Operation Manual
MELA
quick
®
12
Page 6
2 Introduction _______________________________________________________
2.1
Preparation of instruments ________________________________________________
MELAG - rust-proof materials
All parts of the MELAquick
®
12
autoclave which
come into contact with steam are made of rustproof
materials: the pressure chamber of coated
aluminium, the pressure chamber door and steam
generator of stainless steel, pressure lines of Teflon,
and threaded connectors and valves of brass.
Drag-in rust
The use of non-corrosive materials prevents rust in
the autoclave. It is proven that the possible
appearance of rust is caused by rust of foreign
instruments. Formation of rust can even appear on
stainless steel by inappropriate treatment of the
instruments with chemicals and disinfection methods
during preparation.
Preparation of instruments to be sterilized
You see the importance of correct and careful
preparation before sterilization, which shall be
stressed here once again.
Turbines and contra-angles must be cleaned and
oiled according to the manufacturer´s instructions.
Immediately after use, all other instruments must be
disinfected by being placed in a disinfectant solution,
and must be cleaned, according to UVV/VBG 103.
Therefore take care on correct dose of cleaning
agent and correct soaking time of exposure!
We recommend the use of ultrasonic devices,
cleaning devices, and equipment-care systems
especially designed for the cleaning of handpieces
and angular instruments.
The proper cleaning of the instruments is highly
important, in order to prevent debris from separating
from the instruments under steam pressure during
sterilization, and from clogging the filters, nozzles,
and valves of the autoclave. Joints and hinges must
be cleaned thoroughly with a brush. Rinse off all
cleaning and disinfecting agents under running
water by using the brush before the instruments are
loaded in the autoclave. These agents can
otherwise cause corrosion. Make a final rinse with
distilled water and dry the instruments.
Turbines and contra-angles must be oiled according
to manufacturer's instructions to preserve their long
life.
New instruments
The cleaning process as described above has to be
undertaken with new instruments too because they
often are covered with residues of oil, dirt or grease
coming form the production.
2.2
Formation of rust = drag-in ________________________________________________
It has already been said that the materials used for
the autoclave prevent any formation of rust.
The appearance of rust marks are caused by
outside sources. It comes from instruments or other
metal objects made of ordinary or stainless steel
where the galvanic coating is damaged. In many
cases, only one faulty instrument can contaminate
many other and finally cause rust corrosion of the
autoclave. With alloy cleaning materials, foreign rust
has to be removed from instruments and from the
basket in which they are loaded. Do not use any
kind of steel wool or brushes. Dirt can be cleaned
with a fluff-free damp cloth. The cloth can also be
soaked with surgical spirit.
2.3
Cleaning and care of the autoclave _________________________________________
Autoclave chamber
The chamberl should be inspected at least once a
week to check for dirt and deposits. Dirt should be
wiped by using a soft fluff-free cloth soaked in
alcohol. If stubborn spots are difficult to remove, we
recommend the use of mild stainless steel cleaning
product such as
Sidol
or an equivalent (with a pH
range of 5...8). Be sure that no particles of dirt or
other residue remain in the chamber. Finally wipe
the chamber with a damp cloth and run at least one
empty sterilization process. Do not use paper
towels, pot cleaners or brushes for cleaning the
chamber.
Sieve insert for the pressure chamber
The chamber (37) is provided at its bottom with a
sieve insert which can be inserted and removed. It
prevents particles of dirt and debris from entering
the lines which branch off from the bottom of the
chamber. This sieve should be removed only if there
is a great amount of coarse residue in the sieve.
IMPORTANT: Before removing the sieve to clean or
replace it, the rest of the autoclave must be
thoroughly cleaned. By no means should particles of
debris be allowed to enter the openings located
under the sieve insert, use a suitable hook to reach
down under its frame and lift it out.
Door gasket
Check the door gasket every week for damage. If it
is dirty, clean it with commercially available mild
liquid cleansers (with a pH between 5 and 8), or with
spirit. Do not use cleansers which contain vinegar
for complete cleaning. The gasket can be pulled out
of the mounting groove and then later pressed back
into place. Replace damaged gaskets immediately.
