CAGE PROCESSING in Animal Facilities - GV-SOLAS

6.9 Routine checks and measuresThe routine measures specified in the operator guide and operating instructions should be implemented at theindicated intervals. These measures include for example:• check of concentration, temperature, pH value or conductivity of the detergent solution,• replacement of the detergent solution by emptying the wash tank (please also see chapter 4.3.2.2.4),• routine cleaning of filters and containers,• check for clogging and correct spray position of jets.6.10 Check of washing, drying, and steam sterilisation resultEfficacy checks are of great relevance for an animal facility. For evaluating the performance of washers, theinstructions in chapter 7 should be followed. For sanitization procedures with H 2O 2/ PAA, indications for ratingthe steriliser performance are provided in chapter 4.6.If further checks are recommended or required by the machine manufacturer, it must be specified in the operatorguide. If the operator wishes additional checks, he/she must give details on those as early as when issuinga tender.6.11 Maintenance measuresFor ensuring a safe and repeatable machine operation, maintenance measures, as required by the manufacturer,including all necessary inspection, maintenance, and overhaul procedures (defined according to DIN31051), must be done on a regular basis. Only trained experts are to implement these measures. Thereby,attention should be paid to the following aspects:• All safety instructions must be followed.• Process parameters must be checked.• It must be checked if the selected chemicals are suitable for the purpose and used in correct concentration.• Manufacturer recommended spare parts must be used.When replacing machine parts that might cause a change in washing process parameters, an extraordinarycheck is required.As maintenance work requires specialised knowledge and special tooling, concluding a maintenance contractwith the manufacturer is strongly recommended. Moreover, such a contract might be a prerequisite for assertingwarranty claims.7 Performance evaluation checks for washing systemsFor evaluating a flawless operation, it is necessary to check the washing, decontamination, rinsing, and dryingperformance of a machine. Please find below principle requirements and methods for performance evaluation:7.1 Requirements7.1.1 WashingWashing generally means the process of removing soiling off objects to a degree required for further processingor intended item use.7.1.2 DecontaminationThe decontamination process consists of a washing procedure and a process-induced sanitization that is importantfor further use of an item that requires a defined hygienic status. Steam sterilisation alone is not sufficient.The required status will be achieved with a reduction of microorganisms of, by definition, at least a log 10reduction factor of 5.7.1.3. RinsingThe rinsing process must ensure a sufficient removal of all chemical residues from the items in a processingcycle. When using alkaline or acid detergents, no residues must remain on the items’ surface, which can beverified by means of pH indicators.Cage Processing in Animal Facilities · 4th issue · 2013 47