Containment Standards for
Veterinary Facilities
Sections 1-3
1. Introduction
The Medical Research Council of Canada and Health Canada (MRC/HC) Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines published in 1990 and revised by HC in 1996, has been the recognized biological safety standard for the construction and operation of containment facilities. The MRC/HC guidelines provides guidance for those who build, design, operate or work in laboratories in which human pathogens are handled. The guidelines do not address work with strictly animal pathogens nor work with large animals in containment.
Containment requirements for veterinary facilities handling livestock or poultry diseases are unique. With the exception of zoonotic agents, these organisms are not known to cause disease in humans and are therefore classified on a lower level with respect to risk of infection to laboratory personnel. However, for non-indigenous animal pathogens, higher levels of containment are of vital importance to prevent their release into the environment with potential serious negative economic impact.
Work with large animals in containment poses a variety of special requirements. Animal and post-mortem rooms must be constructed to contain large numbers of microorganisms which may be present. The rooms must withstand a variety of stresses including physical impact, noise, temperature and cleaning. Operational protocols for personnel and animal handlers entering and exiting an infected animal area may have more stringent requirements than protocols for entering and exiting a containment laboratory.
The Health of Animals Act, 1990, and its Regulations gives Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) the legislative authority to control the use of pathogens which may cause disease in animals. AAFC will also establish for animal pathogens, the conditions under which they will be maintained and work will be carried out. It is on this basis that the Animal and Plant Health Directorate (APHD) of AAFC has taken a lead role in the development of standards for veterinary containment facilities.
The intended scope of this standard is to outline minimum design and operational requirements for APHD laboratories and animal containment facilities. In addition to having a direct impact on the APHD, this document provides guidance on the design and operation of veterinary containment facilities in general.
The APHD Containment Standards for Veterinary Facilities were developed by an Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada containment team consisting of the following individuals:
M. Best
Chief, Laboratory Safety
Animal & Plant Health Directorate
Ottawa, Ontario
Dr. P. Cairns
Biosafety Officer
Virology Laboratory Project Team
Animal & Plant Health Directorate
Ottawa, Ontario
Dr. L. Forbes
Veterinary Bacteriologist
Health of Animals Laboratory
Animal & Plant Health Directorate
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
P. Langevin, P. Eng.
Project Manager
Federal Laboratories, Winnipeg
Facilities Management
Ottawa, Ontario
After careful development, the document was submitted for review to an expert veterinary containment group comprised of:
Dr. G. Abraham
Microbiological Security Officer
Australian Animal Health Laboratory
Geelong, Australia
Dr. C. Rigby
Accreditation Coordinator
Food Production and Inspection Branch
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
Calgary, Alberta
J. S. Rusk
Head, Environmental Health & Safety
US Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service
National Animal Disease Center
Ames, Iowa
Dr. W.G. Sterritt
Program Director
Virology Laboratory Project Team
Animal & Plant Health Directorate
Ottawa, Ontario
2. Animal Pathogen Containment Levels
Laboratories and animal facilities handling pathogens of veterinary significance must be constructed and operated to appropriate containment levels and standards. The level required depends not only on the risk to human health but on a variety of other factors including the prevention of cross-contamination and the prevention of escape of animal pathogens into the environment where they might infect the indigenous animal population.
The containment levels required for work with strictly animal pathogens are listed in a database maintained by the APHD. This is a dynamic listing which is continuously amended to include emerging pathogens. For each animal pathogen under the control of AAFC, APHD must be consulted for the level of containment needed (contact: Animal Health Division, 59 Camelot Dr., Nepean, ON K1A 0Y9, 613-952-8000). This includes material of animal origin which may contain potential pathogens. The operational practices and physical design requirements for the animal pathogen (AP) containment levels are outlined in this document.
All APHD laboratories and animal facilities must comply with the minimum design and operational requirements listed in this standard. It should be noted that for each AP containment level described herein, the physical requirements meet or exceed the intent of the corresponding containment level listed in the HC Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines. However, some operational practices may differ where the animal pathogen does not represent a risk to human health (e.g. requirement for working in biological safety cabinet, requirement for use of positive-pressure ventilated suits).
Generally, work with endemic animal pathogens causing mild disease and of limited veterinary importance can be safely carried out in AP containment level 2 facilities. Facilities meeting level 2 criteria with specific level 3 enhancements (e.g. liquid effluent treatment) may be appropriate for resistant stages of certain animal parasites requiring an intermediate host. Pathogens causing serious livestock or poultry disease and spreading readily by the aerosol route require a higher level of containment (i.e. AP containment level 3 or 4, depending on the severity of disease).
Where the level of containment required is not specified in the APHD database, an assessment by the Chief, Laboratory Safety and principal investigator will establish specific containment requirements and operational protocols that must be followed.
Factors used to determine the required containment level include:
- infectious dose required to cause an infection
- route of infection (via aerosol transmission, injection, ingestion, absorption, invasion of mucous membranes or abraded skin)
- pathogenicity and virulence of the microorganism
- host range
- morbidity and mortality rates for the individual disease
- vector necessary for transmission and disease
- quantity and concentration of the agent (i.e. in vitro, in vivo)
- microorganism excreted in feces, urine, and/or exhaled
- inherent biological decay rate (specifically how long will the agent survive in the environment outside of a susceptible host or culture medium)
- endemicity of the microorganism
- availability of effective vaccines, prophylactics and therapeutic treatment
3. Physical Requirements
The physical requirements for animal pathogen (AP) containment levels 2, 3 and 4 are described below. The laboratory facilities described meet or exceed the physical requirements set out in the HC guidelines and are appropriate for work with zoonotic agents in addition to strictly animal pathogens. The sections on animal facilities present design requirements unique to the handling of small and large animals in containment.
3.1 Laboratories
A "laboratory zone" is defined as an laboratory area of equal containment level which may have multiple rooms and functions. The containment perimeter/barrier of the laboratory zone is continuous and non-intersecting (i.e. the zone is serviced by a single entry/exit).
