Autoclave Precautions

Medical, dental, and veterinary practices, and labs and body piercing establishments are among the facilities using autoclaves to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores on all items requiring sterilization. These items include instruments used in the treatment of patients and medical waste. During the sterilization process, autoclaves use hot pressurized steam with temperature ranges around 270 degrees Fahrenheit. Following specific precautions minimizes the potential for serious injury while operating an autoclave.

Before Use

• Attempting to operate an autoclave without proper training from someone familiar with the unit can cause serious injury or insufficient sterilization of its contents. If training is not an option, reading the instruction manual and following the manufacturer's directions helps to avoid accidental injury and promote proper operation of the autoclave.

Loading

• To achieve adequate sterilization, avoid overloading the autoclave, autoclave bags, or containers. Prevent glass containers from exploding by loosening their caps before placing them in the autoclave. When loading is complete, securely lock the door to enable a tight seal and avoid burns from the release of steam.

Protective Gear

• Protective gear includes insulated gloves, safety goggles, lab coats, rubber aprons, and rubber boots. Wear insulated gloves when unloading the hot contents of the autoclave or allow the items to remain inside until cooled. When you open the autoclave door at the end of the sterilization cycle, wearing rubber boots prevents burns on your feet due to an accumulation of condensed steam pouring out of the unit. When sterilization is finished, open the autoclave slowly, using the door as a shield to protect your body from injury due to the sudden release of trapped steam.

Glass Precautions

• Liquids continue to boil after the sterilization cycle is completed. To avoid fracturing, glass containers filled with liquid must remain in the autoclave for cooling prior to removal. Carefully remove glass containers from the sterilization unit to prevent shattering by accidentally hitting the containers against the autoclave walls.

Unloading

• Opening the autoclave and the actual physical process of extracting the enclosed materials presents you with maximum exposure to injury. Your face, hands and arms are more susceptible to injury from escaping steam and accidental contact with the autoclave walls during this phase of the sterilization procedure. After the pressure level inside the autoclave registers zero, wait a few minutes before opening the unit to reduce the potential for burns.

Maintenance

• Adherence to proper maintenance of the autoclave is required to insure the safety of you and the efficiency of the sterilization process. Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and use technicians qualified to provide this service. Check the efficiency of the autoclave with sterilization indicator strips that contain live Bacillus spores. By changing color during the sterilization process, the chemically treated strips verify the death of the spores and the successful completion of sterilization.