Easi-Sterilise Standard Operating Procedures

1. Easi-Sterilise Standard Operating Procedures Section 2 Packaging and Wrapping Procedures

2. Section 2 Packaging and Wrapping Procedures

3. 2.1 Organisation Of Packing Area • Organised packing area ensures a clean, safe work working area that reduces the risk of equipment damage/loss and unsafe work practices. • Clean designated work areas • Uncluttered • Be responsible for stock and equipment • Check expiry dates • Use reference guides for identification of instruments and trays • Report missing equipment and instruments • If unsure, ask for help

4. 2.2 Assembly Of Instrument Trays And Hollowware Consistent patterns/protocols for assembling trays of instruments and other equipment prior to wrapping and sterilising enables efficiency and accuracy of surgical procedures. Inspect - Patient Safety Checks • Clean, dry, rust and stain free • No damage, splits, cracks, dents, non alignment, dullness of cutting edge

5. 2.2 Assembly Of Instrument Trays And Hollowware Prepare equipment for sterilization: Check multi-part equipment / instruments • can be assembled and functioning • then disassembled or loosely assembled for sterilisation as per manufacturers instructions • Hinged or ratchet instruments are opened and unlocked • Sharp items protected with a tip protector or enclosed in a cassette

6. 2.2 Assembly Of Instrument Trays And Hollowware Follow the facilities predetermined set ups/ trays/ cassette Select appropriate size tray or packaging material to assemble instruments giving consideration to size, mass and contents of tray NB The density and size of tray/pack is determined at each oral health facility during the annual sterilization performance qualification

7. 2.2 Assembly Of Instrument Trays And Hollowware • When packaging hollowware sets: • Openings are to face in the same direction, • Hollowware should not be able to move, and • Individual packs do not include combinations of hollowware, instruments, gauze dressings, drapes or tubing

8. 2.3 Wrapping, Packaging & Labelling Purpose Provides a protective barrier against sources of potential contamination. Wrapping/packaging methods must facilitate aseptic removal of contents

9. 2.3 Wrapping, Packaging & Labelling • Wrapped items • The method shall be envelope fold or square fold technique • The type and method of wrapping and packaging is facility specific • Check prior to use the wrapping material is not damaged or expired • The class 1 chemical indicator tape used for sealing will be specific to the mode of sterilisation (pressure sensitive, non-toxic and adhere to clean surface) • Ensure tape is adhered to wrapping/packaging material 

10. 2.3 Wrapping, Packaging & Labelling • Flexible packaging materials • Check for damage and expiry date • Correct size pouch for contents • Hollowware openings are against non-laminate surface • Any writing required should be done on the outer parameter of the flexible packaging material. • Self sealing pouches must be sealed by folding the flap along perforation/dotted line as indicated by the manufacturer.

11. Packaging and sealing

12. 2.3 Wrapping, Packaging & Labelling • Labelling of packs: • All packs, bags, pouches and wrapped items must be labelled if contents are not visible • Use a non-toxic, water resistant, felt tipped marking pens and rubber stamps using similar ink or pre-printed tape • Writing on wrapping could damage the integrity of the material

13. 2.3 Wrapping, Packaging & Labelling To occur prior to the sterilizing process utilising: • Batch labels (piggyback) • Details on the batch label gun must be checked and updated for each sterilizer cycle. The minimum information required on each label must include; • Date of sterilization • Sterilizer number • Sterilizer cycle number

14. Blue = Unprocessed Sterilizer number

15. Colour interpretation chart

16. 2.3 Wrapping, Packaging & Labelling To occur prior to the sterilizing process utilising: • Pre-printed tape • Write on tape • Labelling - clear and precise

17. 2.4 Using and Reloading Batch Label Gun • Upper adjustable print display - Setting the date and the steriliser number • Date must appear as DD (space) MM (space) YY starting from the far left • The sterilizer number must be positioned to the far right

18. White mark (R) Side - Steriliser number (L) Side Date - dd mm yy Steriliser cycle number White mark

19. Reloading • Reloading the batch label gun with labels • Batch label guns need to be serviced every 12 months • If the base plate is opened during operation, re-check that fields are correctly aligned

20. Chemical Indicators • Class 1 – Process indicator – exposure to a sterilisation process – shows processed/unprocessed e.g sterilising tape, external chemical indicators. • Class 2 – Specific tests e.g Bowie Dick type test • Class 3 – Single parameter – critical parameter e.g. dry heat • Class 4 – Multi parameter eg. Time at Temp. • Class 5 – Integrating indicator – time temp and moisture • Class 6 – Emulating indicator (cycle verification) – eg. 134°C @ 3.5 min

22. Chemical Indicators do not indicate sterilization • Written information about the indicators shall be obtained from the supplier covering: (a) How to interpret indicator results. (b) The factors affecting end-point colour change during storage of sterilized items. (c) The sterilization conditions that the indicator will detect. (d) The storage requirements and shelf-life of the indicator itself.

23. Packaging Instruments & Class 1 Chemical Indicators

24. 2.5 Restocking Consumable Materials Wrapping and packaging not expired Stock rotation Daily replenishment of stock - all shifts, you replace Storage containers / shelves - cleaned at regular intervals Know your environmental cleaning plan Identification of stock and stock numbers