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
|
2,3,4 - |
dedicated and controlled access to be limited to authorized personnel into the laboratory zone |
| 3,4 - | access to be controlled within the laboratory zone and into each level 3 and level 4 laboratory |
| 2,3,4 - | laboratory room doors to have appropriate signage (i.e. hazard identification, name and phone number of contact person, entry requirements) |
| 3 - | entry to laboratory zone to be provided via ventilated airlock (i.e. ventilation to be provided through leaky doors and/or HVAC systems) with, preferably, interlocking doors, or with a warning light or audible alarm to prevent both doors from opening at the same time (i.e. to prevent migration of air from higher to lower containment zones) |
| 4 - | entry to laboratory zone to be provided via ventilated airlock with interlocking tightly sealed doors (e.g. inflatable or compression seal to provide room integrity in accordance with Section 7) to prevent migration of air from higher to lower containment zones (i.e. to ensure flow of air from low hazardous areas to high hazardous areas) |
| 3,4 - | entry to laboratory zone to be provided with clothing change area designed to separate personal clothing from laboratory clothing dedicated to that zone (i.e. "clean" change area separated from "dirty" change area) |
| 3 - | entry to laboratory zone to be provided with a shower on the containment barrier (i.e. between "dirty" and "clean" change areas) |
| 4 - | entry to laboratory zone to be provided with a suit change area, a chemical shower on the containment barrier (i.e. between the laboratory and suit change area) and water shower on exit from the zone (i.e. between "dirty" and "clean" change areas) |
| 3,4 - | controlled entrance/exit doors to have emergency manual overrides |
| 3,4 - | the containment barrier support systems (e.g. HEPA filters, effluent sterilization system) to be located as close as possible to the laboratory zone |
| 2 - | office areas (i.e. a separated room providing a support lab function normally requiring no containment principles) to be located outside of laboratory work areas but can be located within the level 2 laboratory zone |
| 3,4 - | office areas (i.e. a separated room providing a support lab function normally requiring no containment principles) to be located outside of laboratory zone |
| 2,3,4 - | dedicated clerical work stations permitted within the laboratory work areas away from hazardous materials |
Note: For new level 3 and level 4 construction it is recommended that containment laboratories be located away from exterior envelope walls. Most buildings are subjected to winds and the resulting positive or negative pressures on the building may be greater than the typical operating pressures of the containment laboratories. An interior design creates an environmental buffer to wind effects on exterior envelope walls. Section 4.1.4, Live Loads Due to Wind, of the 1995 National Building Code of Canada outlines the methodology for calculating external pressure or suction due to wind on a surface of a building.
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 3,4 - | interior coatings to be gas and chemical resistant in accordance with laboratory function (e.g. will withstand chemical disinfectants, chemical spills, fumigation) |
| 3,4 - | interior surfaces to be continuous (note: for level 3 floors, flooring with welded seams, is acceptable) |
| 3,4 - | interior surfaces to minimize movement of gases and liquids through perimeter membrane (i.e. to provide room integrity in accordance with pressure decay testing specified in Section 7) |
| 3,4 - | interior surfaces to provide impact resistance in accordance with laboratory function |
| 3,4 - | interior surfaces to be compatible with adjacent and overlapping materials (i.e. to maintain adhesion and a continuous perimeter) |
| 3,4 - | continuity of seal to be maintained between the floor and wall (a cove floor finish 15cm up the wall is recommended) |
| 2,3,4 - | floors to be slip-resistant |
| 3,4 - | doors and frames to be non-absorptive and have solid finishes (i.e. wood is not acceptable); hollow doors must be sealed |
Note: For new level 2 construction, the requirements listed above for laboratory surface finishes should be taken into consideration.
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 3,4 - | all mechanical, electrical and service piping penetrations to be sealed at containment perimeter |
| 2,3,4 - | containment perimeter (e.g. doors and windows) to be kept closed in order to provide required containment of air systems |
| 2,3,4 - | window design to be integrated with the heating/ventilation/air-conditioning (HVAC) system to avoid condensation, wetting and/or frost build-up |
| 2,3,4 - | windows to provide required level of security |
| 2,3,4 - | door openings to allow passage of required equipment (i.e. may be greater than standard width and height in accordance with equipment size) |
| 2 - | autoclave to be located within laboratory zone |
| 3,4 - | dedicated double-door barrier autoclave to be located and sealed on containment barrier of laboratory zone; body of autoclave to be located for ease of maintenance, preferably outside containment zone |
| 3 - | barrier autoclave to be equipped with, preferably, interlocking doors, or with a warning light or audible alarms to prevent both doors from opening at the same time |
| 4 - | barrier autoclave to be equipped with interlocking doors |
| 2,3,4 - | autoclave to be equipped with a cycle log recorder (i.e. to record time, temperature, and pressure) |
| 3,4 - | for materials that cannot be autoclaved (e.g. heat sensitive equipment, samples, film) other proven technologies for sterilization (e.g. incineration, chemical or gas sterilization, rendering, irradiation) to be provided at containment barrier |
| 2,3,4 - | laboratory zone to be proofed against entry or exit of vermin or insects |
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2,3,4 - | inward directional airflow to be provided; non-recirculated air should be supplied to level 2 laboratories (note: this does not apply to the re-circulation of air through equipment such as biological safety cabinets) |
| 2,3,4 - | exhaust from the laboratories to provide a minimum of 10 air changes per hour under normal operations |
| 2,3,4 - | HVAC air distribution design to minimize dead air spaces within the laboratory; supply and exhaust diffusers to be located to provide convection patterns that ensure airflow away from lab entrance; diffuser selection to provide minimal throw velocities, i.e. < 15 m/m @ 1 m.; supply and exhaust diffusers to be located with biological safety cabinets and fume hood locations taken into consideration |
| 3,4 - | minimum of 25 Pa difference is recommended across a containment barrier |
| 3,4 - | pressure monitoring devices are required at the laboratory zone entrance to monitor negative pressure between containment zones |
| 3,4 - | room static pressure monitoring lines to be provided with filters of at least equal efficiency to HEPA filter |
| 3,4 - | audible alarms to be provided in the laboratory work area and outside laboratory zone to detect positive pressurization and air handling systems failure |
| 3,4 - | air supply HVAC system to be independent from adjacent laboratory zones (level 3 supply can be combined with areas of lower containment when provided with a bubble tight damper or HEPA filter after the connection, i.e. downstream from the connection) |
| 3,4 - | air exhaust HVAC system to be independent from adjacent laboratory zones (level 3 exhaust can be combined with areas of lower containment when provided with a HEPA filter before the connection, i.e. upstream from the connection) |
| 3 - | air supply to prevent backdraft of contaminated air through air supply duct (e.g.to be HEPA filtered or provided with a bubble tight damper) |
| 4 - | air supply to be HEPA filtered |
| 3 - | air exhaust to be HEPA filtered |
| 4 - | air exhaust to be passed through two stages of HEPA filtration |
| 3,4 - | air supply and exhaust to be equipped with bubble tight dampers to permit gaseous decontamination (can be same bubble tight damper as required for backdraft protection and for isolation of the HEPA filters) |
| 3,4 - | air supply HVAC system to be controlled (i.e. flow, pressure, electrical) with exhaust HVAC system, and vice versa, to prevent lab positive pressurization |
| 3,4 - | airflow control devices and duct sensors to be located downstream of the exhaust HEPA filter and upstream of the supply bubble tight damper or HEPA filter |
| 3,4 - | air supply and exhaust ductwork to be sealed airtight (in accordance with requirements specified in Section 7) between the room perimeter and bubble tight damper |
| 3,4 - | all air supply and exhaust ductwork that is located outside the containment laboratory requires accessibility |
| 3,4 - | bubble tight dampers and HEPA filters to be located as close as possible to the containment perimeter |
Note: Flexibility should be designed into HVAC systems to accommodate for change (i.e. fan/motor capacity should be slightly oversized).
