1. Autoclave Safety Prepared by Curt Speaker
Environmental Health and Safety
Penn State University

2. Disclaimer
This presentation covers the basics of operating an autoclave. It is impossible to include specific information that would be applicable to all autoclaves.
This presentation should be supplemented with hands-on training on the specific autoclave that you will be operating.

3. Autoclave
Def. - A strong, pressurized, steam heated vessel, as for sterilization or cooking
Properly used, autoclaves can be used to sterilize instruments, media and to sterilize infectious waste, making it safer to handle
Uses a combination of temperature (250oF) & pressure (18 psi) to sterilize

4. Common Types of Autoclaves

5. Principle of Operation

6. Basic Operating Principles
Arrange the load
Set the operating controls
Sterilize
Unload

7. Preparation
Ensure that the drain screen is clear of debris to allow proper circulation of steam
Examine the door gasket for damage
Arrange load to allow circulation of steam
Provide secondary containment for liquids and infectious waste
Use only borosilicate (Pyrex) glass
Loosen caps or cover with foil

8. Setting the autoclave
Use “Slow Exhaust” for all liquids and loads of infectious waste
Use “Fast Exhaust” for low moisture items
30 minutes is the minimum time for sterilization; varies with organic load

9. Close the door Make sure all radial arms are inside of the door groove
Tighten the door (clockwise) as tightly as possible
Begin the sterilization cycle

10. End of cycle Turn the control handle to “off” (older models)
Verify that the cycle is completed by observing the pressure gauge
Slowly turn the door wheel (counterclockwise) to open door
If any resistance is met, DO NOT force the door open!

11. End of cycle
Steam will likely escape from around the door; do not stand too close and be sure to wear heat resistant gloves
Open door no more than 1/2” and wait for chamber steam to dissipate - Why?

12. Dangers of opening the door too quickly
Will cause rapid boiling of liquids
Glass (even Pyrex) may crack if temperature changes too quickly
There have been several injuries at PSU from residual steam in chamber

13. Review Prepare the autoclave for operation
Ensure drain screen is clear
Ensure door gasket is intact
Arrange load to allow for circulation of steam
Provide secondary containment for liquids and infectious waste
Use only Pyrex glass
Loosen caps or cover with foil or plug with cotton

14. Review Setting the autoclave
Select “Slow exhaust” for liquids and waste
“Fast exhaust” for low moisture items
“Fast exhaust & dry” if drying is needed
Use a minimum sterilization time of 30 minutes; materials with high organic contact may require longer sterilization times

15. Review Close the door and operate
Make sure that all radial arms go into door groove
Tighten handle (clockwise) as tight as possible
Begin the sterilization cycle

16. Review End of cycle Turn control handle to “off”
Verify cycle is complete by observing chamber pressure gauge
Slowly open door 1/2” to allow chamber steam to escape
Items inside will be extremely hot - handle with care & wear gloves!

17. Malfunctioning Equipment
Autoclaves that do not seem to be functioning properly should be immediately reported to the Office of Physical Plant,
Do not use malfunctioning equipment and tag it so that others do not use it!

18. References
The majority of this information is taken from: Laboratory Safety : Principles and Practices, second edition, Diane Fleming, John H. Richardson, Jerry J. Tulis & Don Vesley, editors, ASM Press, 1995.

19. The End
Questions ?