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Recommended Work Practices: Autoclaves

The following procedure is recommended for the decontamination of biohazardous waste:

• Items should be autoclaved in approved autoclave bags and in a rigid, autoclavable secondary container.
• Follow the guidelines set by the posted autoclave parameter signs when setting the cycle time.
• Add one cup of water to each bag of solid waste and keep the bags open. Steam cannot penetrate closed bags.
• To prevent spills and accidents, be sure that the exhaust setting is appropriate for the type of material you are autoclaving. Fast exhaust should be used for solid items and solid waste and slow exhaust for liquids and liquid waste.
• After the cycle is complete, let the bag cool before removing it from the autoclave.
• Securely close the orange autoclave bag.
• Place treated autoclave bags into opaque black bags and close them securely before disposing.

The following PPE should be worn when operating an autoclave:

• Heat resistant autoclave gloves- for loading and unloading the autoclave;
• Fluid resistant gloves- to eliminate contact with contaminated wastes;
• Lab coat- to protect your personal clothing; and
• Splash goggles- if a splash hazard is present.

Recommended Work Practices: Flow Cytometers

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