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2,3,4 - | exposed laboratory services piping with stand-offs to allow access for maintenance and cleaning |
| 3,4 - | water supply control to be located outside laboratory zone |
| 3,4 - | supply water services to be provided with backflow prevention at the perimeter of laboratory zone (i.e. in addition to premises isolation); selection of backflow prevention device to be in accordance with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) CAN/CSA-B64.10-94 Manual for the Selection, Installation, Maintenance, and Field Testing of Backflow Prevention Devices (1994) |
| 3,4 - | compressed gas cylinders (with the exception of fire extinguishers) to be located outside of the laboratory zone |
| 3,4 - | supply gas (e.g. carbon dioxide, compressed air, natural gas) services to be provided with backflow prevention at the perimeter of laboratory zone |
| 3,4 - | vacuum services to be provided from within laboratory zone; internal contamination of vacuum pump to be minimized (e.g. HEPA filtration of vacuum line, use of disinfectant traps) |
| 4 - | for activities involving zoonotic agents, compressed breathing air to be provided to positive-pressure personal protective equipment (i.e. for connection to the air hose of suits), equipped with breathing air compressors and back-up cylinders; air hose connections to be provided in all areas where suits are worn, including chemical shower and suit change room |
| 3,4 - | handwashing sinks to be provided with "hands-free" capability |
| 2,3 - | emergency eyewash facilities to be provided in the laboratory area in accordance with laboratory activities and applicable regulations (i.e. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z358.1 Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment (1990)) |
| 2 - | emergency shower equipment to be provided in the laboratory area in accordance with laboratory activities and applicable regulations (i.e. ANSI Z358.1 Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment) |
| 3 - | where it is not possible to limit the quantities of hazardous materials within the laboratory, emergency shower equipment to be provided in the laboratory area in accordance with laboratory activities and applicable regulations (i.e. ANSI Z358.1 Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment) |
| 3,4 - | drainage traps to be provided to required depth in accordance with air pressure differentials (15 cm P-traps are recommended) |
| 3,4 - | drains and associated piping (including autoclave chamber condensate) to be separated from other laboratory zones (i.e. to go directly to main collector for sanitary sewer or liquid effluent treatment system as appropriate) |
| 3 - | for non-indigenous agents, drains (including autoclave chamber condensate) and associated piping to be connected to an effluent sterilization system |
| 3 - | for indigenous agents, drains (including autoclave chamber condensate) and associated piping to be connected to an effluent sterilization system consistent with laboratory activity and local regulations |
| 4 - | drains (including autoclave chamber condensate) and associated piping to be connected to an effluent sterilization system |
| 3,4 - | drains connected to effluent sterilization should be sloped towards sterilization system to ensure gravity flow; consideration should be given to the installation of valves to isolate sections for decontamination; piping to be heat and chemical resistant consistent with application; joints should be by thermo/chemical fusible means or welding to ensure integrity of entire system (i.e. in accordance with pressure decay testing specified in Section 7) |
| 3 - | for non-indigenous agents, plumbing vent lines (including effluent sterilization system) to be provided with filter of efficiency equivalent to HEPA |
| 3 - | for indigenous agents, plumbing vent lines (including effluent sterilization system) to be provided with filter of efficiency equivalent to HEPA consistent with requirement for effluent sterilization system |
| 4 - | plumbing vent lines (including effluent sterilization system) to be provided with filter of efficiency equivalent to HEPA; two series of filtration are required |
| 3,4 - | plumbing vent lines to be heat-resistant consistent with application |
| 3 - | plumbing vent lines can be combined with areas of lower containment when provided with a filter of efficiency equivalent to HEPA before the connection, i.e. upstream from the connection |
| 3,4 - | supply conduit and wiring to be sealed at the containment barrier (i.e. to provide room integrity in accordance with pressure decay testing specified in Section 7) |
| 2,3,4 - | light ballasts should be on a separate distribution layout from normal or emergency power to minimize harmonic current problems for sensitive lab equipment; High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps with lengthy re-strike times should be avoided where there is no alternate quick strike light source |
| 4 - | light ballasts and starters to be located outside containment perimeter |
| 3,4 - | power system circuit breakers to be located outside containment perimeter |
| 2,3,4 - | circuit-breakers and controls to be appropriately labelled |
| 2,3,4 - | life-safety systems, lighting, biological safety cabinets and other essential equipment to be supported by normal emergency power |
| 3,4 - | HVAC systems to be supported by normal emergency power |
| 3,4 - | communication system to be provided between laboratory area and outside laboratory zone |
| 3,4 - | system (e.g. fax, computer) to electronically transfer information and data from laboratory area to outside laboratory zone to be provided (note: removing paperwork from the containment laboratory may be carried out after appropriate decontamination, i.e. autoclaving, irradiation, microwaving; such practices are generally not recommended for use on a routine basis) |
| 4 - | work area to be visually monitored (e.g. closed circuit TV) from outside laboratory zone (e.g. security/biosafety office); observation windows are recommended |
3.2 Small Animal Facilities
Animal rooms for small animals (SA) should be designed for ease of cleaning and disinfection and have a minimum of built-in equipment. A small preparation area, storage area and handwashing sink are usually all that is required. The design should also facilitate the use of containment caging systems (e.g. laminar flow cabinets). Support facilities for cage washing, waste disposal, food and bedding storage should also be taken into consideration. Further, the design of the animal facility should permit adjustment of environmental controls to the meet the need of the species as specified by the Canadian Council for Animal Care (CCAC) Guide to the Care and Use of Experimental Animals, 1993.
