Animal Pathogen Containment Level 3 Large Animal and Post Mortem Certification Checklist

This questionnaire is provided to you as a tool to be used in conjunction with the Containment Standards for Veterinary Facilities (CSVF), 1^st edition 1996.

Building / Laboratory / Room No.:

Containment Level 3 large animal and post mortem facilities handling imported animal pathogens require a physical inspection by CFIA before they will be certified. This checklist is intended to assist laboratories in determining their compliance with the. Containment Standards for Veterinary Facilities (CSVF).

Please check the applicable box YES, NO, N/A for not applicable to indicate the answer to each of the criteria listed. For "NO" or "N/A" answers please contact the Biohazard Containment and Safety Unit immediately to discuss and provide a brief clarification/justification. For "YES" please provide any additional relevant information (i.e. type of coating for surfaces etc.). When responding to questions pertaining to the Drawings and Specifications please indicate the drawing number to which the information may be found and likewise for the specifications.

This questionnaire is subject to change by the Biohazard Containment and Safety (BCS) Unit at CFIA. The BCS Unit will make any changes or updates available to the regulated parties via our website, email, mail or other. The Regulated parties will be responsible to ensure the latest biocontainment requirements are met.

NOTE: The term, "large animals", pertains to the type of caging not the size of the animal. Large animals are those animals housed in either a cubicle or cage that is unable to contain all waste. The room acts as the primary containment barrier.

Physical Requirements

1 - Location & Access

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Are large animal (LA) and Post mortem room (PM) facility zones separated from other laboratory activities?
Is access to LA/PM facility dedicated and controlled?
Is access to LA zone, into each cubicle, and into post-mortem room limited to authorized personnel?
Do entry doors have appropriate signage (i.e. hazard identification, name and phone number of contact person, entry requirements)?
Where the cubicles within the LA facility zone have unique hazards, do entry doors to each cubicle to have appropriate signage (i.e. hazard identification, personal protective equipment requirements)?
Is entry to LA/PM facility done via ventilated airlock with interlocks (protected with a warning light or audible alarm)?
Is entry to LA/PM facility provided with clothing change area to separate personal clothing from lab clothing dedicated to that zone (i.e. clean and dirty change areas)?
Is entry to LA/PM facility provided with a shower on the containment barrier, separating clean and dirty change areas?
Do controlled entrance/exit doors have emergency manual overrides?
Are containment barrier support systems (e.g. HEPA filters, effluent sterilization system) located as close as possible to the facility?
Are office areas located outside of LA facility Level 3 zone?
Are clerical work areas for animal handlers permitted within L3 zone, located outside of cubicles and corridors?
Are areas for short-term storage of small amounts of feed (i.e. not for bulk storage) provided within the LA facility?
Is a PM room provided within the LA facility zone?
Is the PM room provided with a laboratory support area and an integral cold room for storage of LA carcasses awaiting necropsy or disposal?
Where the LA facility uses a single corridor design, is entry to cubicles 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?
Where the LA facility uses a single corridor design, is entry to cubicles provided with area designed to separate LA facility clothing from dedicated cubicle clothing?
Where the LA facility uses a single corridor design, is entry to cubicle provided with a shower on the containment barrier (i.e. between cubicle and corridor)?
Is entry to PM room (other than from dirty corridor) provided via ventilated airlock (i.e. ventilation to be provided through leaky doors and/or HVAC systems) with interlocking doors?
Is entry to PM room (other than from dirty corridor) 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)? How is the separation maintained?
Is entry to PM room (other than from dirty corridor) provided with a shower on the containment barrier (i.e. between "dirty" and "clean" change areas)?

Sign off by responsible authority (print name, title, date and signature):

2 - Animal access

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Is animal entry to LA/PM facility provided via ventilated airlock (i.e. ventilation to be provided through leaky doors and/or HVAC systems) with interlocking doors?
Is animal entry/exit to cubicle provided via sealed door (i.e. four sided door jam)?
Is animal entry to PM room (other than from dirty corridor) provided via sealed door (i.e. four sided door jam)?

