Requirements for hand hygiene in S1 animal housing rooms

The vast majority of animal husbandry areas in which genetically modified animals are kept and analyzed are assigned to safety level S1 according to the Genetic Engineering Act (GenTG).

Basic molecular biology research is predominantly conducted on the classic vertebrate model organisms mouse, rat, and zebrafish, as well as on the non-vertebrate Drosophila and C. elegans. Regardless of the animal species used, specific requirements of the Genetic Engineering Safety Ordinance (GenTSV) apply to rooms in which genetically modified animals are kept and analyzed. These requirements are listed in Annex 4 of the GenTSV. It states the following regarding handwashing and disinfection facilities:

“There should be an easily accessible washing facility for cleaning hands with hand soap, disinfectant dispensers and disposable towel dispensers.”

And further it is mentioned:

"Hands must be disinfected immediately if contamination is suspected. After completing the activity and before leaving the work area, hands must be disinfected if necessary, thoroughly cleaned, and cared for according to the skin protection plan."

The ability to clean hands is particularly useful in animal rooms, including the relevant S1 areas, since hand contamination is to be expected in these areas. Animal feces, bedding, or, in the case of zebrafish keeping, liquid agents used, for example, to monitor the quality of aquarium water, are just a few of the substances that would require hand washing. In addition, if genetically modified microorganisms—for example, S1 viruses such as adeno-associated virus (AAV)—are also being worked on in such rooms, the requirements of Annex 2 of the GenTSV for laboratory use must be observed in addition to the requirements of Annex 4.