Section 17-2915. STRUCTURAL STANDARDS FOR NON-MOBILE ANIMAL FACILITIES

 

2915.1This section shall prescribe the structural standards for animal facilities other than mobile clinics.

 

2915.2Floors shall be smooth, waterproof, non-absorbent, scrubbed with detergents and effective sanitizing products, and capable of normal hospital use. Carpeting is an acceptable floor covering if it is kept in a sanitary condition and free from odors.

 

2915.3Walls shall be waterproof, smooth, and free of any cracks that could interfere with effective cleaning.

 

2915.4Ceilings shall be maintainable in a sanitary condition.

 

2915.5Exterior windows and skylights shall not be required in the animal rooms if adequate ventilation and lights are provided. If windows are provided and are opened for ventilation purposes, effective screening through which animals cannot escape is required.

 

2915.6The ventilation system shall regulate room temperature, promote comfort, and maintain a low concentration of atmospheric contaminants such as odors or microorganisms.

 

2915.7The ventilation system shall maintain temperatures between sixty-five and seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit (65° to 75° F.) The relative humidity shall be maintained at all times within a range of thirty to seventy percent (30% to 70%), according to the needs of the animals.

 

2915.8There shall be hot and cold running water on premises from a source approved by the District.

 

2915.9There shall be a toilet and lavatory on premises approved by the District for personnel and clients.

 

2915.10If companion animals are housed outdoors with no access to indoor facilities, provisions shall be made to assist in maintaining their natural temperatures. When the ambient temperature falls below fifty degrees Fahrenheit (50°F.), or rises above eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit (85°F.), adequate shelter shall be provided.

 

2915.11Corridors shall be wide enough to accommodate expected traffic. The floor-wall junction shall be coved to facilitate cleaning.

 

2915.12Electrical outlets shall be explosion-proof in rooms where volatile anesthetics are used and waterproof where water is used in cleaning.

 

2915.13At least fifty (50) foot-candles of light are required in animal housing areas. Animal treatment and examination surfaces shall be lighted by a minimum of one hundred (100) foot-candles. Provision shall be made for emergency lighting in the event of power failure.

 

2915.14Floors an floor drains shall be maintained in a sanitary condition.

 

2915.15An area or areas equal in square feet to at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the animal housing space shall be set aside for the service functions of the animal facility. When an animal facility is one thousand square feet (1,000 ft.2) or less in size, services may be performed in a multipurpose area, but there shall be a separate storage area.

 

2915.16The animal facility shall comply with all District laws and regulations applicable to buildings, construction, and zoning.

 

source

Final Rulemaking published at 35 DCR 6630, 6640 (September 2, 1988).