In any routine monitoring of autoclave performance, biological indicators or thermocouples should be placed at the center of each load. Regular monitoring with thermocouples and recording devices in a worst-case load is highly desirable to determine proper operating cycles. Autoclaves should be packed according to validated loads. Care should be to ensure that the relief valves of pressure cooker autoclaves do not become blocked. All materials to be autoclaved should be in containers that allow ready removal of air and permit good heat penetration; the chamber should be loosely packed so that steam will reach the load evenly. Water may be added to bags to promote steam generation. Bags should allow the steam to reach their contents and should not be fully sealed. The steam should be saturated and free from chemicals (e.g. corrosion inhibitors) that could contaminate the items being sterilized. Laboratory Work Practices The most important element of safe work with biohazards is strict adherence to good microbiological practices and techniques. Employees working with infectious agents or potentially infectious materials must be aware of the potential hazards and must be trained and proficient in the proper work practices for safe handling of biohazards. [Provide additional details about your facility’s work practices below, or write supporting SOP(s) to be referenced] Do not eat, drink, apply cosmetics or smoke in the laboratory. Avoid hand-to-mouth or hand-to-eye contact in the laboratory. Always wash hands when finished working, when gloves have been removed or compromised and before leaving the laboratory. Wear appropriate PPE within the laboratory to PPE SOP). Be sure to remove PPE prior to leaving the laboratory. Never mouth pipette; always use mechanical pipettors. Use extreme caution when working with sharps. Never recap a used needle or otherwise manipulate it by hand. Dispose of needles and other sharps in puncture resistant containers ("sharps" containers). Label all containers and equipment that contain biohazards with the Universal Biohazard Symbol. Store all biohazardous materials securely in clearly labeled, sealed containers. Contain and minimize aerosols by appropriate equipment and procedures. Decontaminate work surfaces when work is finished and spills. Use disinfectants with proven efficacy against the specific biohazard being handled (refer to Chapter XVIII, Disinfectants and Decontamination). Dispose of waste properly (refer to Waste Handling and Disposal SOP).
In any routine monitoring of autoclave performance, biological indicators or thermocouples should be placed at the center of each load. Regular monitoring with thermocouples and recording devices in a worst-case load is highly desirable to determine proper operating cycles. Autoclaves should be packed according to validated loads. Care should be to ensure that the relief valves of pressure cooker autoclaves do not become blocked. All materials to be autoclaved should be in containers that allow ready removal of air and permit good heat penetration; the chamber should be loosely packed so that steam will reach the load evenly. Water may be added to bags to promote steam generation. Bags should allow the steam to reach their contents and should not be fully sealed. The steam should be saturated and free from chemicals (e.g. corrosion inhibitors) that could contaminate the items being sterilized. Laboratory Work Practices The most important element of safe work with biohazards is strict adherence to good microbiological practices and techniques. Employees working with infectious agents or potentially infectious materials must be aware of the potential hazards and must be trained and proficient in the proper work practices for safe handling of biohazards. [Provide additional details about your facility’s work practices below, or write supporting SOP(s) to be referenced] Do not eat, drink, apply cosmetics or smoke in the laboratory. Avoid hand-to-mouth or hand-to-eye contact in the laboratory. Always wash hands when finished working, when gloves have been removed or compromised and before leaving the laboratory. Wear appropriate PPE within the laboratory to PPE SOP). Be sure to remove PPE prior to leaving the laboratory. Never mouth pipette; always use mechanical pipettors. Use extreme caution when working with sharps. Never recap a used needle or otherwise manipulate it by hand. Dispose of needles and other sharps in puncture resistant containers ("sharps" containers). Label all containers and equipment that contain biohazards with the Universal Biohazard Symbol. Store all biohazardous materials securely in clearly labeled, sealed containers. Contain and minimize aerosols by appropriate equipment and procedures. Decontaminate work surfaces when work is finished and spills. Use disinfectants with proven efficacy against the specific biohazard being handled (refer to Chapter XVIII, Disinfectants and Decontamination). Dispose of waste properly (refer to Waste Handling and Disposal SOP).