AutoclaveTrainingGuide.pptVIP

Autoclave Training Guide York University Department of Occupational Health and Safety  Suite C, East Office Building, 4700 Keele St. Telephone : 416-736-5491  www.yorku.ca/dohs/biosafety Autoclaving Training Outline Autoclave Overview Autoclave Hazards What can be Autoclaved How to Autoclave Cycle selection Proper containers Proper loading/unloading Autoclave Performance Indicators Steam Sterilization Pressurized device that uses heat, steam and pressure to achieve sterilization or decontamination Autoclave Overview Typically operated at 121°C, 15psi, for 15-45 minutes. Allows the heating of liquids above boiling point. Uses moist heat (steam) to increase efficiency of sterilization. Heat is used to coagulate proteins, which destroys microorganisms and any potential biohazard. Autoclave Hazards Tremendous pressure from steam in chamber provides explosive potential. High temperatures creates potential for burns and scalding. Potential exposure to hazardous fumes Inadequate decontamination allows for the potential of biological hazards to contaminate personnel and the environment. Autoclave Hazards What you CAN autoclave Biological waste that can be autoclaved: Microbial stocks and cultures Items contaminated with such waste: petri dishes, eppendorf tips, pipettes, gloves, paper towel Autoclaving is also used for: Items for sterilizations such as; glassware media, aqueous solutions What you CAN’T Autoclave DO NOT Autoclave: BIOMEDICAL WASTE Including human anatomical or blood waste, animal anatomical or blood waste, cytotoxic waste, or any waste in contact with these waste products (including sharps waste). RADIOACTIVE WASTE HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL WASTE This includes anything contaminated with a toxic, volatile, corrosive, or mutagenic chemical (e.g.) bleach, formalin, glutaraldehyde, ethidium bromide Check MSDS beforehand Autoclaves used to treat biohazardous waste at York Lumbers Room 120A Farquharson 227A Chemistry Building 447 How to Autoclave Preparin