The purpose of this Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) policy is to set requirements for UW–Madison facilities on the maintenance of ventilated cage racks to ensure adequate containment of biohazardous agents.
Ventilated cage racks used in rooms with animals housed at Animal Biosafety Level-2 (ABSL2) must undergo a performance check to ensure containment and airflow meet manufacturer’s specifications (i.e., HEPA filter leak test, cfm measurements) with a minimum frequency according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If the manufacturer does not stipulate the frequency, annual shall be the default. A filter leak test must be performed following a change of the HEPA filter.
Ventilated cage racks used in rooms designated ABSL3 must undergo an annual performance check to ensure containment and airflow meet manufacturer’s specifications (i.e., HEPA filter leak test, cfm measurements). Extensions for ventilated cage racks at ABSL3 must be approved by the IBC Chair.
Performance checks should be documented. Performance checks can be done as a fee for service by the BSC Certification Program at Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S). If an outside vendor is used the vendor must be approved by EH&S.
HEPA filters from ventilated cage racks must be inactivated (e.g., autoclaved) prior to final disposal.
