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St. Joseph's Medical Center <br />Policies and Procedures <br />303.0 STEAM STERILIZER OPERATIONS <br />1. Take a quick walk around. Look for damage, excessive litter and examine steam, <br />hydraulic and electrical lines for loose fittings or wear. <br />2. Open the sterilizer door and check the door and seal for waste or debris. Clean <br />the bottom of the seal daily. Lubricate the seal between all loads. <br />3. Remove and clean the two strainers at the start of the shift. <br />4. Remove any waste that may have accumulated within the sterilizer vessel. <br />5. Examine the sterilizer carts and remove any material that may be stuck to the <br />carts. Check the casters for smooth operation. <br />LOADING THE CARTS AND STERILIZER <br />1. Put on your gloves, eye protection and apron or cover gown. <br />2. Line the cart with a large clear plastic autoclave bag. <br />3. Place the red biohazard bags in the lined cart. Make sure each bag is securely tied <br />at the top and placed in the lined cart in an upright position. Do not overfill the <br />cart. (Each cart should hold about 9 or 10 bags) <br />4. Pull the clear autoclave bag over the top of the red bags and secure it at the top. <br />Roll the cart into the sterilizer and push it to the back. Repeat these steps for the <br />second and third carts. <br />WHEN ALL THE CARTS ARE FULL AND LOADED <br />1. Depress the "start" button for the hydraulic pump. <br />2. Pull the sterilizer door closed. Push the hydraulic valve lever, rotating the locking <br />ring into the locked position. <br />3. After the locking ring has rotated into the locked position, pull the safety lock <br />handle into the closed position. <br />