AS 2487-2002

Specifies requireements for dry heat sterilizers of the hot air type intended for use in hospitals, hospital laboratories, office-based health care facilities and similar situations for the sterilization of instruments, metalware, glassware and oils. It does not apply to machines that sterilize fluids in non-vented bottles or liquids, oils and greases that have a boiling point less than the selected sterilizing temperature.

This Standard specifies requirements for dry heat sterilizers of the hot air type intended foruse in hospitals, hospital laboratories, office-based health care facilities and similarsituations for the sterilization of instruments, metalware, glassware and oils.This Standard does not apply to machines that sterilize—(a) liquids, oils and greases that have a boiling point less than the selected sterilizingtemperature; or(b) fluids in non-vented bottles.NOTES:1 The Standard applies to sterilizers that utilize circulated electrically heated air to maintain uniform sterilizing temperatures throughout the chamber.2 The sterilizers maintain a sterilizing temperature of not less than 160°C and an automatically controlled and recorded sterilizing cycle, to achieve the sterilizing function.3 The operating temperature and other details need to be discussed at the time of enquiry ororder. Attention is drawn to the need to verify that the material to be sterilized cansatisfactorily withstand the sterilizing temperature, which is not less than 160°C. For special purposes, a set temperature of 200°C may be required.4 Dry heat sterilization is used for anhydrous items and items sealed within impermeablecontainers that cannot be sterilized by steam under pressure but can withstand a temperatureof 160°C for a minimum holding time of 120 min plus the penetration time.5 While sterilizing oils or greases, flammable vapours may be produced, which could behazardous.6 Where oils to be sterilized are intended for use in eye drops or injections, additionalequipment (e.g., a simulated load probe and recorder) is required to reduce hazards to publichealth.

First published as AS 2487-1981.
Second edition 2002.