SA 2 & SA 2 IU
Operation and Maintenance Manual
Manual 160 Issue 06
Page 8 of 16
3.6.1 Cleaning of Jar and Lid
In many cases it is sufficient to clean with warm or hot water to which some weakly acidic, neutral or
weakly alkaline cleaning agent has been added.
•Cleaning is a pre-requisite for all types of decontamination. Sterilisation will not be
effective on a jar that is still soiled. In addition, proteinaceous matter may become
baked onto the surface.
•Gloves, apron and eye protection must be worn when cleaning by hand.
•The jar, lid and other parts must be separated before cleaning to ensure all
surfaces that may be contaminated are cleaned.
•Special attention should be paid to the overflow valve assembly and passageway
attached to the lid.
•Always pre-clean SA 2 parts under water and in a deep sink using detergent and
hot water to remove visible contamination - A soft brush may be used.
•Items must be examined after the cleaning process, to ensure that all visible soiling
is removed.
•Rinse well to remove any cleaning agent and avoid surface damage.
3.6.2 Cleaning of the ‘O’ Ring Seal
In many cases it is sufficient to clean the ‘O’ seal with warm or hot water to which some weakly acidic,
neutral or weakly alkaline cleaning agent has been added. The ‘O’ ring seal is a re-usable item but
must not be autoclaved. Thoroughly dry the ‘O’ seal after cleaning. Inspect the ‘O’ ring seal after
cleaning to ensure it is not cracked or damaged in any way. Replace if necessary.
3.6.3 Sterilisation
Sterilising by steam autoclaving -
•Ensure removal of all visible soiling.
•The SA 2 must be dried prior to sterilisation. This reduces the likelihood of lime
scale build up and ensures adequate steam penetration.
•The SA 2 jar should be inverted on the tray.
•Sterilise in a high temperature Autoclave at 138°C for a minimum of 3 minutes.
In contrast to standard autoclaving conditions, i.e., 121°C for 15 to 30 minutes, the SA 2 may be
subjected to temperatures up to 138°C, thus reducing the amount of time needed for sterilisation.
When sterilising with steam, germicides and detergents must be rinsed thoroughly from parts prior to
autoclaving. Failure to thoroughly remove germicides and detergents from the parts prior to
autoclaving may cause accelerated degradation. Permanent immersion of parts in steam causes loss
of material properties and must be avoided.
Care must be taken to ensure that the SA 2 parts are not damaged by substances added to the
boiler feed water, such as alkaline corrosion inhibitors, and that the SA 2 jar is positioned in such a
way that no condensation can accumulate inside it as this may also cause damage.
The SA 2 complies with ISO 10079-1 and will undergo 30 sterilisation cycles before deformation may
become visible. Stress cracking and fracture may occur after further autoclave cycles. As a rule, it is
possible to sterilize the SA 2 many times before gradual chemical decomposition reduces the
mechanical strength to a level where it is no longer adequate for its application. Sterilization tests
have shown that even after 100 cycles of 30 minutes each at 120 to 125°C, the material still retains
comparatively good impact strength.
Service UK Health and Safety Act – The unit must be decontaminated internally and externally and
certified as such before returning for service. Help Line 01932 355277
