Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
More specific “enteric precautions” have been devel-
oped and implemented at some institutions because of
possible animal cross-infection or infection of workers by
animals harboring virulent infectious agents spread by the
fecal e oral route. Very small, even invisible amounts of
infectious material from feces of certain infected
nonhuman primates can cause human infection if ingested.
Special procedures over and above these should include the
standard universal precautions that have been developed for
working with nonhuman primates infected with hepatitis A,
shigellosis, and other enteric infections.
Respiratory Barriers
Facemasks are recommended for entry into all animal rooms
and for all close contact work with nonhuman primates.
Although many nonhuman primate facilities continue to use
conventional, disposable surgical masks, disposable respi-
rator masks approved by the National Institute for Occu-
pational Safety and Health are now being recommended
(N95) for use in certain portions of a nonhuman primates
facility such as quarantine. These aerosol and splash barriers
are the single most practical and effective means of pre-
venting the airborne transmission of pathogens from
nonhuman primates to people ( Occupational Safety and
Health Administration, 29 CFR 1910.134 ).
In addition, a facemask or a full-face respirator also acts
as a physical barrier in preventing infection from being
acquired orally. It also serves as a disciplinary reminder that
nonhuman primates require more special precautions than
most other research animals, especially in facilities that have
other research animals that do not pose serious biohazards.
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Security/Restricted Access
Most naturally occurring and experimental diseases of
nonhuman primates posing threats to humans are classified in
Animal Biosafety Levels 2 and 3. For etiological agents in
both of these categories, special practices must be imple-
mented as biosafety precautions. The laboratory director or
other responsible person establishes policies and procedures
whereby only persons who have been advised of the potential
hazards and meet any specific requirements (e.g. for immu-
nization) may enter the animal rooms ( Centers for Disease
Control/National Institutes of Health, 2009 ).
Access to nonhuman primate rooms and areas must be
limited to authorized personnel. Facility security fences
and other barriers to individuals are useful. Measures that
control access through facility gates and doors are also
helpful, as are guards, patrols, and the use of video cameras
in strategic locations around the facility. Both employee
and visitor identification procedures enhance security.
Institutions should have procedures in place for dealing
promptly and effectively with unauthorized personnel
gaining access to animal facilities. Only institutional
security, or possibly other properly trained and authorized
individuals, and law enforcement officials should be
allowed to become involved in confrontational situations
that may lead to altercations and violence. Animal care
personnel should promptly report knowledge of unautho-
rized entry of persons to their supervisor, facility manager,
or appropriate official.
Protective Clothing
Clothing suitable for use in the animal facility should be
supplied by the institution, with the possible exception of
undergarments. Such items include head covers, face-
masks, face shields, goggles, laboratory coats, coveralls,
scrub suits, gloves, shoes, shoe covers, and boots. Dispos-
able protective items are suitable and preferred in many
situations. Hazard assessments should be performed
annually to determine the correct PPE to be worn in given
situations ( OSHA PPE Standards 1910.132 ).
Laundry
Institutions should provide laundry services for non-
disposable apparel worn by workers in close contact with
nonhuman primates. Under no circumstances should poten-
tially contaminated clothing worn around nonhuman
primates be taken to or worn to the employee's residence for
laundering. Either on-site or commercial laundering services
are acceptable in most situations; however, institutional
facilities should be used to first decontaminate (usually with
bleach) clothing exposed to nonhuman primates.
Showers/Lockers
Shower and locker facilities should be provided at the
institution for workers having substantial animal contact.
Because of the infectious nature of numerous natural and
experimental agents and other factors, and even though
protective clothing and devices are worn by workers in
close contact with nonhuman primates, showering after
contact with nonhuman primates or at
Floor Surfaces
Floors in most facilities housing nonhuman primates have
smooth surfaces to enhance sanitation. The installation of
durable epoxy-based materials with resistance to heavy cage
racks, constant moisture, and chemicals is recommended.
Floors should be constructed of skid-proof materials,
and workers should wear footgear that provides traction on
wet, slippery floors. In addition, personnel should be
the end of the
workday is usually recommended.
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