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Animal Facility - Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL-3)

Laboratory Facilities (Secondary Barriers)
The facilities required in an animal biosafety level three laboratory include the following:

• Location
  The animal facility is located in an area of the building that is not open to unrestricted foot traffic.
   
• Doors
  Self-closing and self-locking external doors are required for access control. Doors to animal rooms and areas where infectious materials are stored or used must open inward and be self-closing. They must be closed when animals are present inside the room and they should be kept locked when no one is present in the room. Entry into the area is through a double-door entry.
   
• Showers
  Showers should be considered based on the risk assessment.
   
• Sink
  A hands-free or automatically operated sink must be available and supplied for handwashing (i.e., stocked with soap and paper towels). The sink should be located near the exit. Additional sinks should be located as appropriate throughout the containment area. If the facility has segregated areas where infectious materials or animals are housed or manipulated, each area must have a sink available at the exit. Sink traps must be filled with water or other appropriate liquid.
   
• Easily cleaned
  The lab must be designed in a way that allows it to be cleaned and decontaminated easily. Spaces between benches, cabinets and equipment must be accessible for cleaning. Interior surfaces must be water resistant. Floors must be slip resistant, impervious to liquids and resistant to chemicals. It is recommended that interior penetrations be sealed to allow for proper pest control and proper cleaning.
   
• Furniture
  Furniture must be appropriate for the anticipated use. Cabinets and bench tops must be impervious to water and resistant to heat, organic solvents, acids, alkalis and other chemicals. Chairs used in animal areas must be covered with a non-porous material that can be easily cleaned and disinfected.
   
• Windows
  If the facility has windows they must be break resistant and sealed. External windows are not recommended.
   
• Airflow
  Ventilation systems must allow for inward flow of air without recirculation of exhaust air. Exhaust must be dispersed away from air intakes and occupied areas or it must be HEPA filtered. Ventilation must be in accordance with the Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The direction of airflow must be verified before entering the area. Audible alarms and visual monitoring devices should be considered.
   
• Appurtenances
  Internal appurtenances (e.g., light fixtures, air ducts, etc.) should be installed to minimize horizontal surfaces. This facilitates cleaning and minimizes debris and fomite accumulation.
   
• Floor drains
  Traps must be filled with water or disinfectant as appropriate.
   
• Cages
  Cages should be decontaminated before being removed from the ABSL-3 space. They must be washed using an automatic cage washer. The cage washer must have a final rise temperature of 180ºF.
   
• Lighting
  Lighting must be adequate for all activities. Reflections and glare is avoided.
   
• Biological safety cabinets (BSCs)
  Biological safety cabinets (BSC) must be installed in a manner so that changes in room air do not interfere with the operation of the cabinet. They should be located away from doors, windows that can be opened, high traffic areas, and other areas that could cause disruptions in the airflow of the cabinet. They must be tested and certified at least annually and operated in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
   
• Autoclave
  An autoclave must be conveniently available to the areas where the biohazard is contained.
   
• Eyewash stations and showers
  An eyewash station and safety shower must be readily available.
   
• Design and operational procedures
  Design and operational procedures must be documented. The facility must be tested prior to use and at least annually to verify that design and operational parameters have been met.
   
• Additional environmental protection
  Additional protective measures should be considered as determined by the risk assessment and applicable regulations. These measures may include personnel showers, HEPA filtration of exhaust, effluent decontamination, etc.

Invertebrates

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