CNSM Autoclave Safety Policy

October, 2009

 

 

 

Autoclaves generate dangerous pressures and temperatures during normal operation.  Misuse can lead to injuries, property damage and expensive, unnecessary repair bills.  The CNSM Safety Office requires that each operator of College/Department-owned autoclaves be trained by specifically designated personnel.  Presently, Mr. Chris Frost x54038, performs the training/authorization function for autoclaves in the MLSC building.  Ms. Diane Graham x54857, is the designated person for such units in the Microbiology building. 

 

This autoclave training consists of the initial training session, documented on a safety training form.  After the training, based on the fourteen points listed below, the trainer will then observe the trainee's performance to confirm that they understand the process.  The autoclave trainer/supervisors will then provide routine oversight and spot checks on users and operations to ensure that proper procedures are being followed. 

 

All CNSM lab personnel must complete and document this training prior to using department owned autoclaves.  Persons/labs that do not follow these rules are subject to loss of autoclave access pending completion of an appropriate retraining session.

 

Faculty who own their own autoclave are responsible for providing and  documenting safe autoclave use for their devices, and monitoring users compliance with those protocols.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAFE AUTOCLAVE USE - THE BASICS

Each autoclave has unique characteristics. This training handout will help you know and understand how this exact autoclave must be operated.  The owner's manual(s) are located in MLSC-208 and MIC 104.  Contact the designated people listed above if questions arise.   If you are not POSITIVE you are loading and operating the unit correctly, STOP and get help from a KNOWLEDGABLE source.

Autoclave maintenance is an important aspect of a properly functioning autoclave. These units are serviced by a qualified contractor.  Notify the appropriate autoclave trainer/technician if there are any problems with the unit. Also post an 'Out of Service" note on the unit if you find a problem.  

Never autoclave items containing acids, bases, phenol, solvents, flammable materials or radioactive materials.  Consult CNSM Safety if in doubt.

Treating infectious waste (BSL-2 or higher) so that it may be discarded as regular trash is prohibited.  All such materials must ultimately be treated and discarded by a licensed contractor.  Double red bagged red drums are used to collect such material.  Notify CNSM Safety when your drum is getting full.  No sharp items go into the drum.  Place infectious sharps in a red sharps box.  Close the sharps box at the 2/3 full mark and call CNSM Safety for a replacement.

Utilize the following autoclave safety practices:

  1. Before using the autoclave, check inside the chamber for any items left by the previous user that could pose a hazard (trash, sharp items, etc).
  2. Sign in on the use-log.  Make sure you put your supervisor's name down.
  3. If you are the first user of the day, you must perform a generator flush for those units that have onboard steam supply.  Record this as you would a cycle on the log sheet.
  4. Clean the drain strainer before loading the autoclave if it is blocked.
  5. Load the autoclave properly as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  6. To prevent bottles from shattering during pressurization, the caps of containers with liquids must be loosened before loading.  Also when autoclaving liquids, use a tray with a solid bottom and walls to contain the contents and catch spills. 
  7. Check plastic materials to ensure they are compatible with the autoclave.
  8. Individual glassware pieces should be within a heat resistant plastic tray on a shelf or rack and never placed directly on the autoclave bottom or floor.
  9.  Make sure the door of the autoclave is fully closed (latched) and the correct cycle has been selected before starting. 
  10. Wear heat-resistant gloves when opening the autoclave door after a cycle. If there is a sharps hazard (e.g. biological waste), wear heat AND cut resistant gloves.  Autoclave gloves are available from CNSM Safety.
  11. Before removing autoclaved items, wait 5 minutes for loads containing only dry glassware, and 10 minutes for autoclaved liquid loads.
  12. At a minimum, when removing items from an autoclave, heat resistant gloves and lab coat should be worn.
  13. For non-liquid loads, let the glassware cool for 15 minutes before touching it with ungloved hands.
  14. For liquid loads, let liquids stand for a full hour before touching with ungloved hands.  Be sure others in the area know a heat hazard is present.