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The remaining instruments should be disinfected and cleaned immediately after use in accordance with
UVV/VBG 103 with a disinfectant and/or cleaning solution. The solutions should be used in the correct
concentration and care should be taken to observe the immersion times precisely!
It is advisable to make use of appropriate cleaning aids such as ultrasound cleaning units, cleaning and
maintenance equipment for handpieces and contra-angles, or thermo-disinfecting systems.
Cleaning the instruments before sterilization is very important in order to avoid introducing contamination
which can separate from the instruments under steam pressure during sterilization and block filters, jets and
valves of the autoclave. In particular, locks, joints and hinges should be thoroughly cleaned with a brush.
Cleaning and disinfecting agents should be washed off the instruments thoroughly in running water, again with
a brush. Residues of cleaning and disinfectant chemicals must not find their way into the autoclave, since they
can lead to corrosion! Swill finally with demineralised water and then dry the instruments.
Turbines and transfer instruments should be oiled in accordance with manufacturer's instructions in order to
ensure a long life for these components.
Brand-new instruments
The cleaning procedures described above are also necessary for brand-new instruments, since these often
carry very small amounts of oil, fat and soiling from the manufacturing process.
Note:
The instructions of the instrument manufacturers concerning first-time sterilization and re-sterilization
should be followed carefully.
8.2
Rust formation = Drag-in rust
__________________________________________
As already explained, the non-rusting materials used in the autoclave cannot cause rust formation in the
autoclave!
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 autoclave resulting to corrosion damage. Drag-in rust must be removed from the
affected instruments or from the autoclave and tray assembly using a mild commercial cleaning agent for
stainless steel. 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.
8.3
Taking care of the Vacuklav
®
24-B/L
_______________________________________
8.3.1 Cleaning __________________________________________________________________________
The tray assembly and the autoclave chamber including the contact area of the door gasket and the door
opening should be inspected thoroughly at least once a week for signs of damage or soiling. If necessary,
wipe out the autoclave chamber using a
lint-free cloth
and surgical spirits. This involves withdrawing the trays
and tray guide assembly. Stubborn spots can be removed using small amounts of a mild commercial steel
cleaning agent (pH-levels from 5 to 8). Care must be taken to ensure that cleaning agent does not get into the
pipes attached to the autoclave chamber. The cleaning agent must not contain chlorine and should not be
alkaline. Do not use abrasive cleaning pads, steel wool, or brushes.
Inspect the door seal every week for signs of damage and soiling, and if necessary clean it with a mild
commercial liquid cleaning agent (pH-levels from 5 to 8) or with surgical spirits. If necessary, the seal can be
removed.
The bolt of the door lock (right side) and the door hinge (left side) must be regularly lubricated with silicone
grease, in order to ensure that the door can easily be locked and unlocked, without unnecessary wear.
The outer parts of the autoclave can be cleaned with a mild commercial cleaning agent or with surgical spirits.
If the feed water is not provided directly but is stored in a container then this should be inspected every time it
is refilled to make sure it is clean. If necessary it should be cleaned before refilling.
If you have a MELAG storage container then please note the instruction on the label.
8.3.2
Use of demineralised or distilled water _________________________________________________
Quality requirements
For steam sterilization it is necessary to use high quality distilled or demineralised water.
The water used should at least comply with the specifications in accordance with CEN-standard EN 285 listed
in the table below.
For the operation of the Vacuklav
®
24-B/L, however,
battery water in accordance with VDE 510
is sufficient,
as long as the VDE specifications are strictly adhered to (conductivity on production
10
S/cm*
)
, when used
30
S/cm*
)
, pH-value identical with EN 285, evaporation residues analogous).
Where to purchase the water
Battery water in accordance VDE 510 is widely available in large drug stores, supermarkets and do-it-yourself
stores at low prices. The necessary purity standards must be expressly detailed on the label, because with
insufficiently pure water calcium scaling could form in the steam lines and valves, restricting the operation of
the autoclave. Aggressive water (pH < 5 or > 7) can also lead to damage in the autoclave.
