Service Details
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1992 states that equipment must be serviced and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations. In addition, Healthcare regulation along with infection control related documents state that all decontamination equipment be serviced and maintained.
Records of servicing, inspection and user validation checks must be kept and audited, and all members of staff must be fully trained in the safe operation of equipment prior to use.
DD offer several service contracts for both vacuum and non-vacuum autoclaves designed to meet your individual practice requirements.
How often do I need my Autoclave servicing?
The majority of manufacturers recommend a service every 12 months, however some are as often as once a quarter.
What levels of service do you provide?
Vacuum & Non-Vacuum:
Level 1 - Includes annual service, service kit, calibration & function test.
Level 2 - Includes all aspects of level 1 package plus 2 x callouts per annum.
Level 3 - Includes all aspects of level 1 plus 3 x callouts and parts allowance per annum
Pricing available on request phone 01376 391100.
What does our Engineer do?
- Check serial number
- Remove cover
- Check for signs of steam/water leaks
- Drain and clean reservoir
- Check reservoir water level sensor
- Remove and clean tray carrier
- Remove any debris from under the element (burs etc)
- Remove the water level sensor and clean
- Replace washers
- Replace the water level sensor if necessary
- Clean the chamber and door face
- Strip and clean the filter (fitted into the chamber)
- Strip and clean the door plate
- Replace the door seal
- Lightly lubricate door seal with silicon grease
- Check the door micro switch operation and adjust if required
- Check door rack, wedges and clamps for wear
- Check electrical connections (mains cable and fuse connections etc.)
- Refill reservoir with distilled/deionised water
- Thoroughly clean the exterior of the autoclave where possible
- Inspect all welds for signs of corrosion
- Check all joints and seals for leaks
- Remove the safety relief valve
- Note the safety relief valve marked value
- Test the pressure of the safety relief valve
- Replace the safety relief valve and ensure it seats correctly
- Fit temperature probe
- Run test cycle 134˚C without drying (target temperature 135.5˚C + 1˚C)
- Thermocouple Test
- Check for steam/water leaks
- Verify the temperature gauge is working correctly
- Verify the pressure gauge is working correctly
- Verify pressure door lock operation
- Verify electrical door bolt operation
- Remove temperature probe (ensure cover of the test port is replaced)
- Refit cover and clean the outside of the autoclave if necessary
- Complete all paperwork
