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 13 of 26
Mastercopy
(iii)
Ensure that all solid items are suitable for steam sterilization at temperatures
>121 °C or >134 °C and ensure that any packaging used is permeable to steam.
(iv)
Inspect all solid vessels and other items for damage. DO NOT autoclave
damaged items; consult the Laboratory Manager or Responsible Person.
(v)
Place the items either on the perforated bottom plate or in the designated wire-
mesh
basket. DO NOT use tubs or similar vessels
– the items could be damp or even wet
when being taken out. 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.
(vi)
Label the bags or secondary containers to identify the user and laboratory area
from which it came.
(vii)
Cap medium/solution bottles loosely or cover with aluminium foil.
CAUTION:
DO
NOT place sealed containers in the autoclave. Tightly capped medium/solution bottles
may
explode due to expansion.
(viii)
Cover bottles that are not made of safety glass with aluminium foil.
(ix)
Place small items such as scissors, forceps, tubing, tube connectors into an
autoclave paper bag.
(x)
Place autoclave tape on the top of the free-standing vessels such as glass ware,
pipette tip boxes or the paper bags and label it with your name.
(xi)
Place the flexible temperature probe in the holder provided for it on the lid. The
coil for the probe must be positioned so that it does not block the seal.
5.3.6. Sterilisation of Liquids in open vessels (NOT liquid waste!)
– Non-validated cycles
NOTE:
The sterilisation of liquid waste in bottles or vessels has NOT been validated. If liquid waste is
generated, users MUST consult the Laboratory Manager or Responsible Person before proceeding.