An "SA facility zone" is defined as an area of equal containment level. An "animal room" is defined as the room in which the SA is housed. The containment perimeter/barrier of the SA facility zone is continuous and non-intersecting (i.e. the zone is serviced by a single entry/exit).
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2,3,4 - | SA facilities to be separated from other laboratory activities |
| 2,3,4 - | office areas (i.e. a separated room providing a support function normally requiring no containment principles) to be located outside of SA facility zone |
| 2,3,4 - | clerical work areas for animal handlers permitted within SA facility zone but outside of animal rooms and corridors |
| 2,3,4 - | feed and bedding storage areas to be provided within the SA facility |
| 2,3,4 - | clean and dirty cage washing area to be provided within the SA facility (cage washer may be located on containment barrier) |
| 2,3,4 - | experimental areas (i.e. for necropsy, surgical procedures, etc.) separate from animal rooms should be provided |
| 3,4 - | experimental areas to be provided with a biological safety cabinet for manipulation of animals infected with zoonotic agents |
| 3,4 - | the containment barrier support systems (e.g. HEPA housings, effluent sterilization system) to be located as close as possible to the SA Facility zone |
Note: For new level 3 and level 4 construction it is recommended that animal rooms be located away from exterior envelope walls.
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2,3,4 - | SA facilities to be separated from other laboratory activities |
| 2,3,4 - | dedicated and controlled access to be limited to authorized personnel into the SA facility zone |
| 3,4 - | access to be controlled within the SA facility zone and into each animal room |
| 2,3,4 - | entry doors to the SA facility zone to have appropriate signage (i.e. hazard identification, name and phone number of contact person, entry requirements) |
| 2,3,4 - | where the animal rooms within the SA facility zone have unique hazards, entry doors to each cubicle to have appropriate signage (i.e. hazard identification, personal protective equipment requirements) |
| 2 - | entry to SA facility zone to be provided via ventilated airlock (i.e. ventilation to be provided through leaky doors and/or HVAC systems) |
| 3 - | entry to SA facility zone to be provided via ventilated airlock (i.e. ventilation to be provided through leaky doors and/or HVAC systems) with, preferably, interlocking doors, or with a warning light or audible alarm to prevent both doors from opening at the same time |
| 4 - | entry to SA facility zone to be provided via ventilated airlock with tightly sealed interlocking doors (e.g. inflatable or compression seal to provide room integrity in accordance with Section 7) |
| 2,3,4 - | entry to SA facility zone to be provided with clothing change area designed to separate personal clothing from SA facility clothing dedicated to that zone (i.e. "clean" change area separated from "dirty" change area) |
| 3 - | SA facility zone to be provided with a shower on the containment barrier (i.e. between "dirty" and "clean" change areas) |
| 4 - | SA facility to be provided with a chemical shower on the containment barrier, a suit change area, and water shower on exit from the SA facility zone |
| 3,4 - | controlled entrance/exit doors to have emergency manual overrides |
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2 - | animal entry to SA facility zone to be provided via ventilated airlock (i.e. ventilation to be provided through leaky doors and/or HVAC systems) |
| 3 - | animal entry to SA facility zone to be provided via ventilated airlock (i.e. ventilation to be provided through leaky doors and/or HVAC systems) with interlocking doors |
| 4 - | animal entry to SA facility zone to be provided via ventilated airlock with tightly sealed interlocking doors (e.g. inflatable or compression seal) |
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2,3,4 - | interior coatings to be gas and chemical resistant in accordance with SA facility and animal room function (e.g. will withstand cleaning, chemical disinfection, fumigation) |
| 2,3,4 - | interior surfaces to be continuous |
| 2,3,4 - | interior surfaces to minimize movement of gases and liquids through perimeter membrane (i.e. animal rooms to provide room integrity in accordance with pressure decay testing specified in Section 7) |
| 2,3,4 - | interior surfaces to provide impact resistance in accordance with SA facility and animal room function |
| 2,3,4 - | interior surfaces to be compatible with adjacent and overlapping materials (i.e. to maintain adhesion and a continuous perimeter) |
| 2,3,4 - | continuity of seal to be maintained between the floor and wall (a cove floor finish 15 cm up the animal room and dirty corridor wall is recommended) |
| 2,3,4 - | SA facility floors to be slip-resistant and cleanable |
| 2,3,4 - | animal room and corridor floors to slope towards floor drain (recommended pitch of slope is 2.1cm/m) |
| 2,3,4 - | doors and frames to be non-absorptive and have solid finishes (i.e. wood is not acceptable); hollow doors must be sealed |
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 3,4 - | all mechanical, electrical and service piping penetrations to be sealed at containment perimeter |
| 2,3,4 - | containment perimeter (e.g. doors) to be kept closed in order to provide required containment of air systems |
| 2,3,4 - | windows to provide required level of security |
| 2,3,4 - | windows with direct access between outside the SA facility and animal rooms not to be provided |
| 2 - | proven technologies for sterilization (e.g. incineration, chemical or gas sterilization, rendering, irradiation, autoclaving) to be provided within SA facility zone |
| 3,4 - | proven technologies for sterilization (e.g. incineration, chemical or gas sterilization, rendering, irradiation, autoclaving) to be provided at containment barrier |
| 2,3,4 - | SA facility zone to be proofed against entry or exit of vermin or insects |
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2,3,4 - | inward directional airflow to be provided; non-recirculated air should be supplied to level 2 SA Facilities and must be supplied to level 3 and level 4 SA Facilities (note: this does not apply to the re-circulation of air through equipment such as containment caging systems) |
| 2,3,4 - | exhaust from animal rooms to provide specified number of air changes as required by the CCAC |
| 2,3,4 - | HVAC air distribution design to minimize dead air spaces within the animal room; supply and exhaust diffusers to be located to provide convection patterns that ensure airflow away from room entrance; diffuser selection to provide minimal throw velocities, i.e. < 15 m/m @ 1 m. |
| 3,4 - | minimum of 25 Pa difference is recommended across a containment barrier |
| 3,4 - | pressure monitoring devices to be provided at the SA facility zone entrance to monitor negative pressure between containment barriers; monitors are also recommended at animal room entrance |
| 3,4 - | room static pressure monitoring lines to be provided with filters of at least equal efficiency to HEPA filter |
| 3,4 - | audible alarms to be provided in the SA facility work area and outside SA facility zone to detect positive pressurization and air handling systems failure |
