6-3
Sterilizer Operation
Operator Manual
P129394-176
6.2 Preparing Loads
for Sterilization Cycles
Before sterilization, all materials must be thoroughly cleaned.
The AMSCO
®
C Series Small Steam Sterilizer chamber holds
commonly used wrapped or unwrapped instruments and equipment.
1.
Wrappers may be made of 100% cotton, 140 thread count, two-
ply fabric, and must be laundered; alternatively, use
commercially available, non-woven disposable wrappers.
2.
Limit the weight of each pack to approximately 3.3 lb (1.5 kg),
and density to 11.3 lb/ft
3
(181 kg/m
3
). This ensures complete
steam penetration, and minimizes moisture retention.
3.
Limit the weight of wrapped instrument sets to 25 lb (11 kg) to
minimize moisture retention.
6.3 Guidelines for
Placement of
Various Loads
Refer to AAMI ST-79 for load placement guidelines.
1.
Open the sterilizer chamber door.
NOTE:
If a cycle has been run, sterilizer and shelves or loading
car may be hot.
NOTE:
Wear clean gloves and use clean towels as “pot holders”
when carefully placing the load/tray(s) on the chamber shelves or
loading car.
2.
Place all packs on edge, and arrange load to allow for maximum
steam exposure so there is minimal resistance for steam
passage through the load.
3.
Place utensils and treatment trays on their edges so they will be
sterilized and properly dried.
4.
Place instrument sets in trays that have a perforated or mesh
bottom. Place flat for sterilization.
In mixed loads of fabrics and hard goods, place the hard goods
on lower shelf. This reduces wetting of fabric packs from
condensate dripping from a hard goods load.
DO NOT OVERLOAD STERILIZER. Allow for steam penetration
between packs. Avoid contact of load components with the wall
of the chamber.
5.
After placing load in chamber, close the chamber door. The
sterilizer is now ready to run a cycle. Proceed to appropriate
cycle description in this section.
Materials capable of holding water, such as solid-bottomed
pans, basins and trays, should be positioned so they are
oriented in the same direction and so condensate can be
eliminated.
Important:
Refer to
for
additional information regarding pack preparation, loading and
placement.
WARNING – BURN HAZARD:
Sterilizer, rack/shelves, and
loading car will be hot after
cycle is run. Always wear
protective gloves and apron
when removing a processed
load. Protective gloves and
apron must be worn when
reloading sterilizer following
the previous operation.
!
WARNING – PERSONAL
INJURY HAZARD: When
closing the chamber door,
keep hands and arms out of
the door opening and make
sure opening is clear of any
obstructions.
!
