Maintenance + testing of autoclave

Question 1

General

Answer 1

autoclaves use pressure meaning they have to comply with various health and safety laws due to potential danger is malfunction
must have written requirements for their correct use

Question 2

Daily tests

Answer 2

record temperature, pressure and time interval for a full cycle and this is kept in dated log book

Question 3

Automatic control test

Answer 3

using TST strip

Question 4

Steam penetration

Answer 4

Helix or BowieDick test to ensure team does penetrate inside any packaging

Question 5

Daily

Answer 5

only purified an reverse osmosis water to be used and water is drained from the reservoir and replaced daily

Question 6

Door seal and safety checks

Answer 6

visually checked by designated staff

Question 7

Authorised engineer

Answer 7

must carry out annual inspection to see that it is operating correctly and issue a certificate

Question 8

Extra

Answer 8

checked for its conformation with the Pressure Systems Safety regulations on a regular basis

Question 9

Insurance policy

Answer 9

the practice’s insurance policy must include third party liability cover for autoclave use incase of explosion resulting in injury
any serious injury to be reported to the HSE under RIDDOR