Answer:
Autoclaves provide a physical method for disinfection and sterilization. They work with a combination of steam, pressure and time. Autoclaves operate at high temperature and pressure in order to kill microorganisms and spores.
Purpose
Sterilization refers to the complete killing of all living organisms, including spores.
Common sterilization techniques include the application of wet heat, dry heat, chemicals, and radiation. The type of material, the container, and quantity of items to be sterilized determines which method to use.
Despite built-in safeguards, an autoclave presents the possibility of serious injury to personnel from hot surfaces and from the release of steam. It is important, therefore, that laboratory personnel understand the proper operation, limitations, and safeguards for sterilization by autoclaving.
Associated Risks
Autoclaves are sterilizers using high pressure and high temperature steam. The potential safety risks for the operators are:
• Heat burns -from hot materials and autoclave chamber walls and door
• Steam burns -from residual steam coming out from autoclave and materials on completion of cycle
• Hot fluid scalds from boiling liquids and spillage in autoclave.
• Hand and arm injuries when closing the autoclave door.
• Body injury if there is an explosion
Autoclaves are used in laboratories to sterilize equipment, instruments, and infectious waste. All operators must receive training on the safe operation of the autoclave prior to using the equipment. Users should read and understand the owner’s manual from the particular model of autoclave that they are using.
Safety Precautions
• Wear insulated thermal gloves when removing glassware from autoclaves. The OSHA fact sheet publication on Autoclaves and Sterilizers describes the DO’s and DON’Ts while working with autoclaves and Sterilizers.
• Assure that employees using the autoclave have been informed how to use autoclaves safely.
• All operators must receive training on the safe operation of the autoclave prior to using the equipment. Training may be delegated to a qualified individual, but it remains the responsibility of the supervisor to ensure their personnel are adequately trained.
• All glassware should be inspected prior to autoclaving. Older glassware can be less stable and may break during the process.
• Always wear suitable personal protective equipment. Closed toed shoes, lab coats and insulated gloves must be worn when handling autoclaved materials. When a splash hazard exists, face shields and aprons must be worn.
• When sterilizing liquids, use liquid cycle only and do not agitate containers of heated liquids, place containers in an autoclavable tray.
• Jarring containers can cause hot-bottle explosions. Allow materials to cool before transporting. Place containers on carts or trolleys lined with paper to avoid shattering of glass.
• Ensure all lids have loose, vented closures to prevent pressurization/vacuum.
• Sterilizers, racks, and materials will be very hot after processing. Stand back from the sterilizer when opening the door, and allow materials to cool before unloading.
• Immediately clean any spilled material or condensate from the floor to prevent slips or falls.
• Keeps hands and arms out of the door opening when closing the sterilizer.
• Report any problems with the equipment, including unexpected noises, vibration, or smells to the person responsible for arraigning service.
• Place any sharps to be autoclaved in a designated sharps container.
• Do not attempt to open the door when a cycle is in process, or in the event of an alarm.
Never autoclave:
• Flammable, reactive, corrosive, toxic or radioactive materials
• Liquids in sealed containers.
• Material contained in such a manner that it touches the interior surfaces of the autoclave.
• Paraffin-embedded tissue sections.
Autoclave Cycles
To be effective, the autoclave must reach and maintain a temperature of 121° C for at least 30 minutes by using saturated steam under at least 15 psi of pressure. Increased cycle time may be necessary depending upon the make-up and volume of the load.
The rate of exhaust will depend upon the nature of the load. Dry material can be treated in a fast exhaust cycle, while liquids and biological waste require slow exhaust to prevent boiling over of super-heated liquids.
