Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
instructed on a periodic basis about the physical hazards of
working in an animal facility.
Sanitation
Adequate sanitation is essential in every animal facility,
especially those housing nonhuman primates, to prevent the
spread of diseases among animals and from animals to
people in contact with them and to reduce and control
vermin. Daily sanitation practices are required for indoor
enclosures and cages housing nonhuman primates. Water-
ing and feeding stations for nonhuman primates housed
outside should be sanitized often enough to maintain
a constant level of adequate sanitation.
Pest Control Programs
Primarily because of the feeding and watering methods of
institutions and the unsanitary and wasteful habits of
nonhuman primates, vermin are a major concern. A contin-
uous program is required to prevent, control, and eliminate
pests such as cockroaches, flies, and wild or escaped rodents.
Vermin problems exist virtually everywhere there are
nonhuman primates in both outdoor and indoor facilities.
Cockroaches have been shown to transmit acantho-
cephalans among squirrel monkeys. Wild rodents are
reservoirs for Yersinia enterocolitica. Certain species of
insects and mosquitoes are known to transmit or serve as
mechanical vectors for various pathogens. Flies also
generally reflect a substandard level of sanitation.
The most effective pest control program prevents the
entry of vermin into the facility by screening openings,
sealing cracks, and eliminating breeding and refuge sites.
Pesticides must be used with discretion; improper use
can induce toxic effects on research animals (
Hodgson,
1980
) and interfere with experimental procedures.
Relatively nontoxic compounds (e.g. amorphous silica
gels) should be used to control cockroaches where
possible. Pesticides should be used in animal areas only
when necessary and then only after a consultation with
investigators whose animals will be exposed to them.
Applications of pesticides must be in accordance with
federal, state, and local regulations. They should be
recorded and must be coordinated with the animal care
management staff. An integrated pest management
approach is essential.
Decontamination
The decontamination of animal rooms is necessary at
varying intervals, e.g. after quarantine, when animals have
vacated a room, or after an outbreak of disease. Procedures
may vary according to the situation, from routine decon-
tamination using a solution of sodium hypochlorite (1:100
dilution of household bleach) or a similar sanitizing agent
on all floors, walls, doors, and other surfaces in the animal
room to fumigation with an agent such as para-
formaldehyde for aerosol sterilization. Recently, the use of
vaporized hydrogen peroxide has been an effective method
to decontaminate the surfaces of a whole room without
harm to electronic equipment.
Waste Handling
Nonhuman primates generate large volumes of waste,
primarily uneaten food and excrement. These and other
waste products should be removed regularly and frequently,
usually daily. Most municipalities allow flushing of these
materials into sanitary sewer systems, but this may not be
the case if animals are infected with certain agents in
Animal Biosafety Levels 3 and 4.
Incinerators located in, or adjacent to, the animal
facility are ideal for waste disposal. Incinerators should be
in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
Transporting waste to off-site incinerators requires special
containment and handling precautions. Waste cans, if used,
should be metal or plastic, leak proof, and equipped with
tight-fitting lids that will not come off or leak if the cans are
turned over in transit. Containers of animal tissues,
carcasses, and hazardous wastes should be lined with leak
proof, disposable liners and should exhibit the biohazard
warning sign. If wastes must be stored before removal, the
waste storage area should be separate from other storage
facilities and be free of flies, cockroaches, rodents, and
other vermin.
Hazardous wastes should be rendered safe by steriliza-
tion, decontamination, containment, or other appropriate
means before they are removed from an animal facility. In
some areas, landfill waste disposal is used for nonhazardous
Biohazard Signs/Precautionary
Information
When infectious materials or infected animals are present
in the laboratory, animal room, or containment module,
a hazard warning sign that incorporates the universal
biohazard symbol should be posted at all laboratory and
animal room access doors. In certain situations, posting the
hazard warning sign at corridor entrance doors may be
sufficient, provided the entire area is subject to the warning.
The hazard warning sign identifies the agent, lists the name
and telephone number of the laboratory director or other
responsible person(s), and indicates any special require-
ments for entering the laboratory, such as the need for
vaccinations, respirators, and other personal protective
measures.
These recommendations hold particularly for
nonhuman primates that may be harboring natural agents
pathogenic to people in addition to experimental infections.
