Autoclave burns are one of the most preventable yet persistent hazards in medical facilities. These injuries occur when steam, hot surfaces, or superheated materials come into contact with skin during sterilization processes.
Most autoclave burns happen during routine operations that staff perform daily. Unfortunately, familiarity with equipment often breeds complacency, leading to shortcuts that compromise safety protocols. Don’t let complacency be your downfall—remember these important tips for preventing autoclave burns!
Pre-Operation Safety Measures
Before starting any autoclave cycle, inspect your personal protective equipment thoroughly. Heat-resistant gloves rated for temperatures exceeding 250°F provide the minimum protection needed. Standard latex or nitrile gloves offer no thermal protection and will melt against hot surfaces.
Also, check autoclave door seals and gaskets. Damaged seals allow steam to escape unpredictably, creating burn hazards in unexpected areas around the unit. Replace worn components immediately rather than postponing maintenance.
Finally, verify that emergency shut-off controls function properly. Test these systems monthly as part of your safety routine. If your equipment frequently malfunctions or requires repeated repairs, it might be time for a new autoclave that meets current safety standards.
During Operation Best Practices
Never open autoclave chambers immediately after cycles complete. Steam remains superheated even after pressure gauges read zero. Instead, allow at least five minutes for temperatures to normalize before accessing sterilized items.
When you do so, position yourself to the side of the chamber doors. This stance keeps your face and torso away from steam discharge paths. Steam naturally rises and expands outward, so standing directly in front creates maximum exposure risk.
Once the door is open and the steam has escaped, use appropriate tools for handling hot materials. Long-handled forceps or autoclave tongs maintain safe distances between your hands and heated surfaces.
Post-Operation Protocols
Store hot items in designated cooling areas away from high-traffic zones. This practice reduces the chance of staff members, who may not realize items remain dangerously hot, accidentally touching or grabbing them.
Emergency Response Planning
Even if everyone in your facility adheres to these important tips for preventing autoclave burns, an accident can still happen. Therefore, you must establish procedures for treating autoclave burns immediately. Cool running water applied for 10–15 minutes provides the most effective initial treatment. Avoid ice applications, which can cause additional tissue damage. Also, keep burn treatment supplies readily accessible near autoclave stations. First aid kits should include sterile gauze and burn gel.
