating instructions). The customer must furthermore compile an occupational risk assessment(based on labour protection laws, ordinances on industrial safety and health, on biological agents and hazardoussubstances as defined by his/her respective country/EU standards).6.5 Machine logIt is necessary to keep a machine log where all extraordinary incidents (e.g. malfunctions) and routine work(e.g. maintenance and overhaul) as well as changes in adjustment of parameters are recorded.6.6 Operator guideThe operator guide must be provided in the language of the respective country the machines are shipped toand kept on-site at a well accessible place, so all operating staff can consult the guide as needed. A short formof the operator guide must be applied well visible in close vicinity to the operating area.6.7 Standard operating procedure (SOP)The SOP provides in layman’s terms all information necessary for a proper running. The instructions shouldgenerally be compiled by the customer, taking the manufacturer’s information as a basis. It may be helpful forthe customer to use the manufacturers provided documents, adjusted to the specific situation on-site.6.8 Setting the procedural parametersWhen operating the machines, it is recommended to keep the parameters, specified in the operator guide andselected during the test phase. These parameters are for example temperature, dwell time, conveying velocity,concentration of process chemicals, and drying time. If, due to local conditions, it proves necessary to adjustthose parameters, it must be recorded in the machine log and, where required, verified with another test phase.Please refer to in the tables below examples for operating procedures and parameters of programs most commonfor washers and steam sterilisers:Wash cycle-type washersTable 6-1Machine Cabinet cage washer Cage and rack washer Bottle washerwashing temperature ca 55 - 65 °C ca 55 – 65 °C ca 55 - 65 °Cwashing time ca 120 -180 sec ca 120 sec ca 60 - 120 secrinsing temperature ca 80 - 90 °C ca 80 - 90 °C ca 80 - 90 °Crinsing time ca 30 sec ca 30 sec ca 20 - 30 secdrying time - ca 60 - 210 sec -venting ca 120 sec ca 180 sec -detergent concentration 2 - 5 ml/l 2 - 5 ml/l 2 - 5 ml/lCage Processing in Animal Facilities · 4th issue · 2013 45