45 
3M
™
 Steri-Vac
™
 Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series
Site Planning and Installation Guide
70-2011-5643-0    Issue Date: 10/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
First Aid  Warnings 
Inhalation: 
Move the person to fresh air and seek medical attention. 
Skin or Clothing Contact: 
Immediately wash with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and 
wash before reuse. If signs/symptoms develop, seek medical attention. 
Eye Contact: 
Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. 
Remove contact lenses if easy to do so. Continue rinsing. Immediately seek 
medical attention. 
WARNING: To reduce the risks associated with fire and 
explosion: 
3M
™
 Steri-Gas
™
 EO Gas Cartridges contain 100% Ethylene Oxide (EO), which 
is an extremely flammable gas and liquid under pressure. Do not use near 
flame, electrical sparks, or hot surfaces, or allow sources of ignition near the 
cartridge. Do not puncture the cartridge outside of the sterilization chamber. Do 
not incinerate cartridges. Exposure to temperatures above  65.5ºC (150ºF) may 
cause cartridge to burst. 
Do not attempt to access any internal mechanisms of the 3M
™
 Steri-Vac
™ 
Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series. Operators should not service the sterilizer as there 
are no user serviceable parts. 
WARNING: To reduce the risk of shock due to hazardous 
voltage: 
Do not attempt to access any internal mechanisms of the 3M
™
 Steri-Vac
™ 
Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series. Operators should not service the sterilizer as there 
are no user serviceable parts. 
The purchaser must provide a properly grounded outlet (an earth ground), for 
installation, per applicable codes and regulations. 
Do not operate the 3M
™
 Steri-Vac
™
 Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series outside the 
environmental conditions as stated in this manual. 
Use only trained 3M Health Care service personnel or authorized 3M service 
personnel for installation support and maintenance. 
Do not modify any part of 3M
™
 Steri-Vac
™
 Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series. 
Use only 3M designated replacement parts. 
If Swallowed: 
Rinse mouth. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Immediately seek medical 
attention. 
Hazard Statements of Ethylene Oxide (EO): 
• Extremely flammable gas 
• Contains gas under pressure, may explode if heated 
• Toxic if inhaled 
• Causes serious eye irritation 
• May cause drowsiness or dizziness 
• Suspected of damaging fertility or an unborn child 
• May cause cancer 
• May cause genetic defects 
Reference – consult the 3M
™
 Steri-Gas
™
 EO Gas Cartridges Safety  
Data Sheet (SDS) for additional information (www.3M.com). 
Cautions 
Dangers 
DANGER: To reduce the risks associated with exposure 
to ethylene oxide: 
Ensure a minimum of ten (10) air exchanges per hour (ACHs) for the room in 
which the 3M
™
 Steri-Vac
™
 Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series is installed. 
Do not operate the 3M
™
 Steri-Vac
™
 Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series outside the 
environmental conditions as stated in this manual. 
Only use 3M
™
 Steri-Gas
™
 100% Ethylene Oxide (EO) Gas Cartridges as listed in 
this manual. Do not use other brands or types of sterilant cartridges. 
Do not use damaged 3M
™
 Steri-Gas
™
 EO Gas Cartridges. 
Ensure compressed air supply is clean, with a maximum allowable dirt particle 
size of 0.5 microns, and free of oil. Ensure air filters on compressed air supply 
contain a water trap and are cleaned and maintained properly. 
It is the user’s facility management’s responsibility to ensure that all personnel 
working with toxic chemicals, gases, and vapors are given comprehensive 
instruction in the process. This instruction includes information on relevant 
health hazards; national, state and local regulations; methods for safe use; and 
methods to detect escape of the agent. 
It is the user’s facility management’s responsibility to ensure regular training of 
all personnel concerned with the operation and maintenance of the equipment, 
including emergency procedures for any toxic, flammable, or explosive material 
released into the environment. Records of attendance at training are maintained, 
and evidence of understanding demonstrated. 
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of injury, 
always follow the procedures described in this 3M Site Planning and 
Installation Guide. 
CAUTION:  To reduce patient risks associated with exposure 
to potentially non-sterile devices or inadequate sterilization 
procedures, 
do not install 3M
™
 Steri-Vac
™
 Sterilizer/Aerators GS Series near any device 
emitting strong electronic magnetic fields (EMFs).