Specifies requirements for batch-type washers and washer/disinfectors that accommodate, empty, flush, wash, disinfect by thermal means (if a disinfector) and either partially or totally dry surgical instruments, utensils, human waste receptacles and anaesthetic equipment (including tubing) in health care facilities. Such machines may be either single-purpose or multi-purpose types, and may be supplied either with or without a disinfecting stage or a drying stage. Many of the principles set out can be applied to larger machines such as trolley washing machines. It is not intended that such machines treat single-use equipment, endoscopes, mechanical equipment or electrical components. Guidance on informaiton that should be supplied with enquiries and orders is given in an appendix.

This Interim Standard specifies requirements for batch-type washers and washer/disinfectors that accommodate, empty, flush, wash, disinfect by thermal means (if a disinfector) and either partially or totally dry surgical instruments, utensils, human waste receptacles and anaesthetic equipment (including tubing) in health care facilities.NOTES: 1 AS 2437 applies to machines that process only a single bed pan or not more than three urine bottles at the one time.2 Machines complying with this Standard may be either single-purpose or multi-purpose types, and may be supplied either with or without a disinfecting stage or a drying stage. Many of the principles set out herein can be applied to larger machines such as trolley washing machines.3 When operating multi-purpose types, care must be taken to ensure the correct cycle is selected.4 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.5 It is not intended that machines complying with this Standard treat single-use equipment, endoscopes, mechanical equipment or electrical components.6 Guidance on information that should be supplied with enquiries and orders is given in Appendix A.7 AS 4187 gives guidance on the use of washer/disinfectors.8 Standards for machines that wash, sterilize or dry medical equipment in health care facilities are listed in Appendix B.

First published as AS 2711-1984.Second edition AS 2711-1993.Revised and redesignated as AS 2945-1988.Revised and designated as AS 2945(Int)-2002. First published as AS 2711-1984. Second edition AS 2711-1993. Revised and redesignated as AS 2945-1988. Revised and designated as AS 2945(Int)-2002.