Sign off by responsible authority (print name, title, date and signature):

3 - Surfaces

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Are interior coatings gas and chemical resistant in accordance with LA/PM facility function (e.g. will withstand cleaning, chemical disinfection, fumigation)?
Are interior surfaces continuous?
Do interior surfaces minimize movement of gases and liquids through perimeter membrane?
Are interior surfaces impact resistant in accordance with LA facility and cubicle function?
Are interior surfaces able to maintain adherence and integrity under high pressure washing stresses (e.g. 900C @ 1500 psi)?
Are interior surfaces compatible with adjacent and overlapping materials (e.g. to maintain adhesion and a continuous perimeter)?
Is continuity of seal maintained between the floor and wall (a cove floor finish 1m up the cubicle, dirty corridor and PM room wall is recommended)?
Are LA/PM facility floors slip-resistant and cleanable?
Are animal cubicle, corridor and PM room floors sloped towards floor drain (recommended pitch of slope is 2.1cm/m)?
Do animal cubicle, corridor and PM room floors withstand required loading and cleaning in accordance with function?
Where applicable, is cubicle floor matting chemical gas and liquid resistant in accordance with cubicle function?
Are doors and frames non-absorptive with solid finishes?
Are hollow doors sealed?
Are protruding obstructions 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)

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4 - Furnishings

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Are surfaces scratch, stain, moisture, chemical and heat resistant in accordance with function?
Are solid-core materials (not wood) used?
Is stainless steel construction used in LA/PM rooms?
Is floor contact surface rust resistant except where stainless steel is used?
Are bench tops continuous and to contain spillage of materials (marine edges and drip stops)?
Are bench tops continuous and to contain spillage of materials (marine edges and drip stops)?
Are backsplashes continuous with work surfaces?
Are backsplashes installed tight to wall and sealed at wall-bench junction?
Are service raceway channels and upper cabinets sealed at junction to bench?
Are reagent shelving equipped with lip edges?
Are sinks integral with bench top where same material used?
Are hand washing sinks hands-free operation?

Sign off by responsible authority (print name, title, date and signature):

5 - LA/PM Facility Services

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Are LA/PM facility piping is exposed with stand-offs for maintenance and cleaning?
Is water supply control located outside LA/PM facility?
Are supply water services provided with backflow prevention at the perimeter of the facility?
Is the selection of backflow prevention device in accordance with the accordance with CAN/CS -B64.10-01/B64.10.1-01, Manual for the Selection and Installation of Backflow Prevention Devices/Manual for the Maintenance, and Field Testing of Backflow Prevention Devices (2001)?
Are compressed gas cylinders (with the exception of fire extinguishers) located outside of the LA/PM facility?
Are supply gas services provided with backflow prevention at the perimeter of LA/PM facility?
Are vacuum services provided from within LA/PM facility?
Is internal contamination of vacuum pump minimized (e.g. HEPA filtration of vacuum line, use of disinfectant traps)?
Are emergency eyewash facilities in accordance with LA/PM facility activities and applicable regulations (e.g.ANSI Z358.1 Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment (1998)?
Are quantities of hazardous materials limited?
Where not possible to limit the quantity of hazardous materials, is an emergency shower equipment provided in accordance with LA/PM facility activities and applicable regulations (e.g. ANSI Z358.1 Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment)?
Are drainage traps provided to required depth in accordance with air pressure differentials?
Are drains and associated piping separated from other zones (e.g. to go directly to liquid effluent treatment system)?
Are drains and associated piping connected to an effluent sterilization system?
Are drains towards sterilization system to ensure gravity flow?
Is consideration given to the installation of valves to isolate sections for decontamination?
Is piping heat and chemical resistant consistent with application?
Are joints fused by thermo/chemical means or welded to ensure integrity of entire system (e.g. in accordance with pressure decay testing specified in Section 7)?
Are drains and associated piping leading to liquid effluent treatment systems (including associated vent lines) tested in accordance with Section 3.6 of the National Plumbing Code of Canada, Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, National Research Council Canada. Testing of Drainage and Venting Systems (1995); pressure for air test on drainage system shall be at a factor of safety beyond standard code requirements of 35 kPa (e.g. 2 X code)?
Are plumbing vent lines (including effluent sterilization system) provided with filter of efficiency equivalent to HEPA?
Are plumbing vent lines heat-resistant consistent with application?
Are plumbing vent lines combined with vent lines from areas of lower containment provided with a filter of efficiency equivalent to HEPA before the connection (e.g. upstream from the connection)?
Are supply conduit and wiring sealed at the containment barrier?
Are power system circuit breakers located outside containment perimeter?
Are life-safety systems, lighting, biological safety cabinets, HVAC systems and other essential equipment supported by normal emergency power?
Are communication systems provided between LA/PM areas and outside?
Are system (e.g. fax, computer) to electronically transfer information and data from LA/PM area to outside provided?
Are communication and electronic paper transfer systems verified to ensure system will operate as specified?

