The following general guidelines, in combination with the instructions in the autoclave manual, will minimize the potential risk of injury when using an autoclave<\/p>\n
Potential Hazards\/Biohazards<\/h2>\nBurn Hazard<\/span><\/h3>\nBe cautious of hot surfaces when loading and unloading autoclave. Recently autoclaved contents inside will be extremely hot. Make sure to keep face, body and hands away from escaping heat and steam when opening the door of an autoclave.<\/span><\/p>\nExplosion Hazard<\/span><\/h3>\nExplosions can occur when the seal of the door malfunctions or when autoclave is loaded improperly. Pressure and heat in chamber will escape rapidly, potentially causing serious injury.<\/span><\/p>\nHeavy Lifting Hazard<\/span><\/h3>\nAsk for assistance if the contents you are loading or unloading is heavy. Use autoclave rack cart to move removable rack, when applicable.<\/span><\/p>\nOther<\/span><\/h3>\nDo not place materials that are not autoclave-safe in the autoclave (i.e., non-heat resistant plastics and glass), as they will melt or shatter during the sterilization cycle.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/research\/files\/2016\/07\/Screen-Shot-2016-07-07-at-2.45.59-PM-636x480.png\")
![\"\"](\"\/research\/files\/2016\/07\/Screen-Shot-2016-07-07-at-2.46.18-PM-636x480.png\")
<\/p>\n
NEVER<\/span> Put in Autoclave<\/h3>\n\n- Items containing corrosives<\/li>\n
- Oxidizers<\/li>\n
- Solvents<\/li>\n
- Volatile substances<\/li>\n
- Radioactive materials<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Oxidizers + Organics + Heat = EXPLOSION!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nSuggestions for Use<\/h2>\n
Read and understand the operating and safety procedures from the owner\u2019s manual, be aware of the risks involved, and use caution when operating an autoclave.<\/p>\n
Autoclaving Waste<\/h3>\n\n- Regular autoclave cycle is for a minimum of 15 min at 121C<\/li>\n
- When autoclaving waste, the internal temp must reach a minimum of 115C for 20 min<\/li>\n
- Infectious waste must be autoclaved for a minimum of 30 min at 121C<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Engineering and Administrative Controls<\/h3>\n
Engineering controls will ensure autoclaves: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Run self-checks to ensure all seals are working properly.<\/li>\n
- Run vacuum checks to ensure all air is removed from autoclave<\/li>\n
- Run a lock check to see if door is locked properly<\/li>\n
- Have interlocking doors so they cannot be opened during a cycle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Administrative controls will ensure: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Safety training is given<\/li>\n
- Good housekeeping is performed<\/li>\n
- PPE is worn<\/li>\n
- Emergency preparedness<\/li>\n
- Good records are kept (use, maintenance, and calibration logs)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
More Tips for Proper Use<\/h3>\n
Appropriate PPE:<\/strong> <\/span>Lab coat, safety goggles or face shield, heat resistant gloves, apron (if applicable) are required when operating an autoclave.<\/p>\nHelpful hint:<\/strong> <\/span>Be aware of what you are doing and follow proper safety procedures.<\/p>\n Training:<\/strong> <\/span>Attend the autoclave safety training provided by EHS and also follow manufacturer\u2019s operation and safety guidelines in the owner\u2019s manual.<\/p>\nThe Manufacturers\u2019 Manual:<\/strong><\/span> Read and understand the proper operating and safety procedures outlined in the owner\u2019s manual.<\/p>\nReporting Incidents<\/h2>\n
All incidents should be reported to your supervisor immediately and must be reported to Research Occupational Health Program (ROHP) at 617-358-7647. For medical emergencies, contact Public Safety on the Medical Campus at (617)358-4444 or BU Police on the Charles River Campus at (617) 353-2121.<\/p>\n
If you have questions contact your laboratory\u2019s assigned EHS Department Safety Advisor DSA Environmental Health & Safety.<\/p>\n
Be cautious of hot surfaces when loading and unloading autoclave. Recently autoclaved contents inside will be extremely hot. Make sure to keep face, body and hands away from escaping heat and steam when opening the door of an autoclave.<\/span><\/p>\n Explosions can occur when the seal of the door malfunctions or when autoclave is loaded improperly. Pressure and heat in chamber will escape rapidly, potentially causing serious injury.<\/span><\/p>\n Ask for assistance if the contents you are loading or unloading is heavy. Use autoclave rack cart to move removable rack, when applicable.<\/span><\/p>\n Do not place materials that are not autoclave-safe in the autoclave (i.e., non-heat resistant plastics and glass), as they will melt or shatter during the sterilization cycle.<\/span><\/p>\n Oxidizers + Organics + Heat = EXPLOSION!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Read and understand the operating and safety procedures from the owner\u2019s manual, be aware of the risks involved, and use caution when operating an autoclave.<\/p>\n Engineering controls will ensure autoclaves: <\/strong><\/p>\n Administrative controls will ensure: <\/strong><\/p>\n Appropriate PPE:<\/strong> <\/span>Lab coat, safety goggles or face shield, heat resistant gloves, apron (if applicable) are required when operating an autoclave.<\/p>\n Helpful hint:<\/strong> <\/span>Be aware of what you are doing and follow proper safety procedures.<\/p>\n Training:<\/strong> <\/span>Attend the autoclave safety training provided by EHS and also follow manufacturer\u2019s operation and safety guidelines in the owner\u2019s manual.<\/p>\n The Manufacturers\u2019 Manual:<\/strong><\/span> Read and understand the proper operating and safety procedures outlined in the owner\u2019s manual.<\/p>\n All incidents should be reported to your supervisor immediately and must be reported to Research Occupational Health Program (ROHP) at 617-358-7647. For medical emergencies, contact Public Safety on the Medical Campus at (617)358-4444 or BU Police on the Charles River Campus at (617) 353-2121.<\/p>\n If you have questions contact your laboratory\u2019s assigned EHS Department Safety Advisor DSA Environmental Health & Safety.<\/p>\nExplosion Hazard<\/span><\/h3>\n
Heavy Lifting Hazard<\/span><\/h3>\n
Other<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nNEVER<\/span> Put in Autoclave<\/h3>\n
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Suggestions for Use<\/h2>\n
Autoclaving Waste<\/h3>\n
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Engineering and Administrative Controls<\/h3>\n
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More Tips for Proper Use<\/h3>\n
Reporting Incidents<\/h2>\n