Standard Operating Procedure for entry and dress requirements for spf rodent facility

  1. Purpose: This procedure outlines how and who can enter the SPF facility.
  2. Scope: This procedure applies to all CM-LAF, principal investigator and maintenance personnel at CM-LAF.
  3. Procedure:
    1. The SPF Rodent Facility is designed specifically to house rodents that are either transgenic or immunosuppressed, under more stringent conditions than conventional housing.
    2. The SPF facility is designed to exclude all bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
      1. Positive pressure airflow ensures air passes from the inside of the facility out, to keep potential pathogens from entering the area.
    3. CONDITIONS FOR APPROVAL
      1. Entry is strictly limited to those granted approval by the CM-LAF Manager and/or CM-LAF Clinical Veterinarian.
      2. Approval of entry will be granted upon completion of:
        1. Training sessions
        2. Reading applicable SOPs
        3. Submission of approval form to CM-LAF Manager
      3. Visitors must be authorized by CM-LAF manager, AND be accompanied by the Principal Investigator, Facility Manager, Clinical Veterinarian, CMLAF Director or his/her designate.
    4. CONDITIONS FOR ENTRY
      1. Entry is permitted only if personnel have showered, donned clean clothes, and have NOT had direct contact with other animals (i.e. have not entered animal holding rooms in CM-LAF) that day.
      2. Entry must occur first in the day, before working in CM-LAF or in research labs that contain animals.
      3. Entry is through Door 1.
      4. Immediately place shoe covers over shoes.
      5. Wash hands in sink in 175 A.
      6. Shoe covers and clean scrub suits are required for working in area 175A.
      7. Entry is forbidden via Doors 4 & 5.
      8. All personnel who HAVE been in direct contact with animals MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM MANAGEMENT for entry.
    5. ENTRY TO SPF AREA
      1. Proceed to men's or women's change rooms (175 B or C), walk through the shower stall, and don protective apparel provided in room 177 or 179.
      2. If SHOWER required:
        1. Remove clothes and leave in 175 B or C, shower (take shoes with you), don clean scrub suit, exit though to 177 or 179, and don protective apparel as described below.
      3. Place a second pair of foot covers over the 1st pair, and don cap, mask, Tyvek jumpsuit, and gloves.
      4. Entry is restricted to individual animal suites as assigned to PIs, and only authorized personnel.
      5. Caretakers must change gloves and shoe covers between suites, (provided in each suite).
    6. EXIT PROCEDURES
      1. Exit via men's and women's change rooms (177, 179), proceed though the showers, and remove protective apparel in 175 B or C. Keep 1st pair of shoe covers on.
      2. Proceed from change room to exit facility via Door 1.
      3. Remove foot covers once outside the SPF facility.
      4. Doors 4 & 5 are ONLY for removal of large equipment (cage racks etc) and for emergency exit only (fire).
      5. Doors 4 & 5 are never to be propped open nor to be used for routine exit of personnel.

ENTRANCE APPROVAL FORM FOR SPF RODENT FACILITY

  1. I have read, understand, and will follow the Standard Operating Procedures listed below:
    • ENTRY AND DRESS REQUIREMENTS FOR SPF FACILITY
    • CAGE MANIPULATION PROCEDURES
    • THE REMOVAL OF DEAD ANIMALS FROM SPF UNIT
  2. I have attended a training session on the use of the SPF facility on (date)__________________________

I hereby will follow the procedures outlined above:

Print Name_________________________________________

Signature___________________________________________________

Date________________________________________________________

Approval from CM-LAF Manager:

Signature____________________________________________________

Date________________________________________________________