Clean, prepare and maintain animal accommodation in a Home Office designated establishment

This standard covers the cleaning, preparation and maintenance of animal accommodation in a Home Office designated establishment.

You must be able to check environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and light cycles. You must also make sure the accommodation is suitable for the animals being housed.

You will be working under supervision to ensure that the health and welfare of the animals is maintained, and that the necessary security is preserved.

This standard is for animal technologists and support staff in Home Office designated establishments.

It is essential that you work strictly within the limits of the relevant project licence.

1. confirm that your work is carried out in accordance with the approved codes of practice and the organisation’s procedures and within the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
2. carry out all work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and the organisation’s policies
3. assess the risks to health and safety before starting and throughout the activity
4. maintain the health and safety of yourself, others involved in the activity, and the welfare of the animals, during the work
5. comply with legislation, codes of practice and organisation policies relating to the care and welfare of animals in a Home Office designated establishment
6. check that the accommodation is ready for cleaning and that animals are secure or have been removed and housed elsewhere
7. use safe practices and the correct clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning equipment and materials for the activity, in accordance with instructions
8. maintain communication with colleagues and all those involved in, or affected by, your work
9. prepare and use the equipment and materials for the work in accordance with instructions
10. clean and prepare animal accommodation in accordance with instructions and workplace quality standards
11. carry out the sterilisation of animal accommodation, where required, in accordance with instructions
12. check for the presence of infectious agents in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
13. maintain the required levels of hygiene and biosecurity in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
14. check that the fixtures and contents are appropriate for the animals being housed
15. report any concerns with the animal accommodation in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
16. place animals into accommodation in accordance with instructions and the organisation’s procedures
17. keep the accommodation in a safe, secure and clean state for the health and welfare of the animals
18. monitor the environmental conditions to suit the needs of the animals and report as required
19. replenish bedding, nesting, substrate and enrichment materials in accordance with instructions
20. provide the required information for accommodation labels and records
21. follow instructions relating to accommodation entry and exit procedures at all times
22. deal with waste from the activity safely and correctly in accordance with instructions, the relevant legislation and the organisation’s procedures
23. keep accurate and up-to-date records as required by the relevant legislation and the organisation
24. conduct all activities within the provisions of the project licence

1. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and the organisation’s policies
2. the importance and correct use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when carrying out activities in a Home Office designated establishment
3. the materials and equipment that should be used for cleaning work and how to prepare, use and store them safely
4. how to prepare the accommodation for cleaning in accordance with instructions and workplace quality standards
5. the correct procedures for cleaning the animal accommodation
6. when accommodation requires sterilisation and how this should be carried out
7. the importance of maintaining the appropriate levels of hygiene and biosecurity and the procedures for this
8. the types and suitability of accommodation for different animals
9. how to prepare accommodation for animals and check it is suitable
10. cleaning and sterilisation requirements for the accommodation
11. the organisational procedures for checking for the presence of infectious agents
12. the correct procedures for introducing animals into the accommodation
13. your responsibilities under Home Office codes of practice for the housing and care of animals in scientific procedures and breeding establishments, including stocking densities
14. the welfare requirements of the animals being housed and how to maintain their health and wellbeing
15. the accommodation and welfare requirements for immunodeficient animals
16. the environmental conditions that are required in accordance with Home Office codes of practice
17. how to monitor and control environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, noise levels, light and water conditions and the actions to take if there are any problems
18. which bedding, nesting, substrate and enrichment materials are appropriate for the species and conditions
19. the types of problems that may occur with animal accommodation and the procedure for reporting concerns
20. the legal and organisational requirements for the handling, storage and disposal of waste produced by the activity
21. the information that needs to be recorded and the organisation’s procedures for this
22. the provisions of the project licence