3M Steri-Vac GS Series - 12.15. Accessing the Chamber during the Aeration Stage

50
3M
™
Steri-Vac
™
Sterilizer /Aerator GSSeries – Operator’sManual
12.9. Accessing the Chamber during the AerationStage
DANGER: To reduce the risks associated with exposure to ethyleneoxide:
Always review the elapsed aeration time on the 3M™Steri-Vac™ Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series display prior to opening the sterilizerdoor.
Always inspect cycle reports (printout or electronic) to ensure the total aeration time matches the device manufacturer’s instructions for use(IFU).
If it is necessary to access the chamber during the Aeration stage, for example to remove a BI PCD, routine BI Test Pack, or an instrument or item that requires minimal aeration, take all
precautions to minimize exposure to EO and after opening the door, retrieve the item or items promptly, minimize handling and sorting, and close the door to limit off gassing of the load into the
sterilizer room. When it is necessary to handle individually packaged items that are not fully aerated, butyl, neoprene, or nitrile gloves should be worn. The breathing zone of personnel should be
monitored to verify the safety of the practicesfollowed.
Do not remove the load until the total elapsed aeration time meets or exceeds the aeration time required by the device and packaging manufacturer’s instructions for use. The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) requires U.S. healthcare facilities to complete full aeration within the sterilizer chamber prior to transferring the load. This practice eliminates the potential for EO exposure
that might occur if the load were transferred to a separate aeration chamber prior to fullaeration.
During the Aeration stage, the 3M™Steri-Vac™ Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series door can only be opened with a Supervisor or Service PIN (Figures 59and 60). Aeration timing will be interrupted if
the door is opened. Once the door is closed and the aeration temperature returns to specification, aeration timing willcontinue.
1. To access the chamber during aeration, press the Open Door button on the touch screen. On double door units, press the Open Unload Doorbutton. The Load Door cannot be opened
during Aeration on double door units.
2. Enter a Supervisor or Service PIN (Figure59).
3. Allow chamber pressure to equilibrate to room pressure; this typically requires 60-90seconds.
4. Open the GS Series sterilizer door. The Aeration stage will be paused (Figure60).
5. Close the GS Series sterilizer door to continueaeration.
6. If the total required aeration time has elapsed, press the Stop button. A printout of the cycle report will generate. The display will return to the mainscreen.
Sterilizer
Aeration time elapsed (hh:mm):
0:05
1:00
11:55
55.0
˚
C
04/20/2015
20:56:12
Gas expose time elapsed (hh:mm):
Time remaining (hh:mm):
Cycle:
Stage:
Count:33QA 38 Fast
Aeration paused
84.5
kPa
Cancel
Cancel
Enter supervisor PIN:
1
4
7
2
5
8
0
3
6
9
OK
OK
Figure59.
Supervisor PIN Required to
P
auseAeration