Safety procedure while handling Autoclaves and Boiler accessories

Autoclave and Boilers accessories although are distinct devices however when unified are widely used to sterilize medical apparatus and laboratory instruments and various industries that maintain a sterile environment. While handling these devices safety measures should always be adhered as they could cause serious burns as both these devices are operated at extremely high temperatures.

Autoclave is a device which boils solutions simultaneously by heating under pressure to eliminate microbes and bacterial activity and sterilize apparatus. Autoclaves are used to treat medical waste prior to disposal, kill microbes on surgical apparatus, creating body tattoo and piercing. Autoclaves are widely used in burning rubber using the vulcanisation method.

Boilers also known as steam generators are closed devices which use water and produce energy by constant heating using a electricity or fuel as a source.

Some pointers to remember while dealing with Autoclaves and Boiler accessories to be followed mandatorily to avoid hazards:

• Always use mittens or heatproof gloves at all time when opening autoclaves and boiler accessories as these devices are extremely hot at all times unless not in use. 
• Always use sterilized gloves while dealing with open autoclaves and boilers as they may contain sterilized products to ensure they remain sterile on being removed. 
• Never open autoclave before you make sure that the pressure gauge has reached to zero. 
• Never open a boiler directly as you could get in contact with hot steam and could cause serious burns so always ensure the boiler has completely cooled and check all the valves are secured tightly. 
• Keep all items equidistantly separated in order to allow the steam to penetrate and sterilize