Autoclave Safety Features To Be Aware of Before You Buy

Autoclaves have a long list of safety features that the user or owner should be aware of before purchasing. However, if one is new to autoclaves, it would be important to discuss these features with your autoclave dealer in order to have a full understanding of them. Today in our blog, we will list a few of the common safety features, however, different autoclaves have different features, so a complete list would be beyond the scope of this article. 

Auto Shut Off 

As with any kind of machinery that operates at high temperatures or high pressures—and autoclaves operate with both high temperatures and high pressures--there will likely be an automatic shut off if the vessel exceeds a maximum temperature or pressure.

Manual Shut Off 

Most autoclaves will have a manual shut off as well. This would allow you to instantly shut down the machine in case of emergency, such as a fire in the building, when everyone has to evacuate. 

Door Locks 

The autoclave will definitely have door locks that prevent opening the door until temperatures and pressures have reached a safe level. This protects the user from unsafe heat and steam. 

Insulation 

There will be something all around the autoclave that protects both people and the building or counter surfaces from excessive heat, in the same way that a kitchen oven is insulated. 

Temperature and Pressure Sensors 

While we do not want the temperatures and pressures to go too high, they do have to go high enough. So, temperature and pressure sensors ensure that the autoclave is reaching the required temperature and pressure in order to operate effectively and sterilize as needed. 

These, above, are some common safety features that you should be familiar with and should be discussed with your autoclave dealer before purchasing so that you have a good understanding of how your autoclave works. Keep in mind that there will be many more safety features than those listed here. 

If you need help choosing, repairing, maintaining, installing, operating, or validating an autoclave, this is our business and area of expertise for many years. Give us a call, in western Canada at (888) 818-4847. We can help with every aspect of autoclaves including choosing the right one for you. 

Alpha Scientific supplies, installs, and services medical equipment in western Canada. If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about medical equipment, please call our toll-free number, (888) 818-4847, or email us at sales@alphascientific.ca.