Baker SterilGARD SG303, Operator'S Manual

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4.
The inside cabinet work space should be at room temperature with 60% to 85% relative humidity. If
relative humidity is low (10 to 30%) add a pan of boiling water on the work surface. If it is (40% to
55%) add a pan of hot tap water on the work surface. Relatively humidity above 85% will require extra
clean up which will be covered in S
tep 15 .
Note: Without the proper relative humidity the formaldehyde gas will not be effective. The mode
of entry of formaldehyde into the living organisms is through the cell wall by the absorption of
water.
5.
Place a heating mantle with paraformaldehyde in the work space. The heating mantle must be able to
reach 450°F and must have a grounded plug which should be plugged in to an outlet outside the cabinet.
6.
This step is optional. Place a second heating mantle in the cabinet with 10% more by weight of
ammonium bicarbonate than paraformaldehyde. This will be used later in S
tep 13 to neutralize the
formaldehyde gas.
7.
This step is recommended. Place spore strips inside the cabinet to confirm the decontamination process
has been successful.
8.
If the cabinet is vented to the room, use a sheet of plastic and seal the front access and exhaust port
openings. These openings should be sealed such that the exhaust airflow recirculates back to the front
access opening. This will promote the even distribution of formaldehyde gas throughout the cabinet.
9.
If the cabinet is vented to the outside, then the exhaust transition should have a means to recirculate the
exhaust airflow back to the cabinet blower. This will promote the even distribution of formaldehyde gas
through the exhaust filter. Seal the front access opening.
10.
Turn on the heating mantle containing the paraformaldehyde flakes.
11.
After 25% of the paraformaldehyde has depolymerized, turn on the cabinet blower for 10 to 15 seconds.
Repeat after 50%, 75% and 100% of the paraformaldehyde has depolymerized.
12.
Allow the formaldehyde gas a minimum residence time of 12 hours, preferably over night.
13.
Turn on the heating mantle containing NH
4
HCO
3
and the cabinet blower and allow the two gases to
circulate for at least one hour. Then vent the cabinet to the outside.
14.
Aseptically remove spore strip and place in trypticase-soy broth and incubate for 7 days. No growth will
verify the decontamination process.
15.
When cleaning up, you may find residual paraformaldehyde (white powder) on the metal or glass
surfaces. To remove this, use ammonia in warm water, wear gloves and wipe down the affected surfaces.
The paraformaldehyde will dissolve in water and be neutralized by the ammonia.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Stainless Steel
Simple Cleaning
Caution
Do not use steel wool or steel pads when cleaning stainless steel.
Dirt deposits on stainless steel (dust, dirt and finger marks) can easily be removed. Frequently, warm
water, with or without detergent, is sufficient. If this does not remove the deposits, mild, non-abrasive
household cleaners can be used with warm water and bristle brushes, sponges or clean cloths.