AS 2945-1998

Specifies requirements for batch-type washers and washer/disinfectors that accommodate, wash, disinfect by thermal means (if a disinfector) and either partially or totally dry surgical instruments, utensils and anaesthetic equipment in health care facilities (including tubing). Machines complying with this Standard may be either single-purpose or multipurpose types, and may be supplied either with or without a disinfecting stage or a drying stage. Also, many of the principles set out in This Standard may be applied to larger machines such as trolley-washing machines. Machines are not intended to treat single-use equipment, endoscopes, mechanical equipment, electrical components, bedpans or urine bottles. Guidance on information that should be supplied with enquiries and orders is given in an appendix.

This Standard specifies requirements for batch-type washers and washer/disinfectors that accommodate, wash, disinfect by thermal means (if a disinfector) and either partially or totally dry surgical instruments, utensils and anaesthetic equipment in health care facilities (including tubing).NOTES:1 Machines complying with this Standard may be either single-purpose or multipurpose types, and may be supplied either with or without a disinfecting stage or a drying stage. Also, many of the principles set out herein may be applied to larger machines such as trolley washing machines.2 Corrugated tubing and rebreathing bags may require additional drying. There is an inherent difficulty in drying these items, because of the tendency for droplets to remain in troughs of corrugations. The use of drying cabinets enables drying times of washer/disinfectors to be reduced, so that urgently needed equipment that is easily dried may be returned to service soon after it has dried without being subjected to the extended times that are required to dry corrugated tubing and rebreathing bags.3 It is not intended that machines complying with this Standard treat single-use equipment, endoscopes, mechanical equipment, electrical components, bedpans or urine bottles.4 Guidance on information that should be supplied with enquiries and orders is given in Appendix A.5 AS 4187 gives guidance for the use of washer/disinfectors.6 Standards for machines that wash, sterilize or dry medical equipment in health care facilities are listed in Appendix B.

First published in part as AS 2711-1984.
AS 2945 first published in 1987.
Second edition AS 2711-1993.
AS 2945-1987 and AS 2711-1993 revised, amalgamated and designated AS 2945-1998.