MELAG MELAtronic 23EN, User Manual, Page: 37 / 55

MELA tronic 23EN
37
Preparing sterilization material
The example of the formation of film rust shows how important it is to prepare sterilization material properly
before sterilization.
Instruments must be disinfected and cleaned immediately after use in accordance with UVV/VBG 103 before
sterilization and maintained (e.g. by oiling).
The disinfection must be made similarly strict national codes of practice in a disinfectant and/or cleaning
solution at the correct concentration for the correct length of time.
MELAG recommends the use of cleaning aids such as ultrasonic baths, cleaning and maintenance equipment,
as well as thermo-disinfecting devices.
It is essential that the instruments are well cleaned in order to avoid dirt and contamination being separated
from the load in the steam sterilizer and clogging filters, valves, and nozzles. In particular locks, joints, and
hinges must be cleaned thoroughly with a brush before sterilization. No traces of cleaning and disinfecting
agents should be allowed to enter into the sterilization chamber of the steam sterilizer, since this can give rise
to corrosion! The instruments should be swilled off with demineralized water and then dried off before being
loaded in the steam sterilizer. All instruments must be treated in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions in order to ensure their long working life.
Brand-new instruments
The cleaning procedures described above must also be followed before sterilizing brand-new instruments.
These often carry small amounts of grease, oil and soiling from the manufacturing process.
PLEASE NOTE: Carefully follow all instructions provided by manufacturers of instruments for the preparation
of their products for first-time sterilization and for subsequent sterilizations.
7.3 Rust formation = Drag-in rust _________________________________________
As already explained, the non-rusting materials used in the steam sterilizer cannot cause rust formation in the
steam sterilizer!
Where rust forms this is "drag-in rust". This originates from instruments or other metal items carrying traces of
rust, even though they are made of stainless steel, or which are made of normal steel but which have a
damaged galvanic coating. Often, a single rusty instrument is enough to pass rust on to other instruments or
to lead to film rust forming in the steam sterilizer resulting to corrosion damage. Drag-in rust must be removed
from the affected instruments or from the steam sterilizer and tray assembly using a mild commercial cleaning
agent for stainless steel. (This should not contain of chlorine). Do not use steel wool, a wire brush or other
abrasive cleaners! Spots can be removed with a damp, lint-free cloth or a cloth with surgical spirits or alcohol.
7.4 Use qualitatively high-grade feed water _________________________________
Quality requirements
For steam sterilization it is necessary to use high quality distilled or demineralized water.
The water used should at least comply with the specifications in accordance with European standard
DIN EN 13060 listed in the table in Section 12 Appendix.
7.5 Avoid formation of spots on instruments _______________________________
Formation of spots on instruments
The extent to which spots form on the instruments depends on the quality of the water used to produce the
steam.
7.6 Maintenance recommendation ________________________________________
Regular maintenance of the steam sterilizer is important if it is to have a long life and remain in good working
order.
MELAG recommends that the steam sterilizer is serviced biennially by a trained technician in accordance with
maintenance instructions for this steam sterilizer. The biennial service includes a visual inspection and a test
of operational functions. As well as all essential components and electrical elements, parts are also inspected
for wear and replaced as necessary.
A maintenance reminder appears on the display every 2 years or after 1000 sterilizations.
Consult your stockist or the MELAG customer service if you have any questions relating to servicing and
maintenance.
PLEASE NOTE
National pressure chamber requirements may ask the user of pressure chamber, such as steam sterilizers, to
carry out safety inspections. Trained technician can check the download area from our website and find our
recommendation in accordance with German requirements. For more information, ask your local authorities.