Sign off by responsible authority (print name, title, date and signature):

6 - Containment Perimeter

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Are all mechanical, electrical and service piping penetrations sealed at containment perimeter?
Is window design integrated with the HVAC system to avoid condensation, wetting and/or frost build-up?
Do windows provide required level of security?
Do door openings allow passage of required equipment?
Is a dedicated double-door barrier autoclave located and sealed on containment barrier?
Is body of autoclave to be located for ease of maintenance, preferably outside containment zone?
Is the barrier autoclave equipped with interlocking doors, or warning light or audible alarms?
Is the autoclave equipped with a cycle log recorder (time, temperature, and pressure)?
Are other proven technologies for sterilization for non autoclavable materials provided at containment barrier (dunk tank, decontamination chamber)?
Is containment perimeter kept closed?
Are windows with direct access between outside the LA facility and cubicles/PM room not provided? Viewing windows into cubicles acceptable.
Are proven technologies for sterilization (e.g. incineration, chemical or gas sterilization, rendering, irradiation, autoclaving) provided at containment barrier?
Is LA/PM facility zone proofed against entry or exit of vermin or insects?

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7 - Air Handling System

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Is HVAC system from animal cubicles providing specified number of air changes as required by the CCAC and to minimize dead air spaces within the cubicle?
Are supply and exhaust diffusers located to provide convection patterns that ensure airflow away from room entrance?
Is the diffuser selection to providing minimal throw velocities (e.g. < 15 m/m @ 1 m)?
Is a minimum of 10 air changes per hour provided under normal operations?
Is HVAC air distribution designed to minimize dead air spaces within the LA/PM facility?
Are supply and exhaust diffusers, biological safety cabinets and fume hood locations taken into consideration?
Is inward directional airflow maintained across the containment barrier (generally achieved by minimum of 25 Pa difference or 10% offset between zones)?
Are pressure monitoring devices at the LA/PM facility entrance to monitor pressure between containment zones (monitors are also recommended at cubicle and PM room entrance)?
Are room static pressure monitoring lines provided with filters of at least equal efficiency to HEPA filter?
Are alarms (audible or visual) provided in and outside the LA/PM facility to detect pressurization and air handling systems failure?
Is air supply HVAC system independent from adjacent areas (supply combined with areas of lower containment if provided with a bubble tight damper or HEPA filter after the connection)?
Is air exhaust HVAC system independent from adjacent areas (can be combined with areas of lower containment if provided with a HEPA filter before the connection)?
Is air exhaust HVAC system independent from adjacent areas (can be combined with areas of lower containment if provided with a HEPA filter before the connection)?
Is air exhaust HEPA filtered?
Are air supply and exhaust 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)?
Are air supply and exhaust HVAC systems linked to prevent LA/PM facility positive pressurization?
Are airflow control devices and duct sensors located downstream of the exhaust HEPA filter and upstream of the supply bubble tight damper or HEPA filter?
Are bubble tight dampers and HEPA filters located as close as possible to the containment perimeter?
Are all air supply and exhaust ductwork located outside the containment facility accessible?
Are air supply and exhaust ductwork sealed airtight between the LA/PM room perimeter and bubble tight damper (pressure decay test)?

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8 - HEPA filters

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Are roughing pre-filters provided to protect the HEPA filter (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)?
Are filters provided with a minimum efficiency of 99.97% at 0.3um in accordance with the Institute of Envirionmental Sciences IES-RP-CC-001-86 Recommended Practices for HEPA Filters (1986)?
Is in-situ integrity of HEPA filters verified by in-situ particle challenge testing using the scanning method according to IEST-RP-CC-006.2 (section 6.2) (particle penetration not to exceed 0.01%)?
Is static pressure of HEPA filters monitored by pressure monitoring devices (eg. magnehelic gauges)?
Is integrity of other in-line filters (e.g. plumbing vent lines, gas supply lines, autoclave exhaust ducts) verified by particle challenge tests (filter efficiency to be equal to that of HEPA filter) or replaced as part of regular maintenance?

