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 9 of 26
(iii)
Label the bags to identify the laboratory area from which it came
(iv)
Ensure that the solid form waste is free from excess liquids and sharp objects that could
puncture the waste bag.
CAUTION:
Sharps MUST be autoclaved separately using Cycle 5
(v)
Do not fill bags more than ½ full. DO NOT seal the bags. If the tops are taped or tied
they MUST be opened loosely to ensure effective steam penetration.
(vi)
Place bags in a secondary container
– Use the wire mesh baskets provided! Wire mesh
baskets may prevent the autoclave becoming dirty or damaged due to leaks in rubbish bags or
other containers. 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 hoist 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.
(vii)
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 left freely in the chamber. The coil for the probe must be
positioned so that it does not block the seal.
(viii)
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.
(ix)
Place autoclave indicator tape (white banded tape) on outside of the autoclave bag.
(x)
DO NOT leave bags for autoclaving in the autoclave overnight. Autoclave the load as
soon as possible after preparation.
5.3.2 Sterilisation & Disposal of Solid Form Waste with high liquid content or high propensity
to melt :CYCLE 5
Waste for this cycle includes solid form waste which has a propensity to melt or has a high liquid
content. Examples of such waste is given in Annex 2.
(i)
ALWAYS wear appropriate PPE as described in SOP 037, Use of Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE).
