Collage

Autoclave Instructions

See below for directions on how to operate the autoclave. If you still have questions email Environmental Health and Instructional Safety.

1. Place material to be autoclaved in an appropriate container:

  • Solids must be in an "autoclavable bag" (these bags will say "autoclavable" on them).
  • Liquids must not be overfilled. Use only containers that are free of cracks and can be autoclaved. Make sure caps are loosened.
  • Use a metal drip-pan to catch leakage from the bags or containers.
  • Solid waste needs at least 100ml of liquid to effectively sterilize material.

2. Place autoclave indicator tape on every item that is autoclaved.

  • Check to see that this tape has changed color after the run is complete.

3. Set the proper time.

  • Most liquids and dry goods can be autoclaved in 15 minutes or less. Check your protocol to find the best time.
  • Waste liquids or solids MUST BE AUTOCLAVED FOR AT LEAST 45 MINUTES!

4. Remove items carefully.

  • If items are still warm, use gloves. Remember, these things are really hot!
  • Liquids can "bump" or suddenly erupt and spill over when the container is moved.
  • Bags can leak, so never remove them without the drip-pan.

5. Dispose of autoclaved waste properly.

  • Liquids can be drain disposed, as along as there are no hazardous materials in the liquids.
  • Do not drain dispose agarose or any material that can solidify and clog the drain. Solidify agarose in a beaker and put in the regular trash. 
  • Solid waste must be taken directly outside to the dumpsters.
  • It smells! Well, of course it does... but there are things to counteract this:
    • Try to autoclave the really smelly stuff on the off-hours when fewer people are around to annoy.
    • Get an "odor-eater" for the autoclave -- just contact EHIS to request some.

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS TO TURN ON THE AUTOCLAVES IN DBH:

  1. Press the Controls 'ON' switch. The green indicator in the upper left corner of the switch will light.
  2. Open the door. The Unsealed Door Indicator will remain lit until the door is closed and sealed. If the Unsealed Door Indicator is not lit, the door will not open, press Unseal Door Switch.
  3. Load the sterilizer, then close the door.
  4. Select Processing Cycle. Wrapped (looks like a burrito), Unwrapped (scissors) or Liquids (flask).
  5. Select Exposure Temperature (in C). Usually this is 121 ⁰ C. Note: Check the temperature. NEVER autoclave things over 130⁰ C.
  6. Select Exposure Time Hours are displayed at the left of the color; minutes at the right. For example, 02:30 means two hours and thirty minutes. The time selection will remain displayed until it is changed.
  7. Select Exhaust (Drying) If no drying time is desired, set the Exhaust (Drying) Time Display to 00:00. If you are autoclaving liquids, you cannot change the Exhaust time. It is preset.
  8. Use care in opening the door. Open slightly to vent steam then open fully to remove items

Revised: 8/18/2008 SF