Autoclave
maintenance

Like any mechanical device, autoclaves periodically require a technical maintenance plan because alongside proper day-to-day running and good routine maintenance, this will ensure that it lasts a long time and performs efficiently throughout its working life. It will also help to avoid any unbudgeted expenses or unexpected breakdowns which would slow down the activities of your dental practice. So, it is a good idea to be aware of what simple routine
steps need taking, how the autoclave should be operated on a day-to-day basis and, naturally, how the technical maintenance plan needs to be worked in. Here are Euronda’s guidelines in any easy-to-read chart:

• every 500 cycles or yearly;
• every 1,000 cycles or every 2 years;
• every 1,500 cycles or every 3 years;
• every 2,000 cycles or every 4 years;
• every 2,500 cycles or every 5 years;
• every 3,000 cycles or every 6 years;
• every 3,500 cycles or every 7 years;
• every 4,000 cycles or every 8 years.

In accordance with article 2 of European Directive no. 93/42/CEE, maintenance of Medical Devices (and therefore also of autoclaves) is mandatory and essential to maintain CE marking. It is also essential because: 

• It ensures that equipment continues to be reliable.
• It is paramount for keeping the validity of the warranty intact or extending the warranty.
• It must be carried out by authorised Euronda technicians with original parts and it must be certifiable. Failing this, coverage under the warranty or extended warranty will lapse.

Technical maintenance schedule aside, it is also fundamental that the person using the autoclave on a daily basis contributes to its general upkeep by taking some simple precautions. These straightforward steps play a huge role in making sure the autoclave stays reliable and continues to work well. Here are three excellent pieces of advice (for Euronda autoclave E8, E9 and E10):

1. Cleaning the chamber and the door

Roughly every 100 cycles, it will be necessary to clean the autoclave chamber where the implements and tools are housed.​ It is quite normal for debris and dirt to build up in the course of daily activities and this particularly occurs on the bottom of the chamber. Removing this residue and cleaning the surfaces is as important as it is easy and quick.
Here is how to do it:

• When the machine is switched off (and cold), take out its inner parts: basket and
  instrument trays.
• Now dip a cloth, or the sponge provided, into some water (distilled water is the best
  choice) but make sure to use no detergent.
• Sponge off or wipe all the chamber surfaces, paying particular care to the bottom, the
  door and the creases in the seal of the chamber opening because this is where
  residue and debris tend to build up mostly.

2. Cleaning the water tank compartments

As it contains the water needed to make the autoclave work​, the tank compartment also needs cleaning periodically if your autoclave is going to work better and last longer.​ Here is how you do it:

• Drain the tank compartment with the pipe provided and remove the lid. We
  recommend wearing gloves throughout the procedure so you are protected from any
  contaminants.
• Use a cloth or some paper towels to wipe away any debris or dirt which will probably
  have settled on the walls and bottom. Removing any residue is crucial because it will
  stop the filters from getting blocked.
• Take out the filters and wash them under the running tap. Once this has been done,
  you can put the filters back in and fill the tank compartment again.
• Please bear in mind that the autoclave’s longevity depends on the quality of the
  water to a great extent. Therefore, in addition to using the right water (which is not
  always possible), we recommend adopting a suitable water treatment system.

3. Request messages for technical support

In some circumstances, the autoclave will itself bring a problem or malfunction to our attention​. In such an event, do not hesitate. Make contact with an authorised technical support​ centre without delay. Ignoring any reported malfunctions, however minor, could lead to bigger problems and more serious complications which might negatively affect the autoclave and its activities.​ By getting the technician to replace any worn or damaged parts as quickly as possible, you help to keep the autoclave in good working condition and protect any other parts as well.