VA HANDBOOK 7610 (278)
(8) Cage Service and Sanitation Area
(a) Cage Wash Room - The following factors should be taken into consideration:
1. A tunnel washer alone is not sufficient for a VMU over the 1300 NSM
(14,000 NSF) of total laboratory unit space.
2. A tunnel washer plus a cage and rack washer should not be provided for a VMU under 1300 NSM
(14,000 NSF) of total laboratory unit space.
3. If a VMU uses contact bedding, consideration should be given to providing additional space (not to exceed 4.6 NSM
(50 NSF)) for dumping soiled bedding from cages.
6. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
a. Refer to the Research Laboratory VA Design guide for:
(1) Relationship diagrams for Biomedical Research.
(2) Design Guide Plates for laboratories, specialized areas and laboratory support area.
b. Research and Development space should be planned as a facility integrated with all components of the medical care
program.
c. A loading platform will be required for Research and Development facilities when located in a building separate from
the medical center. The loading platform will be in accordance with H-08-3, the VA Construction Standards 1-5 and 865-1.
d. Refer to the Veterinary Medical Unit (VMU), (VA) Design Guide for:
(1) Relationship diagrams for the VMU.
(2) Design Guide Plates for general rooms, areas specific to a VMU, operating suite, radiographic suite and containment
suites.
e. A dedicated elevator for animals will be required in multi-floor research facilities which contain animal research
facilities, in order to separate staff/patients and animals in vertical transportation.
f. Particular care must be afforded in the design of animal facilities to minimize problems (noise, odor, vermin, etc.)
inherent in the housing of animals.
g. Biohazard areas (when provided) are usually located near the cage washing area.
h. Research and Development must comply with the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS); Public Law (PL)
No. 90-480; 42 U.S.C. 4151-4157; and H-08-13, Barrier Free Design Handbook.
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