Do You Have to Be Certified to Operate an Autoclave in Canada?

In today’s blog we’re going to talk about different certifications for autoclaves and what they mean. In answer to the question in the title of this blog article, no, you do not require any special certification to operate an autoclave in Canada. However, it is possible that your employer will want to see some demonstration of your understanding of the equipment. 

In Canada, it is the equipment that gets and needs certification, not the individual using it. All sterilization equipment is approved and classified by Health Canada. Plus, an autoclave must be tested on a regular basis including during its manufacture to demonstrate that it is working effectively and exactly how it was designed to work.

This type of certification is critical because the autoclave plays such an important role in research, medicine, and business. The autoclave has to sterilize the materials that you put in it each and every time and perfectly. The sterilization process protects anyone who comes in contact with these materials. 

Operating the autoclave is not difficult. The machine will come with instructions, and the professional who installs it will train the person who will use it. In addition, autoclaves have become more streamlined and sophisticated with today’s technology making the operation no more difficult than operating a smart phone. 

So, don’t worry about getting a certification to operate an autoclave. Each autoclave is slightly different, and you will learn how to use it on the job. If you have any difficulties using it, contact the dealer who sold it to you, and that person will help. Worst case you could call the manufacturer. However, autoclaves are very solid items that should work well for many years. 

If you need help choosing, maintaining, operating, or validating an autoclave, this is our business and area of expertise. Give us a call, in western Canada at (888) 818-4847.

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.