BIO SAFETY

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:

1. Enter waste into logbook
2. ALWAYS use a tray to contain bags, bottles, etc.
3. Leave bag partially open to allow steam penetration
4. Attach a Comply™ strip to bag
5. Choose the correct cycle (see “Waste Cycle Settings” handout on/near autoclaves or check below and INITIAL THE PRINTOUT TAPE

AFTER WASTE CYCLE IS COMPLETE

1. Verify pressure is at ZERO and open the door slowly
2. 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
3. Use a twist tie to close the bag
4. Date and include autoclave location (Ford, SR) on the “Non-Infectious Autoclaved Biological Waste” label
5. One completed label per autoclave bag, please!
6. Place bag in designated trash barrel
7. Sterilized liquids may be poured down the drain-remove cap carefully while wearing safety goggles, there may be pressure buildup!
8. Complete the information in the logbook
9. WASH OUT THE TRAY AND KEEP THIS SPACE CLEAN! Thank you!

Autoclave Settings for Biohazardous Waste