The Glassware Facility also ensures the sterilization of solutions prepared by the laboratories or items needed for scientific experiments.
NB: The only sterilization method available in our facility is autoclaving.
The laboratories are provided with blue plastic trays to deposit the material and solutions to be treated, which the Glassware staff collects during its daily rounds. Once treated, sterilized material is placed in the green plastic trays also provided.
Sterilization Procedures
The general sterilization procedures, in effect in the Department since April 2017, can be consulted by clicking on the link below (Google drive link browsable with an EPFL email address and Gaspar ID):
>>2017 Sterilization Procedures<<
The Facility personnel are available for any questions on the procedures in effect or for any special requests regarding material to be sterilized, which is not listed in this document.
Treatment traceability
In order to monitor sterilization cycles, temperature and pressure are measured throughout the cycle via a probe placed in a test sample, for a continuous recording. At the end of the cycle, each sterilized item is identified with a bar code mentioning the type of material, date of treatment and cycle number. This identification allows access to all sterilization data and complete traceability.
This data is available to our users and can be consulted at any time.
Maintenance of equipment
- No-load tests are carried out on each autoclave at the beginning of the week to ensure proper functioning of the equipment;
- Regular monitoring and maintenance are carried out on all sterilization equipment by the technicians of the SV Workshop;
- An annual qualification of the autoclaves is carried out by a specialized external company.
All data related to equipment, cycles or maintenance are available to users on request.