CONTROLLED COPY
Centre for Biological Engineering
Standard Operating Procedure
SOP025
Title: USE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEC VX 95 AUTOCLAVES
Location:
Autoclave Room, H31, CBE
Version 004
Effective Date: 28
th
June 2020
Review 28
th
June 2022
Written by: A. Chandra
Reviewed by: P.Hourd
Approved by: R.I.Temple
Page 11 of 26
(iii)
Seal the sharps bin following the instructions on the side of the container
(iv)
Place sharps boxes in the steel bucket described in the Equipment and Materials List .
Then place the buckets in the wire mesh baskets provided. Examine the secondary container
for damage before using. DO NOT use any secondary container other than those designated
for the purpose.
NOTE: Fully loaded tubs/baskets can be too heavy to lift manually!
To assist with the
loading and unloading of the autoclave, an electrically-operated lifting device is available (Max
load = 35Kg). It is mounted directly onto the appliance. It enables you to load and unload heavy
loads without any exertion. A swivel arm also facilitates operation.
(v)
DO NOT place the flexible temperature sensor in the item being autoclaved (ie the item
may melt!). The temperature sensor should be placed in the holder provided for it in the
sterilization chamber, or else freely in the chamber. The coil for the probe must be positioned so
that it does not block the seal.
(vi)
DO NOT overload the autoclave. Overloading the autoclave can lead to insufficient
ventilation of the autoclave and may cause faults to occur. For an optimal result, the steam
must reach all parts of the item being sterilized.
(vii)
After autoclaving is over sharps bins must be removed
and stored in the “Autoclaved
Sharps bin” box in the Waste Cage in H31 before being transferred to Gas Pod 2.
5.3.4. Sterilisation and Disposal of Liquid Waste (CYCLE 6)
Waste for this cycle includes liquid waste (maximum of 5L) in autoclavable containers.
(i)
ALWAYS wear appropriate PPE as described in SOP 037, Use of Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE).
(ii)
Place the liquid to be sterilised in autoclavable containers and place in the wire basket.
DO NOT tighten the container lid. Place the basket in the bottom of the autoclave. Ensure that
the liquid being sterilised is less than or equal to 5L in volume.
