Plant Pest Containment Level 2 Certification Checklist

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The information provided in this checklist will help the Office of Biohazard Containment and Safety evaluate the physical and operational components of your facility as described in the Containment Standards for Facilities Handling Plant Pests. Biosafety Specialists will review the completed checklist to determine if your facility meets the Plant Pest Containment level 2 requirements (PPC-2).

Facility:

  • Postal Address:
  • Tel:
  • Fax:
  • E-mail:
  • Website:

Room(s) / Building(s):

Type of Facility:

check box Greenhouse check box Laboratory check box Other

Contact Information:

1) Facility Supervisor

  • Name:
  • Title:
  • Department:
  • Address:
  • Phone number:
  • Fax number:
  • E-mail:
  • Language preference: check box English / check box Français

Signature: Date:

2) Biosafety Officer (or equivalent)

  • Name:
  • Title:
  • Department:
  • Address:
  • Phone number:
  • Fax number:
  • E-mail:
  • Language preference: check box English / check box Français

Signature: Date:

The information you provide on this document is collected by (for) the Canadian Food Inspection Agency under the authority of Section 34 of the Plant Protection Regulations for the purpose of issuing a permit to import. Information may be accessible or protected as required under the provisions of the Access to Information Act.

Physical and Operational Components

The following tables describe physical and operational containment requirements for Plant Pest Containment (PPC) Level 2 facilities (e.g. laboratories, greenhouses) working with plant pests.
The following symbols are used: Required Required Recommended Recommended

Note: Recommended items are optional, depending upon the nature of the pest(s) requiring containment.

Physical Components
Structure, Location and Access
Q# Reference Components PPC-2 Yes No Comments
1 3.7.1.1 Is appropriate security provided for the building (e.g. fencing, motion sensors, physical barriers, patrols)? Recommended check box check box  
2 3.7.1.2 Is signage installed on entry doors within the containment zone indicating containment level, contact information, and entry requirements? Required check box check box  
3 3.7.1.3 Is entrance to the containment zone via self-closing and lockable doors? Required check box check box  
4 3.7.1.4 Is restricted access to the containment zone ensured through a controlled access system (e.g. electronic access card, code or equivalent)? Required check box check box  
5 3.7.1.5 Is entrance and exit to the containment zone via an anteroom or a corridor? Required check box check box Specify:
check box anteroom
check box corridor
6 3.7.1.7 Are anteroom doors self-closing and never opened simultaneously (interlocking doors, and audible or visual alarms are acceptable)? Required check box check box  
7 3.7.1.15a Can emergency exits be opened only from inside the containment zone? Required check box check box  
8 3.7.1.15b Are emergency exits alarmed? Required check box check box  
9 3.7.1.15c Are emergency exits identified as "Emergency Exit Only"? Required check box check box  
10 3.7.1.16 Are dedicated laboratory clothing and personal protective equipment stored separately from street clothing? Required check box check box  

 

Physical Components
Surface Finishes and Casework
Q# Reference Components PPC-2 Yes No Comments
11 3.7.2.2 In wet areas, are floors slip-resistant? Required check box check box  
12 3.7.2.3 Are interior coatings easy to clean and resistant to gas and chemicals, as well as to repeated disinfection in accordance with function (e.g. will withstand disinfection, fumigation)? Required check box check box  
13 3.7.2.4a Are bench tops non-absorptive, impervious to water, and resistant to acids, alkalis, organic solvents and moderate heat? Recommended check box check box  
14 3.7.2.4b Are backsplashes installed tight to wall and sealed at wall-bench junction? Recommended check box check box  

 

Physical Components
Containment Perimeter
Q# Reference Components PPC-2 Yes No Comments
15 3.7.3.1 Is an autoclave or other validated means of waste treatment/disposal located within the containment zone, or if not available in the containment zone, are procedures in place to safely transport waste for treatment/disposal? Required check box check box Specify:
check box within PPC-2 zone
check box outside PPC-2 zone
Method of waste treatment (include time and temperature parameters):
16 3.7.3.3 Is the autoclave equipped with a cycle log recorder to record time, temperature, and pressure? Required check box check box  
17 3.7.3.7 Is the containment zone screened or sealed (including all windows, supply/exhaust air ducts)? Required check box check box  

