Notes from the Special Discussion Group on Commissiong from Tradeline's Animal Research Facilities 2005 Conference.
Suggestions for commissioning:
- Make a video of the commissioning process (i.e. the commissioning and equipment validation people doing those tasks) to use as a training video for new operations hires.
- After initial commissioning, re-testing key systems and operating parameters every three to five years pays off financially.
- Early on assign the responsibility for planning and execution of commissioning including setting the timing for the commissioning agent.
- Document the turnover of systems.
- Concentrate effort on TEMPERATURE CONTROL -- which is the key to animal welfare.
- Seasonal commissioning - Commission to winter or summer conditions? It is hard to simulate winter conditions in summer. So, do you do it twice -- actual in summer + actual in winter?
- Test for interaction of multiple systems -- in other words, full-function testing, not just testing of individual systems.
- Level of commissioning: Test 30% of rooms per zone.
- Commissioning agent should confirm that preventive maintenance meets the requirements for training from equipment manufacturers.
- It is smart to involve staff in the commissioning effort.
