SECTION 775:10-8-20. Area used for animal euthanasia; recommended equipment and supplies

(a)   The area used for animal euthanasia at a law enforcement agency, animal control agency or animal shelter should:

(1)   Be an area that is separated from the rest of the agency or shelter and from public view by a wall, barrier or other divider or an area that is not used for any other purpose while an animal is being euthanized;

(2)   Have bright and even lighting. Additional lighting over the location where euthanasia agents are administered by injection is highly recommended;

(3)   Have an ambient temperature that is between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit;

(4)   Have adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of odors. At least one exhaust fan which is vented directly to the outside from an enclosed room is suggested;

(5)   Have flooring which is dry and non-slip to prevent accidents, and is easy to clean and disinfect; and

(6)   Be kept clean and disinfected.

(b)   The law enforcement agency, animal control agency or animal shelter is recommended to provide the following equipment and supplies for the area used for animal euthanasia, unless a contract exists between a law enforcement agency, animal control agency or an animal shelter and an Animal Euthanasia Technician, in which case the Animal Euthanasia Technician may provide items (7) through (24):

(1)   A table or work area where an animal can be handled and restrained while being euthanized. The surface must be non-pervious and easily disinfected;

(2)   A cabinet, table or workbench where the controlled dangerous substances, needles, syringes, clippers and other equipment and supplies can be placed while euthanasia is being performed. This surface should be adjacent to, but separate from, the area described in 775:10-8-20(b)(1) where the animals are handled and restrained for injection;

(3)   A hand washing sink or faucet within 25 feet of the area used for animal euthanasia;

(4)   An emergency eye wash station;

(5)   Laundry facilities for cleaning and sanitizing personnel uniforms, towels, cat restraint bags and capture/restraint nets;

(6)   Equipment and supplies as needed for adequate room sanitation, such as detergents, disinfectants, paper towels, brooms and mops;

(7)   Eye or face protection for personnel either performing injections or restraining animals for injection;

(8)   Disposable medical exam gloves;

(9)   Elbow-length heavy duty leather gloves suitable for restraining animals;

(10)   An assortment of muzzles for dogs and cats and/or appropriate disposable material which can be used for muzzles;

(11)   A control stick for dogs, feral cats and wild mammals, such as raccoons and opossums;

(12)   Cat restraint bags constructed of washable material;

(13)   Capture/restraint nets suitable for the species and size of animals normally handled by the agency or shelter and constructed of materials, which can be sanitized;

(14)   Towels of terry cloth or other fabric suitable for restraining animals;

(15)   Hair clippers with a minimum of two sets of #30 or #40 or equivalent size clipper

blades, maintained sharp and in good condition;

(16)   Quick-release tourniquets appropriate for the sizes of animals normally handled by the agency or shelter;

(17)   Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and either cotton balls or roll cotton;

(18)   An adequate supply of 18, 20, and 22 gauge disposable needles of medical quality in appropriate lengths and in other gauges and lengths as required by the species and size of animals normally handled by the agency or shelter;

(19)   An adequate supply of disposable or non-disposable syringes of medical quality in sizes appropriate for the volumes of drugs which must be administered based on the species and sizes of animals normally handled by the agency or shelter. The use of syringes equipped with non-slip or Luer-Lok®-type hubs is strongly recommended for the safety of personnel;

(20)   A commercially available sharps container for used needles and syringes, constructed of puncture resistant material and which complies with Title 21, Section 1910.1030(d)(viii) of the Code of Federal Regulations;

(21)   A stethoscope;

(22)   A penlight and spare batteries;

(23)   Medical grade disinfectant hand soap; and

(24)   A first-aid kit for humans.

(c)   All equipment and supplies shall be kept in good working order and stored in an orderly and safe manner.

[Source: Added at 18 Ok Reg 1379, eff 5-11-01; Amended at 18 Ok Reg 3371, eff 5-21-01 (emergency); Amended at 19 Ok Reg 1872, eff 7-1-02]