AUTOCLAVE USER GUIDE

 

 

GENERAL PROCEDURES

 

  1. Room door must be kept closed and locked always.
  2. Sign up in the log for runs in advance. The log entry should clearly mark the time needed, and should include the user’s full name, lab room number, and phone extension.
  3. Spills must be reported and cleaned up as soon as possible. Get help for this (see 9).
  4. ALL materials to be autoclaved must be placed in containment trays before being loaded into the chamber.
  5. Finished material should be removed as soon as possible when a cycle ends.
  6. Autoclave door should not be opened until the chamber temperature falls below 100 degrees Centigrade.
  7. Never use excessive force when sealing or opening the chamber door.
  8. The power switch should be in the OFF position both before and after each run. Be sure it is OFF before you try to seal the door at the beginning of a run, and before you leave the room at the end of a run.
  9. When problems arise: contact Michael Mason, x9-3410, mason@biology.

 

 

STARTING A RUN

 

  1. Inspect chamber before loading. If there is a spill in the chamber, do not use the machine – report the spill immediately. Leave a note (“spill in chamber, DO NOT USE”) on the machine.
  2. Check the jacket pressure – should be approximately 20psi (12 o’clock on the  lower gauge).
  3. Load your material. Select cycle type with the rotary switch. Set sterilize time (and dry time, if running a dry cycle). Check that power switch is in the OFF position – if necessary, switch it off.
  4. Seal the chamber door by spinning the locking wheel clockwise. Tighten securely but DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
  5. Throw the power switch to the ON position.

If you had selected a FLUID cycle (step 3), the red LED on the switch panel should light as soon as you switch ON. If it does not light, switch OFF immediately, post a sign indicating that the machine needs repair, and contact me. DO NOT ALLOW THE CYCLE TO CONTINUE.

  1. WAIT AND WATCH until the chamber temperature (green arrow) approaches the setpoint (~120C). If steam shoots out from any part of the chamber door (or any part of the machine other than the drain pipes), throw the power switch to the OFF position immediately. If the steam was leaking from the edge of the door, wait for the chamber to cool below 100C, then you may try to reseal the door. If the problem persists leave the machine off and report the problem. If the steam was leaking from near the center of the door (around the locking mechanism), leave the machine off and report the problem.
  2. Leave room door locked during the run.

 

 

ENDING A RUN

 

  1. Wait for the chamber temperature (green arrow) to fall below 100 degrees Centigrade..
  2. Use gloves when opening the autoclave door.
  3. Unseal the door slowly by spinning the locking wheel counterclockwise. If the locking wheel won’t turn, get help - never use excessive force to spin the wheel.
  4. Open the door slowly, just a crack at first. Keep head and body well behind the door, using it as a shield against any escaping steam.
  5. When no more escaping steam is visible, step back and slowly swing the door fully open.
  6. Be sure the power switch is OFF for the next user.
  7. Unload the chamber and inspect for spills. If there is a spill you are responsible for cleanup – contact Michael Mason for help. Do not attempt to clean the chamber with the jacket pressurized (hot chamber walls). Post a warning note to prevent further use until cleaning is complete.

 

 

SAFETY TIPS

 

  1. Use containment trays for all materials to be autoclaved.
  2. Never autoclave tightly sealed containers.
  3. Check the power switch before closing the chamber door. It must be in the OFF position.
  4. Use gloves when opening the chamber door and when loading/unloading the chamber.
  5. Avoid exposure to steam when opening the chamber door at the end of a run. Open the door slowly, and use it as a shield.