Protect the integrity of barrier-maintained animal accommodation in a Home Office designated establishment

This standard covers the actions which must be taken in order to protect the integrity of barrier-maintained animal accommodation in a Home Office designated establishment.

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

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

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. use safe practices and the correct clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for the activity
5. maintain the required levels of hygiene and biosecurity in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
6. maintain communication with colleagues and all those involved in, or affected by, your work
7. take the necessary precautions prior to entry into, and exit from, the barrier-maintained accommodation
8. protect the integrity of the barriers at all times
9. make all movements across the barrier in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
10. report any breaches to the integrity of the barriers immediately in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
11. ensure only authorised personnel gain entry to the area
12. complete the relevant records, including entry and exit records, as required by the relevant legislation and the organisation

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 personal protective equipment (PPE) when carrying out activities in a Home Office designated establishment
3. potential disease risks and the purpose of barriers in your establishment
4. the importance of protecting the integrity of barriers and how this can be achieved
5. the different levels of barrier and the elements that make them up
6. the precautions and procedures necessary for the maintenance of barrier-maintained accommodation
7. the reporting procedures where barrier integrity may be compromised
8. how to recognise emergencies and the correct procedures to take
9. the relevant quarantine regulations
10. the possible effects of contact with other animals, either in the establishment or outside, including personal pets
11. the zoonoses and possible effects on your own or your family’s health
12. the effect personal health conditions may have on gaining entry and moving across barriers including pregnancy, allergies, vaccinations, colds and flu, viruses and contact with infectious agents
13. the procedures for controlling access and the requirements for gaining entry and moving across barriers
14. the procedure for dealing with visitors to barrier-maintained animal accommodation
15. the information that needs to be recorded and the organisation’s procedures for this

Barriers could include:
• footbaths
• step-over barriers
• autoclaves
• dunk tanks
• fumigation chambers
• air-flow regimes
• protective clothing
• showers an
• full changes of clothing