How can institutions assure animal welfare when HVAC systems malfunction or fail?
Institutions that conduct PHS -supported research, testing, or training have a responsibility to ensure animal welfare and an obligation to protect the federal investments in these activities. The Guide provides recommendations regarding temperature, humidity, and ventilation for common laboratory animals and briefly discusses parameters regarding heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) that need to be considered. It also states “In the event of a partial HVAC system failure, systems should be designed to supply facility needs at a reduced level. It is essential that life-threatening heat accumulation or loss be prevented during mechanical failure.” (Guide , pages 75-76) Monitoring HVAC equipment performance is important to ensure timely identification of local or regional power disruptions or system malfunctions. Institutions are strongly encouraged to consider using available electronic technology to measure temperature in each animal room on a continuous basis. Appropriate
