Guillotine Maintenance

Adopted by the University Committee on Animal Resources

SUBJECT: MAINTENANCE OF GUILLOTINES

A. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to ensure that guillotines are kept in clean and sharp working order. The action should be smooth with no perceptible binding or resistance. The blade must be rust-free, be sharp and decapitate with minimal force. The AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia requires a written plan for the proper use and maintenance of guillotines in order to assure humane euthanasia.

B. APPLICABILITY

The contents of this SOP apply to all personnel at the University of Rochester who use guillotines.

C. GENERAL INFORMATION

As with any laboratory equipment in contact with animals, guillotines can act as fomites (i.e. source of transmission of infectious agents between animals) therefore, movement of guillotines from one room to another is discouraged.  If you need to transfer a guillotine to a different animal facility room or lab, the guillotine should be sanitized before moving and after replacing it in the original room. Contact the Animal Resource Office at X5-2651 for more information.

Anyone using a guillotine should ensure it is in good condition prior to its use or report it to the principal investigator for repair.

Personnel using a guillotine are responsible for proper cleaning after use.

D.         MAINTENANCE

The principal investigator or technical staff will ensure that guillotines are rotated for sharpening at a minimum of every twelve months or more often as needed. Depending on species involved and volume, investigators may need to have the blades sharpened more or less frequently. These guidelines must be followed unless a scientifically based exemption is requested and approved by UCAR.

Consider having a second guillotine as a back-up while the first blade is out for service.

Make sure blades are adequately sanitized prior to submitting for service.

Sharpening Service Contacts:

• Michael Young, Mobile Instrument Service & Repair), 888-943-7357 or email (mikewithmobile@rochester.rr.com). Bring the clean and sanitized blade to the SMD Bldg. room G-6726. Your blades should be returned within 72 hours. You will need a Purchase Order number to request the sharpening service.

• Call George Tiemann & Co. (ph. (516-273-0005) to arrange shipment.  Address:  George Tiemann & Co., Repair Department, 25 Plant Avenue, Hauppauge, NY, 11788-3804

1/29/07