WARNING-AUTOCLAVES OPERATE AT HIGH PRESSURE AND HIGH TEMPERATURE. ONLY USE IF TRAINED BY TOM SPOONER (TSPOONER@SMITH.EDU). Wear gloves when handling hot materials (trays, glassware, liquids, etc)
BEFORE PUTTING ANYTHING INTO THE AUTOCLAVE:
- Enter waste into logbook
- ALWAYS use a tray to contain bags, bottles, etc.
- Leave bag partially open to allow steam penetration
- Attach a Comply™ strip to bag
- Choose the correct cycle (see “Waste Cycle Settings” handout on/near autoclaves or at https://www.science.smith.edu/safety/lab-safety/biosafety/ and INITIAL THE PRINTOUT TAPE
AFTER WASTE CYCLE IS COMPLETE
- Verify pressure is at ZERO and open the door slowly
- Verify that the Comply™ strip black line enters the green area; if not, do not dispose of bag, email tspooner@smith.edu and take biowaste back to your lab
- Use a twist tie to close the bag
- Date and include autoclave location (Ford, SR) on the “Non-Infectious Autoclaved Biological Waste” label
- One completed label per autoclave bag, please!
- Place bag in designated trash barrel
- Sterilized liquids may be poured down the drain-remove cap carefully while wearing safety goggles, there may be pressure buildup!
- Complete the information in the logbook
- WASH OUT THE TRAY AND KEEP THIS SPACE CLEAN! Thank you!