Autoclaves double ended

An autoclave, preferably double ended, should be available so that laboratory workers are protected from hazardous materials. 

Rubber closures for vials or other containers being filled aseptically on an industrial scale are nonporous but share some of the problems of porous loads. They are most frequently steam sterilized by passage through double-ended rotary washer autoclaves, which by agitation of the product ensure effective steam penetration to even the potentially occluded parts of the closures. Steam comes into direct contact with these bulk items they are not usually wrapped nor packed into hermetically sealed containers. Special precautions must be taken for unloading to avoid compromising their sterility. Static autoclaves may also be used for prew ashed versions of these types of components. They should then be loaded into the autoclave in shallow layers in perforated trays or boxes. 

Double-Ended Autoclaves In many industrial applications autoclaves will be bridges between areas with different cleanliness classifications. The two main scenarios are that of an autoclave being loaded in a nonsterile preparation area for its sterilized contents to be unloaded in an aseptic filling room, and of an autoclave being loaded in a clean filling room for its sterilized contents to he unloaded into an uncontrolled packing area. In either example the risk is com-... 

The two doors of double-ended autoclaves should be interlocked in such a way that it is impossible to have both open at the same lime. If there is no need to bridge areas, it is cheaper arnl simpler to purchase single-ended autoclaves. If possible, double-ended autoclaves should be unidirectionalL It should only be possible to open the doors at one end of the autoclave by operating controls at that end. This means that a loading operator should not be able to open the unloading doors by some remote means, and the same applies to the unloader. In other words, the equipment should dictate that the staff in each area be wholly responsible for their own access to the autoclave in their respective areas. 

Heat stable articles and materials entering a clean area or clean/controlled area should do so through a double-ended autoclave or oven. Heat labile articles and materials should enter through an airlock with interlocked doors where they are disinfected. Sterilization of articles and materials elsewhere is acceptable provided that they are double wrapped and enter through an airlock with the appropriate precautions. 

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