SOP: Operating a pressure cooker and autoclave
Contents
1. Check autoclave water volume Use distilled water to fill Check that the door seal is not compromised the drain seal at the bottom of the chamber is clear of debris and ensure the waste bottle is empty Insert metal trays into the chamber Add prepared articles to be autoclaved ensuring the load does not exceed manufacturer s recommendations and steam is able to freely circulate around the articles Turn the autoclave power on and close the door ensuring the door is sealed Set the temperature to 121 C pressure at 15p s i bounds per square inch for 15 20 minutes Start the cycle When the cycle is complete an alarm will sound If fitted turn the autoclave to vent The door should not be opened until the pressure has reduced to Zero If a drying Stage is provided a drying process is activated and operates until the load is dry Allow sterilised material to stand for 10 minutes in the chamber This will allow steam to clear and trapped air to escape from hot liquids reducing risk to operator Stand back from the door as a precaution carefully open door to no more than 2 5 cm to release residual steam and allow pressure within liquids and containers to normalise Do not agitate containers of super heated liquids or remove caps before unloading Remove and check the chemical indicator strip according to manufacturer s instructions When sterilisation has been established remove autoclaved articles with heatproof gloves and wear safe2. AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL SCIENCE A INFORMATION SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS AND TECHNICIANS STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE Operating a pressure cooker and autoclave Note To be undertaken only by trained personnel in conjunction with a site specific risk assessment and the manufacturer s instructions 1 Introduction A pressure cooker pressure steam steriliser or an autoclave is commonly used in the laboratory to effectively sterilise micro organisms and agar Pressure steam sterilisers and autoclaves reach the recommended temperature and pressure required to render most micro organisms and agar sterile 2 Context These instructions are for the use of experienced science teachers and technicians only These guidelines are general and the manufacturer s user manual should always be consulted for the particular equipment in use 3 Safety notes e Very hot surfaces use a sign where appropriate to indicate hot surfaces e Steam burns and scalds hazard always open pressure cooker lid away from face e Very hot liquids e Heavy equipment e High pressure only open pressure cooker when cooled and the pressure is down to zero e Must be stored and operated in the science preparation room or dedicated microbiology preparation area only away from students e Do not leave pressure cookers unattended during use 4 Regulations licences and permits Pressure cooker To maintain sterilization at 121 C for 15 20 minutes at 15p s i bounds pe
3. FORMATION SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS AND TECHNICIANS e Unused sterilised agar should be allowed to set and then double bagged and then placed in general waste Do not allow agar to set in drains 9 Related material e Manufacturers instruction manual e Risk assessment e SDS for materials to be sterilised and the products produced References Centre for Healthcare Related Infection Surveillance and Prevention 2008 Disinfection and Sterilization Control Guidelines Section 4 Quality Management in Sterilization Queensland Department of Health website http www health qld gov au chrisp sterilising section 4 pdf E8 015 Steroclave 15L non electric 31cm base diametre Southern Biological websitehttp www southernbiological com kits and equipment microbiology equipment and supplies sterilisers e8 015 steroclave 15l non electric 3 1cm base diameter Accessed June 2015 Pressure Cooker Instruction Manuals Pressure Cooker Centre website http www pressurecooker com au Pressure Cooker Instruction Manuals Accessed June 2015 Siltex Australia Pty Ltd 2009 Pratika B Pratika S quick reference guide Siltex Australia East Bentleigh Victoria St John Ambulance 2010 Australian First Aid Manual St John Ambulance Barton ACT Version 1 0 SOP Operating a pressure cooker and autoclave Written by Science ASSIST Date June 2015 Disclaimer ASTA excludes all liability to any person arising directly or indirectly from using thi
4. ending on the brand of cooker the plunger will rise or a needle on the pressure gauge will move to indicate the rise in pressure The lid will now remain locked while the cooker is under pressure The correct pressure has been reached when the pressure regulator begins to rock or the pressure gauge reaches the green sterilisation zone Sterilisation time can now commence Maintain the temperature at 121 C for 15 20 minutes When sterilisation time is complete turn the pressure cooer off and allow the pressure to reduce The lid can be removed when the pressure has dropped to zero Do not cool the cooker under cold water Wear heatproof gloves and safety glasses or face shield to slowly remove the lid locking devices Remove and check the chemical indicator strip according to manufacturer s instructions When sterilisation has been established remove sterilised material Waste material should be double bagged and placed in the general waste bin Remove all water from the steriliser prior to storing Do not leave water in the steriliser overnight Store in a dry area Operating procedure continued Version 1 0 SOP Operating a pressure cooker and autoclave G Written by Science ASSIST Disclaimer ASTA excludes all liability to any person arising directly or indirectly from using this resource Date June 2015 Page 3 of 5 oS AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL SCIENCE A INFORMATION SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS AND TECHNICIANS Autoclave operation
