Chapter 5- Facility Equipment AALAS

Cage washers Clean animal caging Dedicated space Connect “dirty” and “Clean” areas of cage storage Programmable cycles 180 final rinse

Cage washers Use high temps and harsh chemicals Safety features – inside door release, door closure latches, windows in the doors Note any malfunctions – notify supervisor Tunnel washers – small equipment Rack washers – large equipment Cabinet washers – small eqipment

Cagewashing Equipment automatic cabinet washing, rinsing drying cycles rack entire rack can be moved into washer dirty side to clean side tunnel washers has conveyor belt to move items through washer must visually inspect after cleaning

Tunnel washer

Other cage washing system Pressure washers Misters and foggers – spray disinfectant as a fine mist. Foamers – connected to the room hose

Automatic waterers eliminate work of water bottles water pressure appropriate for species treated, filtered water Chlorine UV RO Filtered to reduce particulates – can clog system

Watering systems Lixits MUST be checked regularly young animals or newly received animals may have to be given water bottles until they adjust to the lixits not drinking will cause not eating Clogged lixit can flood solid bottom caging

Feeding and Watering Accessories V shaped feeders in cage lids J shaped feeders clipped onto cage water water bottles bowls automatic waterers

Change stations or Laminar Flow cabinets Used for cage changing Use High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter Blown from back, around cabinet, into front grate Not to be used with hazardous agents, anesthetic agents, or caustic chemicals

Cage dumping station Used to empty dirty bedding into Reduces dust and allergens Pulls particles away from technician

Fume Hoods Protects user from chemical fumes Draws fumes away and out of the buildding Only for chemical fumes not biohazard

Biological Safety Cabinet Designed for work with infectious diseases HEPA filters and Pre-filters Class 1 – used to enclose equipment

BSCs Class 2 – recirculates filtered air, several different types Class 3 – “glove boxes”- airtight – personnel do not come into contact with infectious agents

Autoclaves Used to sterilize equipment – aseptic surgical procedures Decontaiminate Time and temp determined by material Never autoclave flammable liquids or radioactive materials Variety of sizes

Vacuums Must have HEPA filters Wet and dry Clean hoods

Tissue digesters Large pressure cookers Combination of caustic chemicals, water, and heat Breaks down tissues

incinerators Large ovens that burn tissues Kills infectious agents Outside or needs chimney Ash disposed of in trash

Measuring Devices body weights and/or food accuracy- refers to the degree that the weight measured is the actual weight. Top-loading balances are most common

Other types triple beam double pan platform scales “tare” zero weight (eliminates weight of restrainer)

clean scales after use prevent disease transmission keep scale in good condition