Porter Reliant - Precautions

PORTER Reliant
8
2.6 PRECAUTIONS
The international norms concerning safety and sterilization process defines the following figures:
OPERATOR: the person operating the unit to achieve the expected result.
RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY: person or group responsible for the use and maintenance of the unit, he or she also
has to make sure that:
- all personnel who operate or maintain the equipment are trained in its operation and
in its safe use
- there is regular training of all personnel concerned with the operation and maintenance of the equipment, includ-
ing emergency procedures for any toxic, flammable, explosive or pathogenic material released into the environ-
ment.
- Records of attendance at training are maintained, and evidence of understanding demonstrated.
The purpose of this manual is to provide suitable use instructions for both figures: however it does not give instruc-
tions concerning the STERILIZATION PROCEDURE and the cautions to be followed to prevent contamination of in-
struments and/or personnel using the unit that is a assignment of the RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY of the practice.
We wish to point out the following risks:
- The sterilization is a process that works by means of water steam under pressure and high temperatures; when
the load is removed from the sterilization chamber always use tools and wear personal protections suitable for
handling hot instruments.
- On opening the sterilizer, especially in case the cycle has been aborted, a small quantity of hot water steam or
condensate can be released in the environment; be careful when opening the door.
- If the condensation cycle is not brought to an end, the load, the trays and the tray support as well as the cham-
ber inner space are ALWAYS to be considered as potentially contaminating elements, as long as a subsequent
sterilization cycle has not been successfully completed.
- The water contained in the recovery tank is to be regarded as biologically contaminating, therefore when this
tank is emptied, suitable precautions should be taken. The disposal of recovery water needs to be done in ac-
cordance with the national or local regulation. Check the integrity of the draining pipe before its use.
- To prevent cross contaminations during the loading and unloading steps, open the door with clean hands or
wear uncontaminated gloves to avoid contaminating the door handle, do not use gloves worn during the in-
struments decontamination step for this operation; when the sterilized instruments are removed from the
chamber, always use uncontaminated gloves.
- In case of contact with hot water, steam or contaminated materials rinse with fresh water and seek for medical
help
SYMBOLS
On the panels of the unit and in this manual, potential hazards and the parts that can be dangerous at high tempera-
tures, are marked with this symbol:
WARNING: instruments and chamber are very hot
Contamination risk
CAUTION, risk of danger
Documentation needs to be consulted
Read carefully this user manual because wrong use may expose the user to health risks.
This symbol indicates the presence of additional important notes about the use
The water steam sterilizer is designed to be used for the sterilization of reusable medical instruments that can be steam
sterilized in a range of temperatures between 121°C and 135°C; any attempt of sterilizing instruments that are not fit for
undergoing this process can result in hazard for the operator: it can also lead to potentially serious faults and damage
the sterilizer’s safety mechanisms.
The unit is not to be used to sterilize liquids and flammable materials.