CAGE PROCESSING in Animal Facilities - Felasa

1 IntroductionIn animal facilities, such different items like cages, cage lids, wire grids, bottles, bedding, feed,transport trolleys, steam sterilisation containers, work clothes, and other equipment need to beprocessed. For a safe and efficient processing procedure, technical quality is essential. It is alsoimportant that the selected systems can be handled conveniently and all individual componentsinteract smoothly.Usually, a centrally located wash-up area (processing centre) is the place where the processing isdone.An automatic processing is generally to be preferred to manual washing as it provides better optionsfor standardisation and monitoring and is more efficient. Hence, it is also the focus of this brochure.Although there is some information provided on manual washing, as well.Taking into account the complexity of processing combined with potential interface issues, standardisingthe procedure and defining constructional requirements of processing systems are key factorsin order to meet the high hygienic standards required for the above-mentioned items.When designing cages, the first and most crucial factor to consider is the animal. Further requirementsare defined by occupational health aspects and economically efficient workflows. As in biomedicalresearch rodents and rabbits are predominantly used, this brochure puts its emphasis onitems especially designed for these species.The AK-KAB have made it their aim to provide a guideline for planning, procuring, and operating processingsystems and single processing components, and thus wish to address planners, manufacturers, and operatorsalike.The following chapters provide information on:• Cage processing cycles• Requirements of items for processing• Cage processing procedure• Constructional requirements• Operation and operating• Performance evaluation checks for washing systems• Ecological requirements• Potential defects and material damages• Literature, standards, publications• Terms / definitionsIn the 2 nd issue of this brochure, the AK-KAB have added the chapters “4.6 Reduction of microorganisms onheat-sensitive items by means of hydrogen peroxide (H 2O 2) / peracetic acid (PAA)” and “7. Performance evaluationchecks for washing systems”.In the 3 rd issue, all of chapter 7 has been revised, and the guidelines for checking washed water bottles forcleanliness have been completed. The 4 th issue received a complete revise and update, emphasizing on chapter“4.2 Emptying components”; “4.4 Filling components”, and “9.6 Problems during treatment of the bottledrinking nipples. You will find information on legal restrictions, regulations, work safety aspects, as well as onthe Guidelines of the Society of Laboratory Animal Science (GV-SOLAS).NOTE:This version is the translation of a German brochure. Therefore it refers to the cage processing proceduresand normative standards that are usually given in Germany.6Cage Processing in Animal Facilities · 4th issue · 2013