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 3 of 26
(iv)
Materials contaminated with Virkon are NOT to be autoclaved.
(v)
Any strong oxidizing material i.e. dry hypo chlorite’s, MUST NOT be autoclaved with
organic materials such as paper, cloth or oil.
(vi)
While contaminated solid biohazardous waste, reusable equipment or aqueous solutions
may be sterilized in the same autoclave, they MUST NOT be mixed or loaded together during
the same cycle.
(vii)
The main switch switches the power supply to the autoclave on and off. ALWAYS switch
off the autoclave at the main switch after use, or if some danger has been detected in the
autoclave.
(viii)
The preset cycles of the autoclave can be changed significantly using the operational
parameters described in the manual, and this may result in danger for the operating personnel
or impair the sterilization result. Changes MUST only be made by trained personnel and MUST
be documented in the appliance log book.
3. RESPONSIBILITES
CBE Laboratory Users
(i)
Only persons who have received the appropriate training are permitted to use
autoclaves. The names of the authorised users should be posted on or nearby the autoclave.
(ii)
All operators MUST observe all safety regulations and guidelines applying to the
autoclave and the environment in which it is operated
(iii)
All operators MUST read the Risk Assessment and this SOP and confirm with their
signature that they have understood both documents. A signed Training Agreement should be
r
etained in the individual’s Training Record.
(iv)
All operators MUST use the prescribed PPE; heat resistant gloves, eye protection and
an impervious apron (SOP037)
(v)
All operators MUST
keep the autoclave in a faultless condition with regard to safety.
(vi)
All operators MUST
stop using the autoclave as soon as any safety deficiency is
detected. Operators MUST inform the Laboratory Manager or designated person. All error
messages must be reported.
