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Safety Alert – Failure of critical safety equipment – autoclaves
17 November 2022
Autoclaves are the first choice to kill harmful bacteria and other biological agents when preparing waste for safe handling, using high-pressure steam, however, there must be alternative written procedures in place in case this safety-critical equipment fails.
Biological hazardous waste is deactivated by using an autoclave where superheated steam kills any microbial life that may be present on a contaminated load. Following a validated autoclave cycle, the biological waste no longer presents a biological risk. Mechanical failure is a foreseeable event and departments must ensure that there is an alternative procedure, should an autoclave fail for any reason.
To ensure autoclaves are in good working order, departments should have procedures in place and records kept for the following:
- Regular maintenance.
- Annual insurance inspection and thorough examination under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (2000).
- Annual calibration and validation of cycles using thermocouples.
- Training on how to use the autoclaves including selecting the correct cycle.
Action to be taken
Departments that use autoclaves as a method of treating hazardous waste before it enters UCL waste streams should have an alternative procedure in place should the equipment fail for any reason. This must be documented in the departmental Hazardous Waste Management Plan. The procedure must cover:
- When it will be enacted – this will depend on the amount of waste built up each day and the type of waste.
- Where the hazardous waste will be stored – this needs to be a safe location and departments must consider issues such as bunding and access.
- Treatment of the hazardous waste – whether this is by some form of disinfection or transfer to an alternative autoclave.
- Movement of the hazardous waste – this should be done in consultation with the Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor. The procedure should include how to pack the hazardous waste and training for the people handling the waste.
- The written agreement of the procedure if it requires assistance from people outside the department.
Where can I get further information
> Hazardous Waste Management
> Hazardous Waste Management Plan
> Laboratory waste
> Make your lab sustainable with LEAF
Contact the BioChem Safety Team
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