SOP for Use of Autoclaves in Waste Sterilization

Posted on by Comments Off on SOP for Use of Autoclaves in Waste Sterilization

SOP for Use of Autoclaves in Waste Sterilization

Standard Operating Procedure for Use of Autoclaves in Waste Sterilization

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to provide guidelines for the proper use, maintenance, and monitoring of autoclaves for sterilizing waste, ensuring safety, compliance, and effective decontamination of biological waste before disposal.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all personnel involved in the sterilization of infectious biological waste, including laboratory-generated waste, biomedical waste, and research residues, using autoclaves.

3) Responsibilities

  • Operators: Perform autoclave operations as per this SOP and maintain records.
  • Supervisors: Ensure proper training and implementation of autoclave sterilization procedures.
  • Maintenance Personnel: Conduct regular servicing and calibration of autoclaves.
  • Safety Officers: Monitor compliance with autoclave usage protocols and inspect sterilization records.

4) Procedure

4.1 Types of Waste Suitable for Autoclaving

Not all waste can be sterilized using autoclaves. Waste suitable for autoclaving includes:

  1. Biological Waste: Cultures, petri dishes, and microbial residues.
  2. Contaminated Consumables: Gloves, pipette tips, and lab disposables exposed to biological agents.
  3. Sharps: Needles, blades, and glassware, provided they are placed in puncture-proof containers.
See also  SOP for Handling Reactive and Explosive Chemicals

4.2 Preparation of Waste for Autoclaving

  1. Segregation:
    • Ensure only biological waste is autoclaved; segregate from chemical and general waste streams.
    • Use color-coded bags or containers labeled as “BIOLOGICAL WASTE FOR AUTOCLAVING.”

    2. less
    Copy code

  2. Packaging:
    • Place waste in heat-resistant autoclave bags.
    • Do not overfill bags to
allow proper steam penetration.
  • Seal bags loosely to avoid rupture during sterilization.
  • Pre-Autoclave Inspection:
    • Ensure waste does not contain volatile chemicals or materials incompatible with autoclaving.

    • 4.3 Operating the Autoclave

    1. Pre-Operation Checks:
      • Inspect the autoclave chamber, door seals, and pressure gauges for any visible issues.
      • Ensure water levels are sufficient for the sterilization cycle.
      • Verify that temperature and pressure sensors are calibrated.

      2. less
      Copy code

    2. Loading Waste:
      • Place waste bags or containers in the autoclave tray, ensuring even spacing for proper steam circulation.
      • Avoid overloading the chamber to prevent inefficient sterilization.
    3. Setting Sterilization Parameters:
      • Set the autoclave to the appropriate cycle based on waste type:
        • Temperature: 121°C to 134°C
        • Pressure: 15 to 30 psi
        • Duration: 30–60 minutes depending on load size
    4. Running the Cycle:
      • Start the cycle and monitor parameters via the control panel.
      • Do not open the door until the cycle is complete and pressure has fully released.
    5. Unloading the Autoclave:
      • Wear heat-resistant gloves and PPE while removing sterilized waste.
      • Inspect waste bags for intact seals and proper sterilization (e.g., color change on autoclave tape).

    4.4 Post-Autoclave Handling

    1. Inspection of Sterilized Waste:
      • Ensure all waste appears fully sterilized (e.g., no wet spots or unsterilized material).

      2. less
      Copy code

    2. Disposal of Sterilized Waste:
      • Dispose of sterilized waste in designated bins for final incineration or landfill as per regulatory guidelines.

    4.5 Maintenance and Calibration

    1. Routine Maintenance:
      • Clean the autoclave chamber and drain regularly to prevent residue buildup.
      • Inspect and replace door seals as needed.

      2. less
      Copy code

    2. Calibration:
      • Calibrate temperature and pressure sensors every 6 months.
      • Document calibration activities in the Autoclave Maintenance Log (Annexure 1).

    4.6 Documentation and Record-Keeping

    1. Sterilization Records:
      • Log each cycle in the Autoclave Sterilization Log (Annexure 2), including:
        • Date and time
        • Waste type and quantity
        • Sterilization parameters
        • Operator name

      2. less
      Copy code

    2. Compliance Reports:
      • Retain sterilization records for at least 5 years for audits and regulatory inspections.

    4.7 Emergency Response

    1. Cycle Failures:
      • In the event of a sterilization failure (e.g., incomplete cycle), repeat the cycle with adjusted parameters.

      2. less
      Copy code

    2. Spills or Leaks:
      • Contain spills immediately using absorbent materials and disinfectants.
      • Dispose of cleanup materials as hazardous waste.

    5) Abbreviations, if any

    • PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

    6) Documents, if any

    • Autoclave Maintenance Log
    • Autoclave Sterilization Log

    7) Reference, if any

    • WHO Guidelines on Biomedical Waste Management
    • ISO 17665 Sterilization Standards
    • Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016

    8) SOP Version

    Version: 1.0

    Annexure

    Template 1: Autoclave Maintenance Log

     
     
     Date Maintenance Activity Performed By Remarks 
     
     DD/MM/YYYY Calibrated pressure gauge John Doe No issues

    Template 2: Autoclave Sterilization Log

     
     
     Date Time Waste Type Cycle Parameters Operator Name 
     
     DD/MM/YYYY 10:00 AM Microbial Cultures 121°C, 30 mins Jane Smith
    See also  SOP for Handling and Disposal of Animal Waste from Preclinical Studies