| 3,4 - | air supply and exhaust HVAC system to be independent from adjacent zones (level 3 supply can be combined with areas of lower containment when provided with a bubble tight damper or HEPA filter after the connection, i.e. downstream of the connection; level 3 exhaust can be combined with areas of lower containment when provided with a HEPA filter before the connection, i.e. upstream from the connection) |
| 3 - | air supply to prevent backdraft of contaminated air through the air supply duct (i.e. to be HEPA filtered or provided with a bubble tight damper) |
| 4 - | air supply to be HEPA filtered |
| 3 - | air exhaust to be HEPA filtered |
| 4 - | air exhaust to be passed through two stages of HEPA filtration |
| 3,4 - | roughing pre-filters (e.g. 30% and 85% - in accordance with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 52.1-1992 Gravimetric and Dust-spot Procedures for Testing Air-cleaning Devices Used in General Ventilation for Removing Particulate Matter) to be provided to protect the HEPA filter |
| 3,4 - | air supply and exhaust to be equipped with bubble tight dampers to permit gaseous decontamination (can be same bubble tight damper as required for backdraft protection and for isolation of the HEPA filters) |
| 3,4 - | air supply HVAC system to be controlled (i.e. flow, pressure, electrical) with exhaust HVAC system, and vice versa, to prevent animal room positive pressurization |
| 3,4 - | airflow control devices and duct sensors to be located downstream of the exhaust HEPA filter and upstream of the supply bubble tight damper or HEPA filter |
| 3,4 - | air supply and exhaust ductwork to be sealed airtight (in accordance with requirements specified in Section 7) between the animal room perimeter and bubble tight damper |
| 3,4 - | all air supply and exhaust ductwork that is located outside the rooms to be accessible |
| 3,4 - | bubble tight dampers and HEPA filters to be located as close as possible to the containment perimeter |
Note: Flexibility should be designed into HVAC systems to accommodate for change (i.e. fan/motor capacity should be slightly oversized).
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2,3,4 - | inward directional airflow to be provided; non-recirculated air should be supplied to level 2 SA Facilities and must be supplied to level 3 and level 4 SA Facilities (note: this does not apply to the re-circulation of air through equipment such as containment caging systems) |
| 2,3,4 - | exposed SA facility services piping with stand-offs to allow access for maintenance and cleaning |
| 3,4 - | water supply control to be located outside SA facility zone |
| 3,4 - | supply water services to be provided with backflow prevention at the perimeter of SA facility zone (i.e. in addition to premises isolation); selection of backflow prevention device to be in accordance with CAN/CSA-B64.10-94 Manual for the Selection, Installation, Maintenance, and Field Testing of Backflow Prevention Devices |
| 4 - | for activities involving zoonotic agents, compressed breathing air to be provided to positive-pressure personal protective equipment (i.e. for connection to the air hose of suits), equipped with breathing air compressors and back-up cylinders; air hose connections to be provided in all areas where suits are worn, including chemical shower and suit change room |
| 2,3,4 - | handwashing sinks to be provided with "hands-free" capability |
| 2,3,4 - | cage washer to be provided with temperature of final rinse water to be at least 82oC |
| 2,3,4 - | drainage traps to be provided at depth in accordance with pressure differentials (i.e. to maintain water seal); 15 cm P-traps are recommended |
| 3,4 - | drains and associated piping to be separated from other zones (i.e. to go directly to liquid effluent treatment system) |
| 3,4 - | drains and associated piping to be connected to an effluent sterilization system and should be sloped towards sterilization system to ensure gravity flow; consideration should be given to the installation of valves to isolate sections for decontamination; piping to be heat and chemical resistant consistent with application; joints should be by thermo/chemical fusible means or welding to ensure integrity of entire system (i.e. in accordance with pressure decay testing specified in Section 7) |
| 3,4 - | plumbing vent lines (including effluent sterilization system) to be provided with filter of efficiency equivalent to HEPA; level 4 requires two stages of filtration |
| 3 - | plumbing vent lines can be combined with areas of lower containment when provided with a filter of efficiency equivalent to HEPA before the connection, i.e. upstream from the connection |
| 3,4 - | plumbing vent lines to be heat-resistant consistent with application |
| 3,4 - | supply conduit and wiring to be sealed at the containment barrier (i.e. to provide room integrity in accordance with pressure decay testing specified in Section 7) |
| 2,3,4 - | light ballasts should be on a separate distribution layout from normal or emergency power to minimize harmonic current problems for sensitive lab equipment; High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps with lengthy re-strike times should be avoided where there is no alternate quick strike light source |
| 4 - | light ballasts and starters to be located outside containment perimeter |
| 3,4 - | power system circuit breakers to be located outside containment perimeter |
| 2,3,4 - | circuit-breakers and controls to be appropriately labelled |
| 2,3,4 - | life-safety systems, lighting, and essential equipment to be supported by normal emergency power |
| 3,4 - | HVAC systems to be supported by normal emergency power |
| 3,4 - | communication system to be provided between work area and outside SA Facility zone |
| 3,4 - | system (e.g. fax, computer) to electronically transfer information and data from the SA Facility to outside the containment zone to be provided (note: removing paperwork from the containment zone may be carried out after appropriate decontamination, i.e. autoclaving, irradiation, microwaving; such practices are generally not recommended for use on a routine basis) |
| 4 - | animal rooms to be visually monitored (e.g. closed circuit TV) from outside containment zone (e.g. security/biosafety office); observation windows are recommended |
3.3 Large Animal Facilities
Large animal (LA) facilities are suitable for work with livestock, deer and other game ranching animals not normally housed in cages. Small animals and birds may be housed in cages or isolators in an LA facility providing the requirements listed above for SA facilities are met (e.g. cage washing capability). The manipulation of animal pathogens and other laboratory work associated with LA facilities is to be carried out in laboratories as described in Section 3.1.
Animal cubicles must be constructed to contain large numbers of microorganisms which may be present. Unlike a laboratory room where the biological safety cabinet provides primary containment, the animal cubicle serves as both the primary and secondary barrier. A "clean and dirty" (i.e. "entry and exit") corridor concept is operationally preferable to a "single" corridor design. The clean and dirty corridor facilitates the traffic flow of animal handlers, scientific staff, animals, feed, equipment and samples. This design also minimizes the risks of cross-contamination between animal rooms.