 

Physical Components
Facility Services
Q# Reference Components PPC-2 Yes No Comments
18 3.7.5.1 Is a handwashing sink located within the containment zone and near the point of exit? Required check box check box  
19 3.7.5.2 Is the handwashing sink provided with "hands-free" capability? Recommended check box check box  
20 3.7.5.3 Are appropriate primary containment devices available (e.g. BSCs) to minimize the potential contamination of the containment zone? Required check box check box  
21 3.7.5.4 Are emergency eyewash facilities provided in the containment zone in accordance with activities and applicable regulations (i.e. ANSI Z358.1-2004)? Required check box check box  
22 3.7.5.5 Is an emergency shower provided in the containment zone in accordance with activities and applicable regulations (i.e. ANSI Z358.1-2004)? Required check box check box  
23 3.7.5.6 Are facility service supply controls located both inside and outside of the containment zone to facilitate servicing? Recommended check box check box  
24 3.7.5.9 Are soil traps installed in drains? Required check box check box  
25 3.7.5.13 Is the laboratory adequately equipped (e.g. BSCs, thermocyclers, ELISA plate readers, centrifuges and microscopes) to avoid moving equipment into or out of the containment zone? Recommended check box check box  
26 3.7.5.14 Is an alarm system to be installed to detect loss of containment due to unauthorized entry or mechanical or power failure? Recommended check box check box  
27 3.7.5.15 Are monitoring and security systems installed to monitor critical containment systems? Recommended check box check box  
28 3.7.5.16 Is emergency power available for HVAC, lighting, BSCs, essential equipment and other safety systems? Recommended check box check box  
29 3.7.5.17 Is vacuum pump contamination minimized by filtration of vacuum line and use of disinfectant traps? Recommended check box check box  

 

Physical Components
Greenhouses - if facility is not a greenhouse, proceed to Q#40
Q# Reference Components PPC-2 Yes No Comments
30 3.7.1.18 Are greenhouses designed to withstand extremes of local weather and anticipated maximum snow and ice loads, as well as wind, windborne debris and hail? Required check box check box  
31 3.7.1.19a Are greenhouses constructed with a rigid reinforced frame with walls, floors and glazing to form a shell? Required check box check box  
32 3.7.1.19b Are all perforations and joints in greenhouses and between the greenhouse and other contained structures sealed to provide a continuous containment barrier? Required check box check box  
33 3.7.2.5 Are greenhouse floors impervious to water and easy to clean (e.g. concrete)? Required check box check box  
34 3.7.3.8 Are spare greenhouse window panels, emergency glazing and screening stored nearby for emergency repairs? Required check box check box  
35 3.7.3.10 Are greenhouse glazings sealed to the greenhouse framework with a sealant that provides a tight, flexible and continuous seal resistant to degradation by chemical disinfectants, UV radiation and temperature changes? Required check box check box  
36 3.7.4.16 Are greenhouse vents and greenhouse HVAC penetrations screened with appropriate mesh screening to prevent pest escape? Required check box check box  
37 3.7.4.18 Is the greenhouse ventilation system designed to allow for greenhouse fumigation and pesticide applications? Required check box check box  
38 4.1.5.21 Are greenhouse personnel who apply pesticides appropriately trained and protected? Required check box check box  
39 4.2.5.16 Are areas surrounding greenhouses kept free of debris, garbage, compost piles and overhanging shrubs and trees? Required check box check box  

 

Operational Components
Access
Q# Reference Components PPC-2 Yes No Comments
40 4.1.1 Is access to containment zone and support areas restricted to authorized personnel only? Required check box check box  

 

