Semiannual Facility Inspection Checklist
The Facility Inspection Checklist is used to help in conducting semiannual reviews of programs and facilities for the care and use of animals.
MaintainX
07/26/2022
Semiannual Facility Inspection Checklist
The Facility Inspection Checklist is used to help in conducting semiannual reviews of programs and facilities for the care and use of animals.
Terrestrial Animal Housing and Support Areas
Date:
Location:
Location:
animal areas separate from personnel areas
separation of species
separation by disease status
security and access control
Construction:
corridors
animal room doors
exterior windows
floors
drainage
walls and ceilings
heating ventilation and air conditioning
power and lighting
noise control
vibration control
environmental monitoring
Room/Cage:
temperature and humidity
ventilation and air quality
illumination
noise and vibration
Primary Enclosure:
space meets physiologic, behavioral xv, and socialxvi needs
secure environment provided
durable, nontoxic materials in good repair and no risk of injury
flooring is safe and appropriate for species
adequate bedding and structures for resting, sleeping, breeding
objective assessments of housing and management are made
procedures for routine husbandry are documented
socially housed animals can escape or hide to avoid aggression
cage height provides adequate clearance (
animals express natural postures, can turn around, access food and water, and rest away from urine and feces
rationalexvii p 56 for Guide/USDA space exceptions approved by IACUC and based on performance indices
dogs and cats allowed to exercise and provided human interaction
nonhuman primates are socially housed except for scientific, veterinary or behavior reasons
single housing of nonhuman primates is for shortest duration possible
opportunities for release into larger enclosures is considered for single caged nonhuman primates
agricultural animals are housed socially
food troughs and water devices for agricultural animals allow access for all animals
Environmental Enrichment, Behavioral and Social Management:
structures and resources promote species typical behavior
novelty of enrichment is considered
species specific plans for housing including enrichment, behavior and activity are developed and reviewed regularly by IACUC, researchers and veterinarian
animal care personnel receive training to identify abnormal animal behaviors
stability of pairs or groups is monitored for incompatibility
single housing is justified for social species
single housing is limited to the minimum period necessary
additional enrichment for single housed animals is provided
single housing is reviewed regularly by IACUC and veterinarian
habituation to routine procedures is part of enrichment program
Sheltered or Outdoor Housing:
weather protection and opportunity for retreat
appropriate size
ventilation and sanitation of shelter (no waste/moisture build-up)
animal acclimation
social compatibility
roundup/restraint procedures
appropriate security
Naturalistic Environments:
animals added /removed with consideration of effect on group
adequate food, fresh water, and shelter ensured
Food:
feeding schedule and procedures including caloric intake management
contamination prevention
vendor quality control
storage in sealed containers
expiration date labeling
vermin control
rotation of stocks
Water:
ad libitum unless
QC procedures
Bedding and Nesting Materials:
species appropriate
keeps animals dry
QC procedures
minimizes scientific variables
Sanitation:
frequency of bedding/substrate change
cleaning and disinfection of microenvironment
cleaning and disinfection of macroenvironment
assessing effectiveness
Waste Disposal:
procedures for collection
procedures for storage and disposal
hazardous wastes are rendered safe before removal from facility
animal carcasses
Pest Control:
regularly scheduled
documented program including control of rodent pests and insecticide use
Emergency, Weekend, and Holiday Animal Care:
care provided by qualified personnel every day
provision for accessible contact information
monitoring of backup systems
veterinary care available after hours, weekends, and holidays
a disaster plan that takes into account both personnel and animals
Identification:
cage/rack cards contain required information
genotype information included and standardized nomenclature used when applicable
Recordkeeping:
clinical records accessible and contain appropriate information
records are provided when animals are transferred between institutions
Breeding Genetics and Nomenclature:
appropriate genetic records, management and monitoring procedures
phenotypes that affect wellbeing are reported to IACUC and effectively managed
Storage:
adequate space for equipment, supplies, food, bedding and refuse
bedding in vermin-free area and protected from contamination
food in vermin-free, temperature and humidity controlled area and protected from contamination
refuse storage is separate
carcass and animal tissue storage is separate, refrigerated below 7ºC and cleanable
Personnel:
adequate space for locker rooms, administration and training
Source: MaintainX (Community Member)