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A Second Look at Autoclave Safety

A Second Look at Autoclave Safety. Suzanne M. Kupiec, MPH, CSP Lindsey V. Kayman, SM, CIH Janice Flesher, MS, CBSP. Copyright, 2001, Kupiec, et.al., University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey. For More Information…. AIHA’s Laboratory Safety Committee Web Site is available at:

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A Second Look at Autoclave Safety

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  1. A Second Look at Autoclave Safety Suzanne M. Kupiec, MPH, CSP Lindsey V. Kayman, SM, CIH Janice Flesher, MS, CBSP Copyright, 2001, Kupiec, et.al., University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey

  2. For More Information…. AIHA’s Laboratory Safety Committee Web Site is available at: http://www2.umdnj.edu/eohssweb/aiha

  3. Why the sudden interest in autoclave safety?

  4. What went wrong?What contributed to the accident?

  5. Major Findings • Style/Model of the Autoclave • Lack of Training/Poor Work Practices

  6. Style/Model of the Autoclave

  7. Lack of Training and Poor Work Practices

  8. Training Issues/Work Practices • No lab coat or apron was worn.

  9. Training Issues/Work Practices • No lab coat or apron was worn. • No time was allowed for cooling.

  10. Training Issues/Work Practices • No lab coat or apron was worn. • No time was allowed for cooling. • Attempted to remove a full tub.

  11. Training Issues/Work Practices • Stood on a kick-stool to reach autoclave.

  12. Training Issues/Work Practices • Stood on a kick-stool to reach autoclave. • Did not have a cart available.

  13. Training Issues/Work Practices • Stood on a kick-stool to reach autoclave. • Did not have a cart available. • Used a plastic rather than a metal pan.

  14. Training Issues/Work Practices • Stood on a kick-stool to reach autoclave. • Did not have a cart available. • Used a plastic rather than a metal pan. • Water was added to the pan.

  15. Using Water in anAutoclave Pan • Probably not needed, because: • Modern autoclaves generate enough steam to sterilize. • It appears to have no effect on breakage rates.

  16. Using Water in anAutoclave Pan • However - • Using deeper pans will create a cool air pocket, which can be remedied by adding water.

  17. Using Water in anAutoclave Pan • Conclusion: • Use shallower, metal pans without adding water.

  18. Additional Follow-up Creation of Minimum Laboratory Design Guidelines

  19. Additional Follow-up Include more information on autoclave safety in training programs

  20. Additional Follow-up Explore the possible use of a hydraulic cart

  21. Additional Follow-up Continue to investigate whether adding water to autoclave loads decreases glass breakage.

  22. My Thanks to: Dawne Gaskin and Carol Ruppert of the University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ For their great assistance in putting together this presentation!

  23. For More Information…. AIHA’s Laboratory Safety Committee Web Site is available at: http://www2.umdnj.edu/eohssweb/aiha

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