Chapter 31 - Special Fixed Equipment for research Animal Facilities

Abstract

This chapter gives a general overview of the special fixed equipment for research animal facilities. There are many diverse equipment requirements for modern research animal facilities, generated by the type of research and the animal species involved, and much of this equipment involves sanitizing and sterilizing animal cages and supplies. The major fixed equipment in laboratory animal facilities is involved in the functions of washing and drying cages, disposal of spoiled bedding, dispensing clean bedding, cleaning and filling water bottles, and the sterilization of portable equipment and supplies. Other important fixed equipment includes the security and access-control system, and the fire alarm and sprinkler system. Tight timelines and schedules, coupled with high costs of either renovation or construction, drive the need for flexibility in design of animal facilities. The use of carefully planned and selected equipment, including the automated/robotic equipment recently introduced into research animal facilities, can minimize renovation or construction costs while reducing operational costs, thus permitting an optimal return on investment.