CAGE PROCESSING in Animal Facilities - GV-SOLAS

4.3.2.1.3 Rinse aidRinse aids should achieve an even and sufficient wetting of the different materials of a wash load. They canthus contribute to the drying process and help avoid spots and drops. Acid rinse aids are preferred in orderto combat residual water hardness, or to neutralise alkaline softened rinsing water. Plastics that are prone tostress cracks, like polycarbonate or polysulfone in particular, require specific rinse aids.4.3.2.2 Characteristics and physical parameters4.3.2.2.1 Material compatibilityWhen used correctly, chemicals should not cause corrosion or other material damages within the manufacturer-statedlife expectancy of the items that are processed (please refer to chapter 3).4.3.2.2.2 Dispensing and concentrationProcess chemicals can be dispensed centrally or locally (please refer to chapter 5.5). Information on dosageis provided by the manufacturers on the trading unit labels. For detailed information, please refer to the correspondingdata sheets.Chemical manufacturers can further list methods for determining the correct concentration (+/- 10% of the setpoint, e.g. titration or conductivity measurement).4.3.2.2.3 TemperatureChemicals must be adequate for the temperature range of a specific washing procedure, as recommended bythe manufacturers of the items to be washed and machines to be used.4.3.2.2.4 Replacing the detergentThe detergent solution is to be regenerated or replaced as required. Depending on the items to be washed,tanks, mesh filters, and jets must be checked regularly and cleaned daily if required (please refer to chapter 6)in order to achieve a proper cleaning result.4.3.2.3 Documentation and safetyFor every process chemical, manufacturers must provide a data sheet and material safety data sheet. Theoperator must then compile operating instructions. For rinse aids, manufacturers must provide a toxicologicalrisk assessment.4.4 Filling componentsAfter washing, the cage bases are refilled with bedding as the bottles are with water. They are thenreturned into the animal facility. Cages and bottles can also be refilled in the animal rooms. Thismay require the bedding and water to be hygienically processed separately.4.4.1 Cage filling4.4.1.1 Hygienic aspectsWhen cages are refilled, fine dust of clean bedding can be released. Some wood types can cause allergies,some are classified as carcinogenic. Even if not classified as dangerous, however, airborne fine dust is tobe minimised and where necessary to be exhausted when occurring in the work place in order to protect theoperating staff as best as possible. (Please consult the labour protection laws of your respective country/EUstandards.)Cage Processing in Animal Facilities · 4th issue · 2013 25