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9 - HEPA Filter Housings

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Are HEPA filter housings provided with bubble-tight dampers on air inlets and outlets for shut-off and isolation of the filter?
Are HEPA filter housings provided with upstream and downstream fumigation ports for in situ decontamination?
Are HEPA filter housings provided with upstream injection and downstream access ports to allow for in situ particle challenge tests by the scanning method?
Are HEPA filter housings leak tight in accordance with pressure decay testing specified in ASME N510 Testing of Nuclear Air Treatment Systems (1989- Reaffirmed 1995), rate of leakage not to exceed 0.1% of vol/min at 1000 Pa (4 inches w.g.) minimum test pressure?

Sign off by responsible authority (print name, title, date and signature):

10 - Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC)

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Is certification of BSC's by NSF accredited certifier in accordance with CSA Z316.3-95, Biological Containment Cabinets: Installation and Field Testing (1995) or NSF 49-2002 Class II (Laminar Flow) Biohazard Cabinetry?
Are valid calibration and verification certificates for the testing equipment used are available?
Are BSCs located away from high traffic areas, doors and air supply/ exhaust ducts that may interrupt air flow patterns?
Do BSCs have minimum clearance of 30 cm between exhaust outlet on top cabinet and overhead obstructions?
Is a 30 cm clearance on each side of the cabinet to allow for access?
Are propane gas outlets avoided in BSCs?

Sign off by responsible authority (print name, title, date and signature):
 

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Operational Requirements

1. Safety Manual / Training

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Is the LA/PM facility reference material kept in the LA/PM facility?
Is a health and medical surveillance program provided?
Do employees working in the containment area have general knowledge of the physical operation and design of the facility (e.g. air pressure gradients between zones, directional air flow patterns, alarm signals for air pressure failure, containment perimeter)?
Is a protocol specific to the operation of the LA/PM facility developed and read by personnel?
Are entry/exit protocols for persons, animals, equipment, samples, waste, etc. written, posted and followed?
Are general protocols supplemented with protocols specific for each project in progress?
Are employees certifying in writing that they have understood the material?
Are emergency procedures for entry/exit, spill clean-up, air handling/biosafety cabinet failure, fire, animal escape and other emergencies written, posted and followed (in the event of life-threatening emergencies, personal health and safety are a priority)?
Are exit protocols established whereby routine procedures are bypassed?
Is a reporting area identified where further steps must be taken (e.g. disinfecting footwear, changing, showering) prior to leaving?
Is personnel receiving training on the potential hazards associated with the work involved and the necessary precautions to prevent exposures to zoonotic agents and release of non-indigenous agents?
Is personnel showing evidence that they understood the training provided?
Is training documented and signed by both the employee and supervisor?
Is LA/PM facility personnel trained in and follow the safe use of all equipment, biological safety cabinets, procedures to minimize the production of aerosols, decontamination and emergency response?
Do personnel demonstrated proficiency in animal handling and infection control practices?
Are trainees are accompanied by a trained staff member?

 

1.1 - Large Animal Safety Manual / Trainingg

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Do animal handlers have knowledge of the species' general characteristics (behaviour, instincts and physical attributes)?

 

1.2 - Post Mortem Safety Manual / Training

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Is staff trained in the use of all equipment and tools (e.g. electric hoist/monorail, tools, PM table, incinerator)?
Is staff trained in proper disinfection and cleaning procedures?
Are specific protocols for each project developed and followed (these include entry/exit protocols (for people, animals, equipment and samples), protective clothing and equipment, disinfection and cleaning protocols, use of the incinerator and autoclaves, and emergency procedures)?
Are specific protocols developed for the movement of animals and carcasses into the PM room (e.g. hoist for large animals, cart for small livestock, secure containers for poultry and laboratory animals)?

 

2 - Entry Requirements

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Is entry restricted to LA/PM facility staff, animal handlers, maintenance staff and other persons on official business?
Are only persons meeting specific entry requirements (e.g. immunization, serum screening) allowed to enter unless the facility has been appropriately decontaminated?
Are all persons (including visitors, maintenance staff, etc.) entering the containment area trained, know and follow all relevant protocols for the project in process?
Are persons entering the containment facility well prepared and bring all materials they will need with them? If something has been forgotten, traffic patterns must still be adhered to (i.e. do not go back to get it; either phone for someone to bring it or exit via proper protocols).
Is long hair tied back so that it cannot come into contact with hands, specimens, containers, or equipment?
Are traffic flow patterns from clean to dirty areas established and adhered to (e.g. move from least to most contaminated areas)?
Are personal items such as purses and outdoor clothing kept outside the LA/PM facility?
Is a containment check performed prior to entering the LA/PM facility (i.e. verify negative LA/PM facility pressurization as designed)?
Is smoke testing (e.g. with a smoke pencil) done periodically by facility staff to verify correct airflow?