The post-mortem (PM) room should be located within the animal facility. It is likely the area of greatest contamination and as such, should be the area of greatest negative pressure. Air and traffic should flow from the animal cubicle toward the PM room. The design requirements listed below for LA facilities (e.g. access, surface finishes, containment perimeter, HVAC, and services) apply equally to "stand-alone" (i.e. not located within an animal facility) PM rooms.
An "LA facility zone" is defined as an area of equal containment level. A "cubicle" is defined as the room in which the LA is housed. The containment perimeter/barrier of the LA facility zone is continuous and non-intersecting (i.e. the zone is serviced by a single entry/exit)
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2,3,4 - | LA facility zones to be separated from other laboratory activities |
Note: For new level 3 and level 4 construction it is recommended that animal cubicles be located away from exterior envelope walls.
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2,3,4 - | LA facility zones to be separated from other laboratory activities |
| 2,3,4 - | office areas (i.e. a separated room providing a support function normally requiring no containment principles) to be located outside of LA facility zone |
| 2,3,4 - | clerical work areas for animal handlers permitted within LA facility zone but outside of cubicles and corridors |
| 2,3,4 - | storage areas for short-term storage of small amounts of feed (i.e. not for bulk storage) to be provided within the LA facility |
| 2,3,4 - | a PM room should be provided within the LA facility zone |
| 2,3 - | the PM room should be provided with an integral cold room for storage of LA carcasses awaiting necropsy or disposal and a laboratory support area |
Note: The level 4 PM room may be the same room as the animal cubicle (i.e. necropsy is conducted within the cubicle).
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2,3,4 - | dedicated and controlled access to be limited to authorized personnel into the LA facility zone |
| 3,4 - | access to be controlled within the LA facility zone, into each cubicle, and into post-mortem room |
| 2,3,4 - | entry doors to the LA facility zone to have appropriate signage (i.e. hazard identification, name and phone number of contact person, entry requirements) |
| 2 - | entry to LA facility zone to be provided via ventilated airlock (i.e. ventilation to be provided through leaky doors and/or HVAC systems) |
| 3 - | entry to LA facility zone to be provided via ventilated airlock (i.e. ventilation to be provided through leaky doors and/or HVAC systems) with interlocking doors |
| 4 - | entry to LA facility zone to be provided via ventilated airlock with tightly sealed interlocking doors to provide room integrity in accordance with Section 7 |
| 2,3,4 - | entry to LA facility zone to be provided with clothing change area designed to separate personal clothing from LA facility clothing dedicated to that zone (i.e. "clean" change area separated from "dirty" change area) |
| 3,4 - | entry to LA facility zone to be provided with a shower on the containment barrier (i.e. between "dirty" and "clean" change areas) |
| 2,3,4 - | where the cubicles within the LA facility zone have unique hazards, entry doors to each cubicle to have appropriate signage (i.e. hazard identification, personal protective equipment requirements) |
| 3 - | where the LA facility uses a single corridor design, entry to cubicles to be provided via ventilated airlock (i.e. ventilation to be provided through leaky doors and/or HVAC systems) with interlocking doors to prevent migration of air from the cubicle to corridor |
| 3 - | where the LA facility uses a single corridor design, entry to cubicles to be provided with area designed to separate LA facility clothing from dedicated cubicle clothing |
| 3 - | where the LA facility uses a single corridor design, entry to cubicle to be provided with a shower on the containment barrier (i.e. between cubicle and corridor) |
| 4 - | entry to cubicles to be provided via ventilated airlock with tightly sealed interlocking doors (e.g. inflatable or compression seal) to prevent migration of air from the cubicle to corridor |
| 4 - | entry to cubicle to be provided with area designed to separate LA facility clothing from dedicated cubicle clothing and with a suit change areas |
| 4 - | entry to cubicle to be provided with a chemical shower on the containment barrier (i.e. cubicle and corridor) |
| 3 - | entry to PM room (other than from dirty corridor) to be provided via ventilated airlock (i.e. ventilation to be provided through leaky doors and/or HVAC systems) with interlocking doors |
| 4 - | entry to PM room (other than from dirty corridor) to be provided via ventilated airlock with tightly sealed interlocking doors (e.g. inflatable or compression seal) |
| 2,3,4 - | entry to PM room (other than from dirty corridor) to be provided with clothing change area designed to separate personal clothing from LA facility clothing dedicated to that zone (i.e. "clean" change area separated from "dirty" change area) |
| 3,4 - | entry to PM room (other than from dirty corridor) to be provided with a shower on the containment barrier (i.e. between "dirty" and "clean" change areas) |
| 4 - | entry to PM room (other than from dirty corridor) to be provided with a chemical shower on the containment barrier |
| 3,4 - | controlled entrance/exit doors to have emergency manual overrides |
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2 - | animal entry to LA facility zone to be provided via ventilated airlock (i.e. ventilation to be provided through leaky doors and/or HVAC systems) |
| 3 - | animal entry to LA facility zone to be provided via ventilated airlock (i.e. ventilation to be provided through leaky doors and/or HVAC systems) with interlocking doors |
| 4 - | animal entry to LA facility zone to be provided via ventilated airlock with tightly sealed interlocking doors (e.g. inflatable or compression seal) to prevent migration of air from higher to lower containment zones |
| 3,4 - | animal entry/exit to cubicle to be provided via sealed door (i.e. level 3 - four sided door jam; level 4 - inflatable or compression seal) between cubicle and corridor |
