CAGE PROCESSING in Animal Facilities - GV-SOLAS

Size: Ergonomic working heights are set between approximately 800 and 900 mm, depending on the localsituation. Reasonable dimensions of a dumping area often range between 800 x 800 and 1000 x 1000 mm(lxw), depending on the dimensions of the cages used.Structure: The disposal station or elements connected to the waste collection bin or conveyor tube shouldhave sealed surfaces to avoid dirt traps. A grid, bar, or similar device allows for an easy knocking out andsetting down of cages. For a convenient cleaning, grids should be detachable.Material: Stainless steel (material AISI 304 or more significant) offers a major advantage regarding durabilityand cleaning.Cleaning: Disposal stations should be easy to clean and be designed accordingly. A general cleaningshould be done daily, an intensive cleaning weekly (either manually or automatically, depending on the design).Components for shredding and disposal of environmental enrichment / feed pellets:Depending on the design of a disposal station, solutions for shredding of the enrichments and feed pellets(e.g. shredder) must be taken into consideration. The purpose is to avoid clogging of subsequent parts ofthe processing system (e.g. press or conveyor tube). Functional reliability of a shredding unit and its suitabilityfor the products to be shredded should also be considered.Most importantly of course, such supplementary equipment must be safe to handle for the operating staff.Thus, openings must be safe, and designed to prevent particles from escaping or being ejected (pleaserefer to Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, formerly known as 98/37/EC).Components for preventing dust and allergens:Taking measures to avoid dust and allergen exposure is most important for the health protection of the operatingstaff. Such measures should be taken for every exposed area (e.g. disposal station; collection binsfor bedding, dust, and waste in general). In addition to technical or/and organisational dust prevention, anefficient particle reduction can be achieved with a suitable suction device and is generally to be preferred topersonal protective equipment (e.g. respiratory masks). The following particle suction devices are technicallypossible:• Negative pressure between dumping- and bedding collection room (in cases of dumping hopper with largedown pipe) Less effective, but high requirements on the ventilating system and relocation of the dust problem• Rim ventilation on the dumping station Less effective• Small or large suction hood (“cross-flow hood”) Highly effective, reasonable costs of purchase• LAF-tent solution (down flow) Highly effective, high space requirements and high costs of purchasePrevious devices should guarantee a strong and effective front air barrier (air suction into the work aperture atoperator level), in order to avoid the release of aerosoles during cage dumping (referring to requirements ofcage chaging station, TRBA 120).Please note:Dust-reduced bedding does help. However this does not lower the concentration of allergens carried onanimal hair, danders, etc.4.2.1.4 Different ways of dumping cages – advantages / disadvantagesIn the table, below you will find options for a manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic emptying of cages:14Cage Processing in Animal Facilities · 4th issue · 2013