Please use the following guidelines when using autoclaves:
1. All personnel using autoclaves should be adequately trained by an experienced user in your laboratory. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) should be used and posted near the autoclave and followed.
2. The maximum operating temperature and pressure of the autoclave should never be exceeded. Refer to the manual for the autoclave, which includes operating instructions.
3. Use only Type I borosilicate glass bottles. Do not use ordinary glass bottles or any container not designated for autoclave use.
4. Do not use plastic containers (ex. Polypropylene) that will melt or distort during autoclaving. Purchase and use Nalgene containers that are autoclavable. If you are not sure whether a specific plastic container you purchased is autoclavable, check with the vendor’s technical support group for advice.
5. Place items to be autoclaved in a stainless steel tray (ex. Large cookie sheet) or Nalgene container to retain any accidental melting of any containers or overflow from heated liquids.
6. Autoclavable plastic bags containing waste should be placed in secondary containers (Nalgene container) to retain melted agar or other liquid waste that may accidentally leak through the bags.
7. DO NOT attempt to make repairs or modifications to the autoclave.