 

2.1 - Large Animal Entry Requirements

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Is personnel entering L3 LA facilities removing street clothing and jewellery, and change into dedicated facility clothing and shoes?
Is personnel entering the animal cubicles where non-indigenous agents are used, level 3 animal cubicles with a single corridor design and level 4 animal cubicles changing into dedicated cubicle clothing and boots at the cubicle entrance?
Where a clothing change is not performed on entry/exit to the animal cubicle, is a second layer of protective clothing donned when entering the animal cubicle (e.g. rubber boots, gloves, rubber suit)?

 

2.2 - Post Mortem Entry Requirements

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Is protective clothing appropriate to the hazards of the pathogen worn in the PM room?
Are street clothing removed and protective clothing and footwear donned?
Are HEPA-filtered respirators worn when the potential for infectious aerosols exist?
Are waterproof aprons, gloves and eye/face protection (face shield, goggles) also worn?

 

3 - Practices in Containment

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Is a second layer of protective clothing (ie. solid-front gowns with tight-fitting wrists, gloves) worn over LA/PM facility clothing when directly handling infectious materials?
Are gloves (e.g. intact vinyl or latex) worn when handling infectious materials?
Are metal mesh gloves worn underneath the latex or vinyl glove to provide protection from sharps and needles?
Are eye and face protection worn when it is necessary to guard against splashing hazardous materials, flying particles, and harmful light or other rays?
Is contaminated clothing decontaminated prior to laundering (unless laundering facilities are within the LA/PM L3 area and have been proven to be effective in decontamination of the microorganisms likely to be encountered)?
Are open wounds, cuts, scratches and grazes covered with waterproof dressings?
Are eating, chewing gum, drinking, smoking, storing food, and applying cosmetics prohibited?
Are supplies and materials brought into the facility by carrying them in or by way of a ventilated pass-through?
Are barrier autoclaves, fumigation chambers or airlocks used providing that they have been decontaminated before opening the outer "clean side" door?
Are all activities with infectious materials are conducted in a biological safety cabinet?
Where this is not possible, are other physical containment devices in combination with personal protective clothing and equipment used?
Are all accidents, overt or potential exposures to infectious materials, and losses of containment (e.g. LA/PM facility positive pressurization) reported immediately to the facility supervisor (written records of such incidents must be maintained)?
Is an effective rodent and insect control program maintained?
Are paperwork and report writing kept separate from such work areas?
Are infectious agents stored inside the LA/PM facility?
Are agents stored outside the zone kept locked, in leakproof containers?
Are water seals maintained in drainage traps (e.g. through regular sink/shower usage and/or by filling traps in areas that are not being used)?
Is the LA/PM facility kept locked?
Are LA/PM facility doors kept closed as required by the facility design?

 

3.1 - Large Animal Practices in Containment

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Are gloves worn when handling infected animals?
Are hands washed after handling animals, after removing gloves and before leaving the facility?
Are HEPA-filtered respirators required for handling animals where infectious aerosols of zoonotic agents may be generated?
Are proper methods of restraint used to minimize kicks, crushing injuries and accidental self-inoculations?
Are animals brought into LA facility by means of an airlock?
Are animal cubicles entered individually from a clean corridor? Entering more than one animal cubicle from the dirty corridor may be acceptable depending on the project (e.g. moving between contaminated areas of equal status; working with negative control animals first before proceeding to infected animals).

 

3.2 - Post Mortem Practices in Containment

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Is a safety helmet worn when operating an electrical hoist/monorail?
Are necropsy safety procedures specific to the species involved followed (e.g. use of cutting instruments to avoid injury)?
Are animals (especially birds and small laboratory animals) wetted with water and/or disinfectant prior to necropsy?
Are skilful techniques used to prevent excessive spread of contamination and the formation of aerosols originating from fluids and tissues (this is particularly important for work with zoonotic agents)?
Is every effort made to confine the spread of contamination? This is especially true when there is a likelihood of material being dropped from an elevated position.

