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10.11 Loading and Unloading the Device
Safety
Protective equipment and clothes and other safety instructions
should be implemented in accordance with local and national
regulations and/or rules!
For proper sterilization, do not overload the chamber. Only
autoclavable products shall be used; please refer to the
manufacturer instructions for sterilization of unknown materials or
instruments.
Loading
Correct loading of the autoclave is essential to successful
sterilizing for several reasons. Efficient air removal from the
chamber and the load will permit effective steam penetration and
saturation, and allow proper drainage of condensate. Additionally,
correct loading will prevent damage to packs and their contents
and maximize efficient use of the sterilizer.
For detailed loading instructions, see sec. 9 (Preparation before
sterilization)
Unloading
On completion of the cycle, take out the load immediately from the
sterilizer. Do not remove the load from the basket until its
temperature reduces to the room temperature. Let the load cool
down in an area without air movement (air conditioning, etc.) and
with minimum people passing by to avoid possibility of touching
the hot load. Do not touch the hot load since hot load absorbs
moisture and, therefore, may absorb bacteria from your hand. Do
not transfer hot load to metal shelves for cooling. Perform a visual
inspection to ascertain that sterilizing indicators have made the
required colour change, and that the load is dry.
The load shall be rejected if:
a. The package has been compressed.
b. The package is torn.
c. The load is suspected to be wet.
d. The load fell on the floor.
e. Condensed drops can be detected on the load.
To avoid injuries use heat resistant gloves while unloading
the autoclave.
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