| 3,4 - | animal entry to PM room (other than from dirty corridor) to be provided via sealed door (i.e. level 3 - four sided door jam; level 4 - inflatable or compression seal) |
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2,3,4 - | interior coatings to be gas and chemical resistant in accordance with LA facility and cubicle function (e.g. will withstand cleaning, chemical disinfection, fumigation) |
| 2,3,4 - | interior surfaces to be continuous |
| 2,3,4 - | interior surfaces to minimize movement of gases and liquids through perimeter membrane (i.e. cubicles to provide room integrity in accordance with pressure decay testing specified in Section 7) |
| 2,3,4 - | interior surfaces to provide impact resistance in accordance with LA facility and cubicle function |
| 2,3,4 - | interior surfaces to maintain adherence and integrity under high pressure washing stresses (e.g. 900C @ 1500 psi) |
| 2,3,4 - | interior surfaces to be compatible with adjacent and overlapping materials (i.e. to maintain adhesion and a continuous perimeter) |
| 2,3,4 - | continuity of seal to be maintained between the floor and wall (a cove floor finish 1m up the cubicle, dirty corridor and PM room wall is recommended) |
| 2,3,4 - | LA facility floors to be slip-resistant and cleanable |
| 2,3,4 - | animal cubicle, corridor and PM room floors to slope towards floor drain (recommended pitch of slope is 2.1cm/m) |
| 2,3,4 - | animal cubicle, corridor and PM room floors to withstand required loading and cleaning in accordance with function |
| 2,3,4 - | where applicable, cubicle floor matting to be chemical gas and liquid resistant in accordance with cubicle function |
| 2,3,4 - | doors and frames to be non-absorptive and have solid finishes (i.e. wood is not acceptable); hollow doors must be sealed |
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2,3,4 - | protruding obstructions to be minimized in animal cubicles and corridors; to protect animals, unguarded projections to be at a height of at least 213cm (may be higher for certain species, e.g. deer) |
| 3,4 - | all mechanical, electrical and service piping penetrations to be sealed at containment perimeter |
| 2,3,4 - | containment perimeter (e.g. doors) to be kept closed in order to provide required containment of air systems |
| 2,3,4 - | windows to provide required level of security |
| 2,3,4 - | windows with direct access between outside the LA facility and cubicles/PM room not to be provided; viewing windows into cubicles acceptable |
| 2 - | proven technologies for sterilization (e.g. incineration, chemical or gas sterilization, rendering, irradiation, autoclaving) to be provided within LA facility zone |
| 3,4 - | proven technologies for sterilization (e.g. incineration, chemical or gas sterilization, rendering, irradiation, autoclaving) to be provided at containment barrier |
| 2,3,4 - | LA facility zone to be proofed against entry or exit of vermin or insects |
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2,3,4 - | inward directional airflow to be provided; non-recirculated air should be supplied to level 2 LA Facilities and must be supplied to level 3 and level 4 LA Facilities |
| 2,3,4 - | HVAC from animal cubicles to provide specified number of air changes as required by the CCAC and to minimize dead air spaces within the cubicle; supply and exhaust diffusers to be located to provide convection patterns that ensure airflow away from room entrance; diffuser selection to provide minimal throw velocities, i.e. < 15 m/m @ 1 m. |
| 3,4 - | minimum of 25 Pa difference is recommended across a containment barrier |
| 3,4 - | pressure monitoring devices to be provided at the LA facility zone entrance to monitor negative pressure between containment barriers; monitors are also recommended at cubicle and PM room entrance |
| 3,4 - | room static pressure monitoring lines to be provided with filters of at least equal efficiency to HEPA filter |
| 3,4 - | audible alarms to be provided in the LA facility work area and outside LA facility zone to detect positive pressurization and air handling systems failure |
| 3,4 - | air supply and exhaust HVAC system to be independent from adjacent zones (level 3 supply can be combined with areas of lower containment when provided with a bubble tight damper or HEPA filter after the connection, i.e. downstream of the connection; level 3 exhaust can be combined with areas of lower containment when provided with a HEPA filter before the connection, i.e. upstream from the connection) |
| 3 - | air supply to prevent backdraft of contaminated air through air supply duct (i.e. to be HEPA filtered or provided with a bubble tight damper) |
| 4 - | air supply to be HEPA filtered |
| 3 - | air exhaust to be HEPA filtered |
| 4 - | air exhaust to be passed through two stages of HEPA filtration |
| 3,4 - | roughing pre-filters (e.g. 30% and 85% - in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 52.1-1992 Gravimetric and Dust-spot Procedures for Testing Air-cleaning Devices Used in General Ventilation for Removing Particulate Matter) to be provided to protect the HEPA filter |
| 3,4 - | air supply and exhaust to be equipped with bubble tight dampers to permit gaseous decontamination (can be same bubble tight damper as required for backdraft protection and for isolation of the HEPA filters) |
| 3,4 - | air supply HVAC system to be controlled (i.e. flow, pressure, electrical) with exhaust HVAC system, and vice versa, to prevent cubicle/PM room positive pressurization |
| 3,4 - | airflow control devices and duct sensors to be located downstream of the exhaust HEPA filter or upstream of the supply bubble tight damper or HEPA filter |
| 3,4 - | air supply and exhaust ductwork to be sealed airtight (in accordance with requirements specified in Section 7) between the cubicle/PM room perimeter and bubble tight damper |
| 3,4 - | all air supply and exhaust ductwork that is located outside the room to be accessible |
| 3,4 - | bubble tight dampers and HEPA filters to be located as close as possible to the containment perimeter |
Note: Flexibility should be designed into HVAC systems to accommodate for change (e.g. fan/motor should be slightly oversized).
