EH&S has autoclave tools to assist you including general autoclave safety guidelines, autoclaving biohazardous waste guidelines with template SOP, both with step-by-step instructions for autoclave users. Get trained by watching an excellent autoclave training video, read up on potential hazards and monitoring requirements, and then use the provided tools and resources to operate your autoclave safely and in compliance.
For those that autoclave biohazardous waste, we’ve included an easily fillable site-specific procedures template and links for purchasing the required chemical integrators. Principal investigators, departmental managers, and/or facility supervisors are responsible for ensuring proper sterilization of biohazardous waste, so be prepared. EH&S monitors autoclave and decontamination compliance practices as part of biosafety laboratory visits and during annual autoclave audits.
UW researchers and others provided valuable input to develop our safety information. If you have questions or feedback, please contact an EH&S Biosafety Officer at 206-221-7770 or ehsbio@uw.edu. All autoclave information and tools can be found at Biohazardous Waste.