Housekeeping Tasks and Contamination Control in an Animal Facility Dianne Harrison, Supervisor QA Lab
Microorganisms Invisible to the naked eye Need a microscope to see Most common we deal with? Bacteria, Virus, Fungi, Protozoa
What are PATHOGENS? Microorganisms that can cause disease Pathogens can survive in a host or for long periods outside the body on surfaces
What are pathogens that have a tough outer covering to survive hazardous environments? Spores Some characteristics of spores Difficult to kill Highly resistant to: Dryness Chemicals Heat
What are the three processes used to either remove or kill microorganisms? Sanitization Disinfection Sterilization
What is wrong with this picture? Always wear proper PPE Eye protection Plastic Apron to protect clothing Chemical resistant or heat resistant gloves Where are her gloves?
What guidelines do you follow when preparing chemical ALAT solutions Chapter from stock bottles? 8 Follow Instructions on Bottle or SOP
Be careful in mixing chemicals. Can deactivate chemicals Can cause toxic compound and fumes Hazardous to animals and staff Contents can splash Normally Clorox does not foam Glug, Glug, Glug
3 things to remember about chemical storage If transferred to another container, clearly label with the name, the date, and any other significant information. Never use unlabeled containers Always read label first containers look similar
What is the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) used for? It will provide the information on how to safely handle and work with a substance
What does the process of Sanitation do? Reduce the number of microorganisms to an acceptable level It important to remove organic matter? May inactivate the chemical used May shield microorganisms from contact
What is the sanitation cleaning process? Remove dirt, hair, dust, saliva, blood, feces, and urine from surfaces. Wash with detergents Rinse with a chemical sanitizer or water at 180 F (82 C).
What is the process that destroys microorganisms or inhibits their growth or activity? Disinfection They are classified by Whether they kill or inhibit growth of organism
What do the suffix's stat or -static mean when added to a word? Inhibit growth And what is it when it is written -cide or -cidal Kill What is important when working with Spores? Resistant to many chemicals and difficult to kill. Only sporicidal will actually kill spores.
When choosing a disinfectant: What- Pathogen to be disinfected? virus, bacteria, spores Where- Item to be disinfected? Floor, food bowl How- Ease of use? Does it need to sit for long periods (contact time) Cost of the disinfectant? cost not always best Not always an issue with ULAR
One other what else does it hurt or kill? What species does it affect. Some chemicals are not used with certain animals Ex. Phenols (Lysol and Pine Sol) with birds, cats, reptiles
What are some common disinfectants? Bleach- Sodium hypochlorite (most often used) Does not loosen dirt need to do that first Quaternary ammonium compounds- NPD selectively effective mixing w/ detergents reduces it disinfectant ability Isopropyl alcohol The main disadvantages are that it is flammable, and cannot be diluted
What does Sterilization do? Destroys all microorganisms on, and sometimes inside, an object What is the Best method to use? Autoclave/Sterilizer This is a closed system that uses high steam pressure and high temperatures for a selected period of time.
Alternative methods of sterilization Irradiation, dry heat sterilization Ethylene oxide or hydrogen peroxide gas sterilizers chemical ( cold) sterilization
Frequency: Cleaning Animal Rooms and Equipment OVERALL - Must be regularly cleaned and sanitized to maintain an appropriate environment and minimize the potential for contamination. Who sets the schedule of cleaning? The supervisor or facility manager OR
STEPS: Cleaning Animal Rooms and Equipment Appropriate chemicals used Sanitation logs followed and signed Monitoring of sanitation process 1. Visually 2. Testing the effects of equipment cleaning should be documented RODAC Plates and ATP Swabs
Preparation Cleaning Animal Rooms and Equipment Follow the established room order for cleaning. 1-6 Proper PPE must be worn for cleaning tasks Hearing protection too. Foot baths may be used as part of decontamination procedures.
Cleaning Animal Rooms and Equipment Tasks Clean caging according to required times set BE CAREFUL TO REMOVE ANIMALS BEFORE CLEANING What must be cleaned on a regular schedule? Walls, ceilings, lights, and other exposed surfaces (floors) Why do you clean room vents? clogged vents reduce air circulation, which can affect animal health. How should mops be stored? Hanging upside down to dry
Cleaning Animal Rooms and Equipment According to the cages should be changed often enough to provide a healthy environment for an animal, according to its normal behavior and Physiological characteristics The GUIDE What sets the frequency of cleaning and the # of animals housed in a cage? Species Cage size/type Type of bedding
Why do we autoclave some supplies such as cage setups, enrichment items and water bottles? They are being used in a pathogen free area What animals require daily bedding replacement and cleaning? swine, small ruminants, dogs, cats, and nonhuman primates
Cage Wash Who sets the minimum cleaning standards for large animal caging? AWR What does AWR stand for? Animal Welfare Regulation Why do you use Descalers for in cage wash? Help remove urine scale What do you do with feeders and dishes after they have been scraped? Soak in disinfectant
Cage Wash What is a problem with this type of equipment? IF there is even the slightest deviation on positioning the robot will cease to operate
Cage Wash Water bottles what may you have to do to get them clean? Soak How do you make sure the automatic watering systems are cleaned in a rack? Flush them at the station after they have been washed.
Monitoring Sanitation
Monitoring Sanitation RODAC Plates and ATP Swabs
Monitoring Sanitation Monitoring of cage wash operations typically includes which of the following? Presence of bacteria on surfaces before cleaning cages Cage wash water temperature Presence of bacteria on surfaces of cages during the wash cycle Presence of bacteria on surfaces of cleaned cages
Waste management What are the two types of waste? General and Hazardous Why do we handle each differently Potential pathogens and aesthetics Who handles radioactive hazardous waste? trained personnel What is difference in how general waste and hazardous waste are disposed of? Haz- labeled, stored separate, picked up and and rendered safe
Waste Management Who coordinates the disposal of hazardous waste? Facility EHS Are carcasses hazardous waste? Yes, biological waste, potentially hazardous
Pest Control Why do we have pest control? Carry Infectious parasites How do pest enter the building? Feed, bedding, humans and other animals, cracks and small openings in building How do we prevent them? Good housekeeping program and proper waste management
Pest Control What are parts of a good pest control system? Examine all feed and bedding shipments Keep areas clean Properly storing and disposing of feed and bedding Keep exterior doors and windows closed Sealing cracks Capture all wild rodents that enter the facility, remove and possibly test for pathogens
Pest Control Who can apply pesticides? Skilled and experienced personnel What is the main concern with using pesticides? They must not be allowed to come in contact with the animals and all that involves What chemicals are normally used? Boric acid and Amorphous silica
LAST QUESTION How do I know you will pass this portion of the ALAT exams? ITS YOUR JOB AND YOU DO IT EVERY DAY