procedure 24.2 operate the autoclave

step 1

check water level in reservoir and add distilled water as necessary

step 2

turn control to ‘fill’ to allow water to flow into the chamber

the water flows until you turn the control to its next position

do not let the water overflow

step 3

load the chamber with wrapped items, spacing them for maximum circulation and penetration

step 4

close and seal the door

step 5

turn the control setting to ‘on’ or ‘autoclave’ to start the cycle

step 6

watch the gauges until the temperature gauge reaches at least 121 degrees celsius/250 degrees F and the pressure gauge reaches 15 lbs of pressure

step 7

set the timer for the desired time

step 8

at the end of the timed cycle turn the control setting to ‘vent’

step 9

wait for the pressure gauge to reach zero

step 10

standing behind the autoclave door, carefully open the chamber door 1/4”

step 11

leave the autoclave control at ‘vent’ to continue releasing heat

step 12

allow complete drying of all articles

step 13

using heat-resistant gloves remove items from chamber and place sterilized packages on dry, covered shelves or open autoclave door and allow items to cool completely before removal and storage

step 14

turn control knob to ‘off’ and keep the door slightly ajar