What Are the Safety Measures for Autoclaving Toxic Substances?
When autoclaving materials contaminated with toxic substances, several safety measures must be observed:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves, lab coats, and eye protection, to prevent accidental exposure. Proper Labeling: Clearly label materials to be autoclaved with information about the toxic substances they contain to prevent mishandling. Chamber Loading: Do not overload the autoclave chamber; ensure that steam can circulate freely around the items. Post-Sterilization Handling: Allow items to cool before handling them and ensure that any potentially hazardous vapors have dissipated.
