The maintenance requirements for an autoclave include the following:
1. Weekly maintenance:
- Flush the chamber with clean, non-chlorinated water or chamber cleaning solution, especially if you regularly sterilize saline solutions.
- Inspect the door gasket for tearing, pitting, or warping.
- Visually check for water and/or steam leaks.
- Update the autoclave use log every time you operate the unit.
2. Routine preventative maintenance:
- Conduct planned maintenance inspections on a consistent basis, such as monthly, quarterly, or annually, to ensure the equipment remains in proper working order.
- Inspections should cover heating coils, contactors, steam traps, safety valves, and more.
3. Cleaning and maintenance:
- Regularly clean the sterilization chamber and other parts of the machine, including the door gasket and drain lines.
- Change the water regularly.
- Check and replace any worn or damaged parts.
- Clean the internal chamber to prevent cross-contamination, especially in clinical applications where sterilization of materials or decontamination of biological waste is necessary.
4. Monitoring and testing:
- Monitor the operation of the autoclave to ensure it is functioning properly.
- Routinely test sterilization cycles, especially for autoclaves used to inactivate substances or sterilize materials.
- Keep records of testing and use biological indicators at least once per month or as recommended by regulations.
5. Record keeping:
- Maintain proper documentation of autoclave operations, including recording autoclave run information.
- Keep records of on-site maintenance performed by approved contractors.
- Log each load processed in the autoclave, including date, time, operator's name and contact information, whether the load is biohazardous material, and cycle details such as temperature, pressure, and time length.
- Save printouts or disks of autoclave data or cycle results.
It is also important to follow precautions recommended while working with an autoclave to ensure safety.
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