 

4. Decontamination / Exit

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Is contaminated equipment leaving the facility for servicing or disposal appropriately decontaminated?
Are animal carcasses and tissues incinerated or processed through new technology proven to be effective (e.g. tissue autoclave)?
Are carcasses transported from the animal cubicle for disposal via the dirty corridor (alternatively, leakproof containers may be used for transport)?
Are all waste materials leaving the LA/PM facility decontaminated through a double-door autoclave at the barrier before disposal? Both doors of the autoclave must not be opened simultaneously.
Are heat sensitive materials that cannot be autoclaved out of the LA/PM facility decontaminated at the containment barrier (e.g. fumigated with formaldehyde or vaporized hydrogen peroxide, disinfected using liquid chemicals, or other technology proven to be effective)?
Are all contaminated materials decontaminated before cleaning for reuse?
Is efficacy monitoring of autoclaves using biological indicators done at least weekly, depending on the frequency of use of the autoclave, and records of the results kept on file
Are cycle log records (i.e. time, temperature and pressure) also kept on file?

 

4.1 - Large Animal Decontamination / Exit

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Is this layer decontaminated on exit from the animal cubicle (e.g. disinfectant foot baths)?
Is a shower (including washing hair, beards) taken on exit from AP containment level 3 LA facility?
Are eye glasses disinfected at the containment barrier?
Is a shower required on exit from AP containment level 3 animal cubicles where non-indigenous agents are used and level 3 animal cubicles with a single corridor design?
Is contaminated clothing decontaminated prior to laundering (unless laundering facilities are within the LA facility and have been proven to be effective against the microorganisms likely to be encountered)? Note: autoclaving heavily soiled laundry (e.g. blood, feces) may cause stains to "lock in"; in such cases it may be necessary to launder the clothing first, providing the laundry machines are located within containment.
Are exterior surfaces of containers of biological samples to be removed from contaminated animal rooms decontaminated (heat sensitive samples can be chemically disinfected (e.g. immersion in disinfectant on the barrier))?
At the end of the experiment are all supplies remaining in the animal cubicles (e.g. supplies, feed) removed and decontaminated?
Are animal cubicles and the dirty corridor cleaned and decontaminated at the end of an experiment using an appropriate procedure (the disinfectant must be effective against the microorganisms of concern; preliminary washing using a general purpose disinfectant/detergent should be done using low-pressure hoses; decontamination can then be achieved by spraying or fumigating with a disinfectant as appropriate)?

 

4.2 - Post Mortem Decontamination / Exit

Questions	YES/NO/NA (see above if NO or NA)	Comments	Mandatory Recommended
Are floors clear of obstructions?
Are equipment, paper, reports, etc. stored securely and not be accumulated to facilitate cleaning and decontamination?
On completion of the post mortem, are all necropsy tools and instruments decontaminated by autoclaving or disinfection (the disinfectant must be effective against the microorganisms of concern)?
Is gross contamination removed prior to disinfection, as some disinfectants are inactivated in the presence of organic materials?
Are disposable sharps, needles, blades, glass slides, etc. discarded into an appropriate sharps container for decontamination?
Are the necropsy table, floor and other contaminated work areas cleaned and disinfected at the end of the work using an appropriate procedure (preliminary washing using a general purpose disinfectant/detergent should be done)?
Is special care exercised when using a hose to wash the area (i.e. prevent the spread of contamination and formation of aerosols)? Decontamination of the PM room can then be achieved by spraying or fumigating with a disinfectant effective against the microorganisms of concern.
Are specimens (fresh, frozen or fixed) for further study should be placed in leakproof containers, appropriately labelled?
Is the outside of the container cleaned and disinfected at end of necropsy or upon exit from the PM room?
Are samples only be opened in a Level 3 laboratory?
Are all animal waste incinerated or processed through new technology proven to be effective (e.g. tissue autoclave)?
Is the incinerator or tissue autoclave located adjacent to the PM room? Note: Where large specimens must be divided into smaller pieces and transported to the incinerator, pieces should be placed carefully into leakproof containers to avoid splashes and aerosols; the outsides of containers must be cleaned down and disinfected prior to transport out of the PM room; the containers must be labelled with the contents and the name and phone number of a contact person.
Is a full shower out of the facility (including washing hair, beards and glasses)taken when working with zoonotic level 3 agents, and non-indigenous pathogens?
Is contaminated protective clothing decontaminated prior to disposal or re-use?
Is contaminated laundry autoclaved prior to processing (unless using a pass-through laundry machines proven to be effective against the microorganism of concern)?

Sign off by responsible authority (print name, title, date and signature):
 

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Signatures:

Date

Date