| AP Containment Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2,3,4 - | inward directional airflow to be provided; non-recirculated air should be supplied to level 2 LA Facilities and must be supplied to level 3 and level 4 LA Facilities |
| 2,3,4 - | exposed LA facility services piping with stand-offs to allow access for maintenance |
| 3,4 - | water supply control to be located outside LA facility zone |
| 3,4 - | supply water services to be provided with backflow prevention at the perimeter of LA facility zone (i.e. in addition to premises isolation); selection of backflow prevention device to be in accordance with CAN/CSA-B64.10-94 Manual for the Selection, Installation, Maintenance, and Field Testing of Backflow Prevention Devices |
| 4 - | for activities involving zoonotic agents, compressed breathing air to be provided to positive-pressure personal protective equipment (i.e. for connection to the air hose of suits), equipped with breathing air compressors and back-up cylinders; air hose connections to be provided in all areas where suits are worn, including chemical shower and suit change room |
| 2,3,4 - | handwashing sinks to be provided with "hands-free" capability |
| 2,3,4 - | drainage traps to be provided at depth in accordance with pressure differentials (i.e. to maintain water seal); 15 cm P-traps are recommended |
| 3,4 - | drains and associated piping to be separated from other zones (i.e. to go directly to liquid effluent treatment system) |
| 3,4 - | drains and associated piping to be connected to an effluent sterilization system and should be sloped towards sterilization system to ensure gravity flow; consideration should be given to the installation of valves to isolate sections for decontamination; piping to be heat and chemical resistant consistent with application; joints should be by thermo/chemical fusible means or welding to ensure integrity of entire system (i.e. in accordance with pressure decay testing specified in Section 7) |
| 3,4 - | plumbing vent lines (including effluent sterilization system) to be provided with filter of efficiency equivalent to HEPA; level 4 requires two stages of filtration |
| 3,4 - | plumbing vent lines to be heat-resistant consistent with application |
| 3 - | plumbing vent lines can be combined with vent lines from areas of lower containment when provided with a filter of efficiency equivalent to HEPA before the connection, i.e. upstream from the connection |
| 3,4 - | supply conduit and wiring to be sealed at the containment barrier (i.e. to provide room integrity in accordance with pressure decay testing specified in Section 7) |
| 2,3,4 - | light ballasts should be on a separate distribution layout from normal or emergency power to minimize harmonic current problems for sensitive lab equipment; High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps with lengthy re-strike times should be avoided where there is no alternate quick strike light source |
| 4 - | light ballasts and starters to be located outside containment perimeter |
| 3,4 - | power system circuit breakers to be located outside containment perimeter |
| 2,3,4 - | circuit-breakers and controls to be appropriately labelled |
| 2,3,4 - | life-safety systems, lighting, and essential equipment to be supported by normal emergency power |
| 3,4 - | HVAC systems to be supported by normal emergency power |
| 3,4 - | communication system to be provided between work area and outside LA Facility zone |
| 3,4 - | system (e.g. fax, computer) to electronically transfer information and data from the LA Facility to outside the containment zone to be provided (note: removing paperwork from the containment zone may be carried out after appropriate decontamination, i.e. autoclaving, irradiation, microwaving; such practices are generally not recommended for use on a routine basis) |
| 4 - | cubicles to be visually monitored (e.g. closed circuit TV) from outside the LA Facility zone (e.g. security/biosafety office); observation windows are recommended |
3.4 High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters
HEPA filters are fabricated of pleated sheet of borosilicate fibres divided by corrugated aluminum separators. This fragile medium can damage easily if stored improperly, dropped or otherwise handled carelessly. Filter integrity must be verified after installation or relocation and regularly thereafter. The frequency of reverification depends on a variety of factors including hours of operation and can be determined by the monitoring the filter integrity over time. Filters should be initially tested on an annual basis.
The filter medium is glued into a wood or metal frame. Wood frames, although easy to dispose of, have the disadvantage of absorbing vapours (e.g. vaporized hydrogen peroxide) during routine sterilization of the filter. Vapours are subsequently slowly released from the frame which lengthens the time needed to reduce to the concentration to the acceptable values (i.e. total cycle time for gaseous decontamination is extended). Metal frames do not absorb such vapours however present difficulties during disposal.
HEPA filters are typically installed in filter housings by means of a gasket (e.g. neoprene) or fluid (e.g. gel) seal. Common problems with gaskets is that they may lose "memory" due to compression, may tear and may be incompatible with gaseous decontaminants. For example, some neoprenes (e.g. open-celled black neoprene gaskets) are degraded by hydrogen peroxide. Dense gasket material lasts for more sterilization cycles than an open-celled gasket made of similar material. Gel seals establish an airtight seal between the filter and housing by means of a channel around the filter perimeter filled with gel. The housing knife edge flange seals into this channel. Gel seals are not prone to the compression and compatibility problems associated with gasket seals.
Requirement for all HEPA filters (i.e. in biological safety cabinets or air handling systems) are as follows:
- HEPA filters to have minimum efficiency of 99.97% at 0.3um in accordance with the Institute of Environmental Sciences IES-RP-CC-001-86 Recommended Practice for HEPA Filters (1986); filters to be factory tested by particle challenge testing using the scanning method
- the static pressure (i.e. cleanliness) of HEPA filters to be monitored by pressure monitoring devices, e.g. magnehelic gauges
- the in-situ integrity of HEPA filters to be verified by in-situ particle challenge testing using the scanning method (particle penetration not to exceed 0.01%)
Note: the integrity of other in-line filters (e.g. plumbing vent lines, gas supply lines, autoclave exhaust ducts) to be verified by particle challenge tests; filter efficiency to be equal to that of HEPA filter
Requirements for in-line HEPA filter housings installed into air handling systems at any containment level are as follows:
- HEPA filter housings to be provided with bubble-tight dampers on the air inlets and outlets for shut-off and isolation of the filter
- HEPA filter housings to be provided with upstream and downstream fumigation ports to allow for in situ gaseous decontamination
- HEPA filter housings to be provided with upstream injection and downstream access ports to allow for in situ particle challenge tests by the scanning method
- HEPA filter housings to be leaktight in accordance with pressure decay testing specified in Section 7
3.5 Furnishings
Generally, laboratory casework should be designed in accordance with function, the hazardous materials likely to be encountered, and ease of decontamination. Modularity, a desirable feature accommodating for change, is less valuable in containment facilities. The more modular the unit, the more seams, crevices, and joints there are.
The following outlines desirable features of furnishings which can be applied in a generic fashion. Some requirements will differ with the facility type and containment level and these are so indicated below.
- surfaces to be scratch, stain, moisture, chemical and heat resistant in accordance with function
- solid-core materials to be used in AP containment level 3; wood is not recommended
- stainless steel construction to be used in AP containment level 4, SA and LA facility animal rooms, and PM rooms
- floor contact surface to be rust resistant except where stainless steel is specified
- bench tops to be continuous (i.e. with no open seams) and to contain spillage of materials (e.g. with marine edges and drip stops)
- benches, doors, drawers, door handles, etc. to have rounded rims and corners in AP containment level 4 where positive-pressure suits are used
- backsplashes to be continuous with work surfaces (i.e. with no open seams)
- backsplashes to be installed tight to wall and sealed at wall-bench junction
- service raceway channels and upper cabinets to be sealed at junction to bench
- benching in AP containment level 4 to be continuous but not fixed (i.e. entire system to be removable but with no modular elements)
- modularity in AP containment level 3 to be limited to the movability and removability of banks of drawers
- it is recommended that doors beneath counters swing out, not slide; it is recommended that doors above counters slide, not swing out
- it is recommended that doors not be self-closing
- drawers to be equipped with catches, i.e. to prevent the drawer from being pulled out of the cabinet
- drawer castors to be nylon rollers, not sliders
- drawers in AP containment level 4 to be of one piece construction
- reagent shelving to be equipped with lip edges
- sinks to be integral with bench top where same material is used
- handwashing sinks to be of hands-free operation
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