Operational Components
Documentation
Q# Reference Components PPC-2 Yes No Comments
41 4.1.2.2 Is an up-to-date inventory of all imported plant material and plant pests maintained? Required check box check box  
42 4.2.2.1a Is a Procedures Manual covering safety and general laboratory and greenhouse operations, including entry and exit protocols and cleaning schedules available to all staff?
Note: if no, proceed to Q#44.		 Required check box check box  
43 4.2.2.1b Is the Procedures Manual reviewed and updated regularly? Required check box check box  
44 4.2.2.2 Is an Emergency Response Plan available that describes emergency procedures, including those for accidents, fires, chemical spills, air handling failure, BSC failure, power loss and containment loss?
Note: plan must cover emergency entry/exit procedures, corrective actions and notification of key personnel and government officials.		 Required check box check box  
45 4.2.2.4 Are records of activities in the facility kept for three years, including records of all building and equipment maintenance, shipments received, confirmations of pest identification, dates of import, CFIA Permits to Import, associated imported plant material, associated organisms detected, decontamination of packaging materials and transfer of plant pests or organisms to other facilities where authorized by a CFIA inspector?
Note: records shall also be kept of all inoculations or infestations of plant material and the movement of plant material and plant pests into or out of containment.		 Required check box check box  

 

Operational Components
Training
Q# Reference Components PPC-2 Yes No Comments
46 4.1.3a Is personnel provided with training on pest-associated hazards and the precautions necessary to prevent the release of contained pests? Required check box check box  
47 4.1.3b Is personnel required to show evidence that they know and understand the required precautions? Required check box check box  
48 4.1.3c Is the training documented? Required check box check box  
49 4.1.3d Are refresher and retraining programs implemented? Required check box check box  
50 4.2.3.1a Is personnel working in the containment zone trained in, and follow the Standard Operating Procedures for the area? Required check box check box  
51 4.2.3.1b Are trainees supervised by a trained staff member? Required check box check box  
52 4.2.3.1c Are visitors, maintenance staff, janitorial staff and others provided with training and/or supervision commensurate with their anticipated activities in the containment zone? Required check box check box  

 

Operational Components
Personal Protective Equipment
Q# Reference Components PPC-2 Yes No Comments
53 4.2.4.1a Are personnel and visitors entering the containment zone required to wear protective clothing up to and including full coverage protective clothing? Required check box check box  
54 4.2.4.1b Is protective clothing removed prior to exiting the containment zone? Required check box check box  
55 4.2.4.2a Are dedicated or disposable footwear (e.g. rubber boots, shoe covers) worn when working with soil or soilborne pests in situations where the floor may be contaminated with infested plant material or soil? Recommended check box check box  
56 4.2.4.2b Is dedicated or disposable footwear removed for reuse or decontamination prior to exiting the containment zone? Required check box check box  
57 4.2.4.3 Are BSCs or other primary containment devices used for procedures that involve high concentrations or large volumes of plant pests or their propagules? Required check box check box  

 

