Skip to main content
Environmental Health & Safety

Autoclaving Guidelines

Main Content

Autoclaving is a crucial method for sterilizing laboratory materials, particularly when dealing with potentially hazardous biological waste. By using saturated steam under pressure, it effectively destroys microorganisms, making it essential for ensuring safety in laboratory environments.

Key points to consider include:

  • Training and Safety: Proper training in operational procedures is vital to minimize risks associated with high temperatures and pressure. Safety protocols should always be followed.
  • Application: Autoclaves are used both to prepare equipment for experiments and to sterilize waste before disposal. This dual functionality highlights their importance in maintaining a safe lab environment.
  • Biohazard Waste Guidelines: Following general guidelines ensures that cultures, plates, and vials containing pathogenic organisms are rendered non-infectious, reducing the risk of accidental exposure during handling and transport.
  • Factors Influencing Sterility: The effectiveness of autoclaving depends on several variables, including the volume of material, contamination level, and moisture content. Understanding these factors is essential for achieving reliable sterilization.

Autoclaving is a cornerstone of laboratory safety and biohazard waste management, requiring careful attention to procedures and guidelines to protect both personnel and the environment.

Questions or concerns shall be directed to the Hazardous Material Safety Manager at 817-257-5395 or safety@tcu.edu.

Resources & Forms
Autoclave Standard Operating Procedures Template
Autoclave Waste Treatment Record
Autoclave Validation Record

Training
Assignment of online safety courses is overseen by the Hazardous Materials Safety Manager. In-person training is provided by the Principal Investigator for specific instrument usage. For further training information contact safety@tcu.edu or call 817-257-5395. 


Autoclave Safety - LAB-9.2
This online course provides individuals with an overview of the hazards associated with autoclaves and recommended safe practices for using autoclaves. The relevant standards addressed in this course include OSHA's General Duty Clause.