VA HANDBOOK 7610 (278)
NOTE: Provisions for showering are needed only when the agent(s) to be studied
is/are classified at the BSL level 3 or higher.
6. Toilet Room ............................................................................................................. 2.3 NSM ( 25 NSF)
(Infectious Disease Suite)
(22) Barrier Suite
(Applicable only when approved by Research Service)
A barrier suite may be justified when the requirement for control of the microbial
environment is more rigid than can be effectively attained in animal rooms located
elsewhere in the VMU. The use of immunocompromised animals and lifetime
aging studies are examples of circumstances in which a barrier suite may be
required. Barrier housing reduces the means by which infectious agents gain
entrance, thereby, protecting animals within the suite from infectious diseases.
Whereas an infectious disease suite is designed to keep harmful agents in the area, a
barrier suite is designed to keep harmful agents away from the area.
All material that can tolerate autoclaving should enter through a pass-thru sterilizer.
Personnel should shower and dress in sterile clothes, including head covers,
gloves, and masks before entering the barrier suite.
(a) Clothes Changing Room .......................................................................................... 7.0 NSM ( 75 NSF)
(b) Shower Room ........................................................................................................... 2.3 NSM ( 25 NSF)
(c) Toilet Room .............................................................................................................. 2.3 NSM ( 25 NSF)
(d) Air Lock .................................................................................................................... 7.0 NSM ( 75 NSF)
(e) Animal Room ............................................................................................................ 29.3 NSM (315 NSF)
NOTE: Additional space must be justified on an individual project basis or it must
be deducted from total animal room space. See subparagraph (3)(e)1.
(f) Procedural Laboratory ............................................................................................ 18.6 NSM (200 NSF)
5. OPERATING RATIONALE (BASIS OF CRITERIA)
a. Biomedical Research - Administration
(1) Office Equipment Room space is based on the following equipment configurations:
________________Number of Investigators______________
6 to 35 Over 35
Less than 5
Photocopier (floor model)
1
1
Photocopier (table model)
1
Fax Machine
1
1
1
Staff Mail Slots
1
1
2
Work Table
1
2
Supply Storage Cabinet
1
1
2
278-20
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