Operational Components
Work Practices
Q# Reference Components PPC-2 Yes No Comments
58 4.1.5.2 Are all organisms rendered non-viable prior to disposal? Required check box check box Specify method:
59 4.1.5.3 Are good laboratory practices employed to prevent the escape of pests? Required check box check box  
60 4.1.5.4 Are doors kept closed to reduce the potential movement of plant pests? Required check box check box  
61 4.1.5.5 Is eating, chewing gum, drinking, smoking, storing of food and utensils, storing of personal belongings, applying cosmetics, and inserting or removing contact lenses prohibited in the containment zone?
Note: the wearing of contact lenses is recommended only when other forms of corrective eyewear are not suitable.		 Recommended check box check box  
62 4.1.5.6 Is long hair tied back or restrained so that it cannot come into contact with hands, specimens, containers or equipment? Required check box check box  
63 4.1.5.7 Are all pests and materials in a containment zone treated in accordance with the highest containment requirement for that area (e.g. if PPC-1 and PPC-2 pests are in the same room, PPC-2 practices must be followed)? Required check box check box  
64 4.1.5.8 Are all pests and material infested or suspected of being infested with a pest moved or transported in containers that are secure, leak-proof and not easily broken?
Note: the containers may only be opened within a facility that provides the appropriate containment level for the pest in question.		 Required check box check box  
65 4.1.5.9 Are all work areas within a containment zone, including dedicated clerical work stations, clean and tidy?
Note: storage of materials should be minimized, and paperwork should be done outside of containment zones if this presents a risk of disseminating pests.		 Required check box check box  
66 4.1.5.11 Are cultures stored in sealed, preferably break-resistant, containers such as screw-top vials?
Note: cultures are to be clearly identified and dated. Where possible, petri dish cultures of sporulating fungi should be sealed with stretch film.		 Required check box check box  
67 4.1.5.12 Are contaminated materials and equipment properly cleaned and decontaminated before leaving the facility for servicing or disposal? Required check box check box Specify method of decontamination:
68 4.1.5.13 Are all unintentionally introduced pests rendered non-viable, including those contaminating cultures, as soon as they are detected? Required check box check box  
69 4.1.5.15 Are disinfectants effective against the organisms in use available at all times when plant pests are handled or stored? Required check box check box Specify disinfectant used and contact time:
70 4.1.5.16 Are sanitation practices implemented when working with plants and plant pests?
Note: refer to page 37 of the Containment Standards for Facilities Handling Plant Pests for more details.		 Required check box check box  
71 4.1.5.18 Are autoclaves used for decontamination monitored regularly using biological indicators to ensure efficacy (e.g. consider weekly or monthly monitoring, depending on the frequency of use of the autoclave).
Note: monitoring records must be kept for three years.		 Required check box check box  
72 4.1.5.19a Are losses of containment reported immediately to the laboratory supervisor and remedied as soon as possible? Required check box check box  
73 4.1.5.19b Are written reports of such incidents maintained for three years, and the results of incident investigations used for continuing education? Required check box check box  
74 4.1.5.20 Is an effective bird, rodent, weed and plant pest control program maintained to prevent entry and eliminate undesired pests from the containment zone? Required check box check box  
75 4.2.5.1 Are personnel instructed not to bring personal belongings (e.g. hats, coats, purses) into the containment zone? Required check box check box  
76 4.2.5.4 Is a basic tool kit available inside the containment zone? Recommended check box check box  
77 4.2.5.5 Are all packages of pests from foreign sources opened in a BSC or a sleeved cage, and packaging material decontaminated as soon as possible? Required check box check box  
78 4.2.5.6 Are footbaths (e.g. trays containing cloth pads soaked in disinfectant) provided in the anteroom of facilities containing soilborne pests, to disinfect footwear, shoe covers or dedicated footwear? Required check box check box  
79 4.2.5.7 Is protective clothing decontaminated (e.g. heat-treated, frozen, autoclaved or soaked in a 5% bleach solution) before laundering?
Note: clothing does not need to be decontaminated if there are laundering facilities within the containment zone and the facilities have been proven to be effective in killing the pests in use.		 Required check box check box  
80 4.2.5.8 If there is a risk of disseminating pests with the movement of paper, is an electronic communication system used to transfer information and data from the containment zone? Required check box check box  
81 4.2.5.10 Are all liquids potentially contaminated by pests decontaminated?
Note: liquids must be collected and treated with steam, heat, chemicals or other proven and validated treatment technology prior to discharge into sewer or septic systems.		 Required check box check box  
82 4.2.5.11 Are periodic inspections of the containment zone made by facility staff to check for faults and deterioration (e.g. deteriorated door seals and brushes, screens or caulking)?
Note: corrective action must be taken and records kept for three years. Such inspections shall occur at least every six months		 Required check box check box  
83 4.2.5.12 Are supply and exhaust filters, pre-filters and screens inspected and cleaned or replaced by a designated person on a regular basis?
Note: if no filters are installed, proceed to Q#84.		 Required check box check box  
84 4.2.5.13 Is inward directional airflow confirmed on a regular basis using a smoke pencil, tape, tissue or other suitable means?
Note: if no inward directional airflow, proceed to Q#85.		 Recommended check box check box  
85 4.2.5.15 Are all plant material and insect traps inspected on a regular basis?
Note: all debris and dead plant material should be removed so that it does not act as a refuge for plant pests.		 Required check box check box  

 

Internal Use Only

Additional Comments:

Reviewed by: Date:

Rooms:

Certified as: check box PPC-2 Greenhouse check box PPC-2 Laboratory check box PPC-2 Other
Date:

Certification due date:
check box Letter faxed/mailed to facility