Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals - Office of ...

134 GUIdE FOR ThE CARE ANd USE OF LAbORATORy ANIMALSBuilding materials for animal facilities should be selected to facilitateefficient and hygienic operation. Durable, moisture- and vermin-proof, fireresistant,seamless materials are most desirable for interior surfaces, whichshould be highly resistant to the effects of cleaning agents, scrubbing, highpressuresprays, and impact. Paints and glazes should be nontoxic if used onsurfaces with which animals will have direct contact. In the construction ofoutdoor facilities, consideration should be given to surfaces that withstandthe elements and can be easily maintained.LocationQuality animal management and human comfort and health protectionrequire separation of animal facilities from personnel areas, such as officesand conference rooms. Separation can be accomplished by having theanimal quarters in a separate building, wing, floor, or room. Careful planningshould make it possible to place animal housing areas next to or nearresearch laboratories but separated from them by barriers, such as entrylocks, corridors, or floors. Additional considerations include the impact ofnoise and vibration generated from within the facility and from surroundingareas of the building, as well as security of the facility.Animals should be housed in facilities dedicated to or assigned for thatpurpose, not in laboratories merely for convenience. If animals must bemaintained in a laboratory to satisfy the scientific aims of a protocol, thatspace should be appropriate to house and care for the animals and its uselimited to the period during which it is required. If needed, measures shouldbe taken to minimize occupational hazards related to exposure to animalsboth in the research area and during transport to and from the area.Centralization Versus DecentralizationIn a physically centralized animal facility, support, care, and use areasare adjacent to the animal housing space. Decentralized animal housingand use occur in space that is not solely dedicated to animal care or supportor is physically separated from the support areas and animal care personnel.Centralization often reduces operating costs, providing a more efficient flowof animal care supplies, equipment, and personnel; more efficient use ofenvironmental controls; and less duplication of support services. Centralizationreduces the needs for transporting animals between housing and studysites, thereby minimizing the risks of transport stress and exposure to diseaseagents; affords greater security by providing the opportunity to control facilityaccess; and increases the ease of monitoring staff and animals.Decentralized animal facilities generally cost more to constructbecause of the requirement for specialized environmental systems and