6-3
Sterilizer Operation Operator Manual P129390-106
6.2 Preparing Loads
for Sterilization Cycles
Before sterilization, all materials must be thoroughly cleaned.
The Amsco
®
Evolution™ sterilization chamber holds commonly used
sterilization modules, wrapped or unwrapped instruments and
equipment.
1. Wrappers may be made of 100% cotton (muslin), 140 thread
count, two-ply fabric, and must be laundered; alternatively, use
commercially available, non-woven disposable wrappers.
2. Limit the size and density of each muslin pack. Maximum size:
305 x 305 x 508 mm (12 x 12 x 20”); Maximum weight: 5.4 kg (12
lbs). No pack should have a density in excess of 115 kg/m
3
(7.2 lbs/ft
3
). This ensures complete steam penetration, and
minimizes moisture retention.
3. Limit the weight of wrapped instrument sets to 7.7 kg (17 lbs) to
minimize moisture retention.
4. Limit the weight of basin sets to 3.2 kg (7 lbs).
6.3 Guidelines for
Placement of Various
Loads
Refer to EN ISO 17665-1:2006, and instructions below, for load
placement guidelines.
1. Open the sterilizer chamber door.
NOTE: If a cycle has been run, sterilizer and shelves or loading
carrier may be hot.
NOTE: Wear clean gloves and use clean towels as “pot holders”
when carefully placing the load/tray(s) on the chamber shelves or
loading carrier.
2. Place all packs on edge, and arrange load to allow for maximum
steam exposure so that there is minimal resistance for steam
passage through the load.
3. Place utensils and treatment trays on their edges so that they will
be sterilized and properly dried.
4. Place instrument sets in trays that have a perforated or mesh
bottom. Place flat for sterilization.
5. In mixed loads of fabrics and hard goods, place the hard goods
on lower shelf. This reduces wetting of fabric packs from
condensate dripping from a hard goods load.
6. DO NOT OVERLOAD sterilizer (refer to Table 6-3 for
recommended loading guidelines). Allow for steam penetration
between packs. Avoid contact of load components with the wall
of the chamber.
7. After placing load in chamber, close the chamber door. The
sterilizer is now ready to run a cycle. Proceed to appropriate
cycle description in this section.
8. Materials capable of holding water, such as solid-bottomed
pans, basins and trays, should be positioned so that they are
oriented in the same direction and so that condensate can be
eliminated.
Important: Refer to S
ECTION 4, TECHNIQUES OF STERILIZATION, for
additional information regarding pack preparation, loading and
placement.
WARNING – BURN HAZARD:
Sterilizer, shelves and loading
carrier will be hot after cycle is
run. Always wear protective
gloves and apron when
removing a processed load.
Protective gloves and apron
must be worn when reloading
sterilizer following the
previous operation.
WARNING – PERSONAL
INJURY and/or EQUIPMENT
DAMAGE HAZARD: When
closing the chamber door,
keep hands and arms out of
the door opening and make
sure opening is clear of any
obstructions.
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