Proposes procedures and process development which may be validated for cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment, and maintenance of associated environments in health care facilities. May be applicable for application to the instruments and equipment used exclusively on animals in veterinary practice. Does not apply to items intended by the manufacturer for single use only, nor to items that may be contaminated with unconventional infective agents, e.g. Creutzfeldt-Jakob, nor to goods such as dressings and bandages which may be obtained sterile from commercial sources, ready for use. Proposed as a Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard.