Share thisSome vivarium automation can be “free-standing” to a certain extent while others need to be incorporated or engineered into the larger facility plan. In these types of integrated systems, another level of complexity is added since many of the automated features tie into areas that are outside of the vivarium or can involve the building itself. These systems include building management systems, automated lighting, and security and alarm systems.
Building Management Systems
There is no single solution to monitoring holding rooms; different options provide different features. Building Management Systems (BMS) are typically used to control and monitor mechanical systems that provide the environmental conditions (temperature, pressure, and humidity) designed for the facility. Too often, these systems are not utilized to the fullest extent.
When setting criteria for monitoring animal holding rooms, the typical default response is a request for a separate monitoring system. While separate monitoring systems can be beneficial, there are other options.
A building management system is usually installed in a new facility, so the design can take full advantage of the system by establishing performance criteria early on. By establishing performance criteria during the schematic design phase, the control engineer can specify the proper sensors and control devices. It is also important to determine early on if the systems will be validated. If so, the control engineer will require the building management system to comply with the regulatory requirements of 21 CFR Part 11. All major building management systems vendors support this requirement.
While each project has specific criteria, the following environmental conditions and equipment are usually controlled and monitored by the building management system:
* Temperature
* Humidity
* Pressure
* Airflow
* Equipment alarms (freezers, environmental rooms, incubators)
* Room Fumigation Mode
* Pressurization Reversal
* Trench Flushing
* Animal room lighting alarm (usually from a separate lighting control system)
* Animal watering system alarm (typically a separate watering control system)
Sometimes, users request a separate monitoring system. Duplication of sensors can be costly, and discrepancies can occur depending on different sensor accuracies, as well as their physical locations. Duplication in calibration costs is another consideration. Using a separate monitoring system may be justified, and there are ways to achieve cost savings. One way is by utilizing a single sensor with a signal splitter. The signal splitter accepts the sensor signal and replicates it on two independent channels. One channel can transmit to the building management system while the second channel transmits to a separate monitoring system.
This solution reduces upfront costs and reduces annual calibration costs. It also allows both systems to read the same value, reducing the “finger pointing” as to which system is reporting the actual number. Another cost effective alternative is to provide users with their own limited function building management system workstations with separate alarms and trend printers. Access is limited to monitoring of data that is pertinent to the users study.
The Owner/User should utilize a “design checklist” to be sure to capture all critical items during design to ensure that the criteria they set forth is achievable, since controls cannot make up for inefficacies in design and construction. For example, some issues that should be addressed include:
* Are separate monitoring systems required? It is important to evaluate advantages and disadvantages of each option. If existing systems are already in place, the design may simply involve an extension of that system.
* Are local indicators required for environmental parameters? This may impact the wall construction and project cost.
* What type of signaling and alarms are preferred in the holding rooms (fire alarm, fume hood face velocity monitor, telephone, etc.) and how they will be annunciated? The selection of signals and alarms should be discussed and approved by the appropriate local governing authorities and internal environmental health and safety department.
* How will the rooms be wiped or washed down? This will influence the selection, housing, and location of environmental sensors. Sensors require routine calibration and need to be accessible. Typically, sensors should be located in the exhaust duct – not in the room – to allow access without disrupting the scientists’ work. If fumigation is required, the procedures need to be disclosed so the proper controls and dampers can be specified.