5. n an oven e Only use distilled water if available in the autoclave or pressure cooker Tap water contains minerals that build up in the unit and will need to be removed regularly e Do not stack or store combustible material next to an autoclave cardboard plastic volatile or flammable liquids e Do not attempt to open the lid or door while pressure cooker or autoclave is operating e After sterilisation make sure the pressure is down to zero before opening either the pressure cooker or autoclave Avoid touching the inner chamber surfaces e Qualified persons should only perform repair and servicing of pressure cookers or autoclaves Operating procedure continued Version 1 0 SOP Operating a pressure cooker and autoclave amp Written by Science ASSIST Date June 2015 Disclaimer ASTA excludes all liability to any person arising directly or indirectly from using this resource Page 2 of 5 gt AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL SCIENCE A INFORMATION SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS AND TECHNICIANS For spilled material clean up Review the Safety Data Sheet if appropriate to determine the protective equipment spill cleanup and disposal protocols that are necessary 2 Wait until the pressure cooker or autoclave and articles have cooled to room temperature 3 Contain any spilled material using paper towel to absorb or contain the spill 4 Clean the equipment and work area in order to collect and remove all spilled materials 5 Dis
6. pose of the waste following the protocol appropriate for the material If materials have been intermingled follow the cleanup and disposal protocol for the most hazardous component of the mixture Pressure cooker operation 1 10 Inspect the vent pipe and holes in the vent nut of the lid the black rubber over pressure plug and the sealing ring before using each time Place the cooker on a level heatproof surface over a heat source or close to a power point Add approximately 2cm of distilled water to the base of the cooker to cover the support dish Ensure that the support dish and internal heating element if applicable are covered Place prepared articles to be sterilised on the support stand in the cooker do not exceed manufacturers recommended load capacity generally 2 3 full Ensure there is Space around items for the steam to circulate Grease the point of contact between the lid and the base with silicone grease before each use to ensure a good seal Place the lid on the cooker and ensure it is locked into position and tightly sealed Commence heating the cooker by warming on the medium to high heat setting Check the control valve is in the open position initially to allow the release of steam to exhaust the air that is trapped in the cooker When the air has been exhausted close the control valve If your pressure cooker has a pressure regulator weight allow the steam to vent prior to putting on the regulator weight Dep
7. r square inch the following considerations must be given when purchasing a pressure cooker e Ensure the pressure cooker is an adequate size to sterilise agar in bottles e The pressure cooker must contain a pressure gauge and be able to reach a pressure of 15p s i 103kPa and a temperature of 121 C Note that some domestic cookers do not meet these requirements Autoclave An autoclave manufacturer or supplier will advise you on the appropriate autoclave type for your purpose Ensure the autoclave manufacturer has preset programmes for your specific sterilising needs and provides metal racks and or baskets for sterilising small items Version 1 0 SOP Operating a pressure cooker and autoclave Written by Science ASSIST Date June 2015 Disclaimer ASTA excludes all liability to any person arising directly or indirectly from using this resource Page 1 of 5 gt AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL SCIENCE A INFORMATION SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS AND TECHNICIANS 2 Equipment Pressure cooker or autoclave Oven bags for pressure cooker or autoclave bags Chemical sterility indicator strips in the form of paper or cardboard strips The use of autoclave tape is an indication that an article has gone through a heating process but should not be relied upon as a control of sterilisation PPE including heat proof gloves safety glasses or face shield Distilled water Heat source or power supply for pressure cooker Power supply for autoclave Gla
8. s resource Page 5 of 5
9. ssware that is heat resistant borosilicate Bottles should have appropriate heat resistant lids and glass conical flasks plugged with non absorbent cotton wool Operating procedure General notes for pressure cooker and autoclave use Preparation of articles to be sterilised e Check that materials and equipment are able to withstand high temperatures and pressure Inspect glassware for chips or cracks e Conical flasks or bottles of agar should be filled to no more than 2 3 plugged with non absorbent cotton wool plugs covered loosely with aluminium foil or greaseproof paper to prevent the plug from becoming wet Lids on bottles should be loosened by turn e Forceps and other instruments should be wrapped loosely in aluminium foil or greaseproof paper optionally wrapped in foil to permit the penetration of steam into the pack e Use only autoclavable test tube racks e To allow for steam penetration autoclave bags must not be tightly packed or sealed nor should they be reopened e Place chemical sterility indicator strips in the centre of every load Check the strip after the run is complete to ensure temperature and steam conditions have been met e Autoclaving is not recommended for radioactive wastes because of the potential for contaminating equipment and generating radioactive vapours You should also never autoclave solvents volatile or corrosive chemicals Oils are usually sterilised by dry heat e Do not use a pressure cooker i
10. ty glasses or a face shield After removal from the autoclave place hot items in an area which clearly indicates the items are hot until the items cool to room temperature Record in a log book the date duration and operator for each time the autoclave is run Trained service personnel should carry out monitoring and validation according to the manufacturer s instructions at 12 month intervals 7 Trouble shooting emergencies e First aid o Burns and scalds If clothing is soaked in hot water steam remove clothing and any jewellery and cool the injured body area under running cool water for at least 20 minutes Cover the area with a clean non adhesive dressing and seek medical attention for a burns assessment o Incase of biological exposure wash skin with soap and water 8 Waste disposal lt should be noted that pressure cookers and autoclaves are used for sterilising and do not produce waste as such but all microbial waste materials should be sterilised and double bagged before disposing in the regular waste sterilised inoculated agar plates should be disposed of in the unopened sterilising bag Double bag and place into general waste Version 1 0 SOP Operating a pressure cooker and autoclave G Written by Science ASSIST Disclaimer ASTA excludes all liability to any person arising directly or indirectly from using this resource Date June 2015 Page 4of5 AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL SCIENCE A IN
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