Managing an animal research facility is a big job. You’re constantly juggling research projects, managing data, and keeping up with safety protocols.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make your workflow more efficient. Today, we’ll be discussing how you can do so by adopting automated dump stations.

If your life science laboratory is still dumping cage bedding by hand, it’s time to upgrade to an automated system. An automated dump station can streamline laboratory waste disposal, protect your staff, and maintain proper sanitation standards, hassle-free.

Enter a new era of productivity and operator protection with the BetterBuilt ActivADS Dump Station .

Here’s how this cutting-edge unit adds value to your animal research facility.

1. Increases Productivity

Vivarium lab technicians spend a ton of time emptying cages and dumping bedding. Manual processes account for about 60% of the total time invested in a specimen workflow.

Using manual units requires an operator to dump the soiled bedding into the station. This takes time and a dedicated individual to run the system. If you have a high-volume facility, an automated dump station will speed things up by taking on some of the monotonous work.

The ActivADS dump station uses pneumatics and drives to dump soiled bedding automatically.

You simply place the cages into the unit and let the system do its job. This way, you and your team have more time to focus on core lab operations and increase your productivity.

There may be times when you want a little more control over your laboratory waste disposal process. The ActivADS dump station comes with a manual mode to let you have the best of both worlds. In this mode, an operator can manually dump soiled bedding into the integrated dump station.

The manual mode also has an optional downdraft dust collection unit and Sure-Flo or Sure-Vac Soiled Bedding Handling system. If equipped, these will continue to operate for maximum efficiency.

2. Lowers Labor Costs

The average salary of a lab technician is about $24 per hour. That’s excluding bonuses, benefits, and overtime pay. It’s a significant amount of money that you could spend on other lab essentials.

Automation minimizes the need for manual labor. An automated dump station can handle things more quickly and consistently than human operators, so you can better allocate resources. The result? Fewer wages, fewer personnel-related expenses, and a better bottom line for the lab.

The ActivADS dump station does the heavy lifting without asking for a paycheck. Being an integrated unit, it can connect to the inlet port of a Sure-Flo or Sure-Vac Soiled Bedding Handling System directly, thus creating an entirely automated solution for your animal research facility.

Alternatively, the ActivADS Dump Station can be designed for a mobile collection bin that lets you dump soiled bedding manually. It’s versatile, effective, and allows you to switch modes as needed.

3. Reduces Allergen Exposure

Allergen exposure is a real and often underestimated concern in life science labs. Traditional waste disposal methods in animal laboratories can kick up a storm of animal allergens, often found in:

• Urine
• Fur
• Saliva
• Blood
• Feces
• Dander

An estimated 11-to-44% of animal workers tend to develop allergic symptoms. Of these, up to 1 in 10 will develop asthma, which can persist, even if the exposure stops.

The ActivADS Dump Station features fully enclosed cabinets to shield your workers against allergens and other harmful particles in the air. You can also integrate it with an optional dust collection system for a cleaner cage-washing space. Additionally, the unit has a hinged access door to let operators/technicians assess, diagnose, and troubleshoot any issues as they arise.

A healthier workforce means fewer sick days, higher morale, and a laboratory that thrives on the well-being of its staff. The ActivADS dump station can spare your technicians from the allergic reactions that come with dumping animal bedding.

4. Protects Operators

Lab technicians and operators are the backbones of your research endeavors – and their safety is non-negotiable.

Automated dump stations go beyond reducing allergen exposure; they actively protect your operators from potential accidents and injuries. By removing the human element from laboratory waste disposal, you create a secure environment where operators can focus on their tasks without apprehension. This peace of mind is priceless in a field where precision and safety go hand in hand.

Keep your team safe and sound while the ActivADS Dump Station takes care of the dirty work. It’s a win-win for everyone.

5. Ensures Consistent Compliance

Animal research facilities function within a framework of stringent regulations. One wrong move, and you could accidentally violate a compliance standard.

Non-compliance with animal welfare guidelines may be punished with fines, cease-and-desist orders, and license suspension/revocation. Hence, it’s incredibly important for you to follow laboratory waste disposal protocol as closely as possible.

An automated dump station brings a level of precision and consistency that regulatory bodies appreciate. The ActivADS dump station lets you dispose of soiled bedding according to prescribed guidelines. No more worries of manual errors or deviations – just peace of mind knowing that your lab is ticking all the compliance boxes.

6. Adapts to You

Every animal research facility is unique, meaning there’s no room for cookie-cutter solutions.

That’s why BetterBuilt’s ActivADS Dump Station can be customized to suit your lab’s specific needs. Contact the BetterBuilt team to learn how we can work with your facility to personalize and install your very own ActivADS Dump Station.

The Bottom Line

There you have it: six ways the ActivADS Dump Station can benefit your animal research laboratory. It’s a strategic investment that pays dividends in the future. Embracing this technology can make your lab operations more efficient – and the ActivADS Dump Station can be instrumental in doing so – as well as improving safety in your lab.

BetterBuilt has manufactured vivarium washers since the 1950s. We engineer advanced solutions for life science laboratories, ensuring every piece of equipment meets the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.

We’re proud to have become an integral part of research facilities and medical procedures in the life science industry.

Get in touch today to learn more about the ActivADS dump station and other products!