Instructions for the use of the Autoclave
Only trained personnel may use the autoclave.
Proof of training is required.
Training is available from Medical Laboratory Assistant (Tony Simons) in the first instance.
The machine is serviced and validated twice a year by a service engineer. The validation ensures that the correct temperature and pressure are achieved for the appropriate length of time to properly sterilise waste and materials. Only by use of the stated temperature and run time will adequate sterilisation of the whole load be achieved. These parameters must not be altered.
The correct temperature required for the waste and media/plastics etc sterilisation cycles is written on the control panel.
Waste sterilisation
Put a new circular chart in the recorder box on the wall by the autoclave making sure to date it, whose run it is and the procedure number. Circular charts are found on top of the metal cupboard opposite the dishwasher. Use arrow keys to move the pen up and down. Place old circular charts in the box provided on the top of the metal cupboard opposite the dishwasher.
Turn the ‘on/off’ switch on the front of the autoclave (red knob) on by turning it clockwise. The Power button on the top control panel will light up and the autoclave will make a noise.
Press ‘reset’ button at the top.
The autoclave temperature is set by using the Digitron controller on the control panel. Waste run temperature is set to 126ºC by holding down the display button on the Digitron and moving the adjust button on the Digitron to the desired temperature.
Set the ‘freesteam’ clock to10 minutes using the small buttons.
Set the ‘sterilise’ steam clock to 25 minutes using the small buttons.
Load the autoclave with the baskets packed with waste bags, ensuring that the bags are open to allow steam to penetrate the waste effectively.
Close the autoclave lid ensuring it is correctly aligned with the red arrows and locked.
Press start.
When finished the complete light on the control panel will flash green. Press open on the top and the lid will unlock by making a clonking sound.
Turn the lid anticlockwise and pull the lid up using the handles to access the waste inside.
Remove the basket containing the waste from the autoclave taking care as the contents may be extremely hot. Wear heat protecting gloves.
Then put the autoclaved waste into a black bag and then a yellow bag and tie up with a tag.
Next put the bag into the yellow skip in the refuse room
Turn the autoclave off by turning the on/off switch on the front of the autoclave (red knob) anticlockwise.
Fill in the folder with the time of the run, who did it, the procedure number and whether it is waste or clean.
Clean sterilisation of media, plastics etc
Put a new circular chart in the chart recorder on the wall by the autoclave making sure to date it, whose run it is and the procedure number. Circular charts are found on top of the metal cupboard opposite the dishwasher. Use arrow keys to move the pen up and down. Place old circular chart in the box provided on the top of the metal cupboard opposite the dishwasher.
Turn the on/off switch on the front of the autoclave (red knob) on by turning it clockwise. The power button on the top control panel will light up and the autoclave will make a noise.
Press reset button at the top.
The autoclave temperature is set by using the Digitron controller on the control panel. Clean run temperature is set to 122ºC by holding down the display button on the Digitron and moving the adjust button on the Digitron to the desired temperature.
Set the ‘free-steam’ clock to10 minutes using the small buttons.
Set the ‘sterilise’ clock to 40 minutes using the small buttons.
Load the autoclave with the baskets packed with items for sterilisation, ensuring that any bottles have their lids slightly loosened/ajar to prevent bottles exploding.
Engage the lid and align with the red arrows to lock it.
Press ‘start’.
When finished the complete light on the control panel will flash green. Press open on the top and the lid will unlock by making a clonking sound.
Turn the lid anticlockwise and pull the lid up using the handles to access the sterilised items inside.
Carefully remove the basket out containing the sterilised items. Wear heat protecting gloves if contents are hot.
Then put the autoclaved sterilised items into the drying cabinet overnight. Collect on the following day.
Turn the autoclave off by turning the on/off switch on the front of the autoclave (red knob) anticlockwise.
Fill in the folder with the time of the run, who did it, the procedure number and whether it is waste or clean.
If low water
If the ‘low water’ light on the control panel on the top of the autoclave comes on, fill up the autoclave with distilled water until the light goes out.
Filling up from scratch, use tubing from the distilled water tank and also 2 litres of tap water.
Notes
Do not autoclave red top Duran bottles. These should be dry sterilised in the oven at 160 degrees centigrade. Use special (greenish stripe) sterilising tape to confirm sterilisation.
Do not autoclave flammable, corrosive, toxic or harmful liquids or solids.
In an emergency:
If safe to do so, switch off:
The‘on/off’ switch on the front of the autoclave (red knob).
The mains power supply at the back of the autoclave
Report any problems to the Technical Services Manager.