Best Practice: For optimal life of the mechanical refrigeration equipment, repository ambient temperatures should be monitored and not allowed to exceed 22 °C (72 °F). This is particularly critical for rooms containing multiple mechanical units. Air Flow & Circulation: Air circulation is important to prevent excess moisture and condensation. High humidity can lead to fungal growth, which may affect specimen integrity and cause health problems for the staff. It is also important to provide enough space between refrigerators and freezers for air circulation to prevent overheating of compressors, which may shorten compressor life. Poor air circulation may also lead to the growth of mold and other harmful microbial contamination. ☐ Air circulation is sufficient to prevent excess moisture and condensation ☐ Sufficient space is available for optimal air circulation in areas housing freezers and refrigerators ☐ Adequate ventilation where liquid nitrogen and dry ice are used Waste: Some waste associated with biological materials must be disposed of separately from other waste because they are considered as potentially infectious. These include: all sharps, e.g. glass implements, needles, syringes, blades, etc. coming from facilities using infectious materials biologically cultured stocks and plates, human blood or tissues Other waste generated in the biorepository, that are not contaminated with biological agents or materials, are not treated as a biohazard and may be discarded in the regular trash container. ☐ Facility has a service available for removing biohazardous materials ☐ Institutional system in place for properly disposing of biohazardous materials Here is an example of a work stream for handling biological lab waste: Fire Prevention: Repositories should have a written fire prevention plan. The plan should include a list of major hazards, potential ignition sources, proper handling and storage procedures for hazardous materials, and the type of equipment necessary to control each major hazard. The plan should include procedures for regular maintenance on equipment used to prevent or control sources of ignition or fires and the name or job title of employees responsible for maintaining the equipment. ☐ Fire suppression equipment at the facility
Best Practice: For optimal life of the mechanical refrigeration equipment, repository ambient temperatures should be monitored and not allowed to exceed 22 °C (72 °F). This is particularly critical for rooms containing multiple mechanical units. Air Flow & Circulation: Air circulation is important to prevent excess moisture and condensation. High humidity can lead to fungal growth, which may affect specimen integrity and cause health problems for the staff. It is also important to provide enough space between refrigerators and freezers for air circulation to prevent overheating of compressors, which may shorten compressor life. Poor air circulation may also lead to the growth of mold and other harmful microbial contamination. ☐ Air circulation is sufficient to prevent excess moisture and condensation ☐ Sufficient space is available for optimal air circulation in areas housing freezers and refrigerators ☐ Adequate ventilation where liquid nitrogen and dry ice are used Waste: Some waste associated with biological materials must be disposed of separately from other waste because they are considered as potentially infectious. These include: all sharps, e.g. glass implements, needles, syringes, blades, etc. coming from facilities using infectious materials biologically cultured stocks and plates, human blood or tissues Other waste generated in the biorepository, that are not contaminated with biological agents or materials, are not treated as a biohazard and may be discarded in the regular trash container. ☐ Facility has a service available for removing biohazardous materials ☐ Institutional system in place for properly disposing of biohazardous materials Here is an example of a work stream for handling biological lab waste: Fire Prevention: Repositories should have a written fire prevention plan. The plan should include a list of major hazards, potential ignition sources, proper handling and storage procedures for hazardous materials, and the type of equipment necessary to control each major hazard. The plan should include procedures for regular maintenance on equipment used to prevent or control sources of ignition or fires and the name or job title of employees responsible for maintaining the equipment. ☐ Fire suppression equipment at the facility
FACILITIES_CHECKLIST.docx