What is autoclaving?

An autoclave machine is a device used in medical and laboratory settings to sterilize equipment and supplies. It works by using high-pressure steam to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Service and repairs to autoclaves typically involve maintaining and fixing the mechanical and electrical components of the device, as well as ensuring that it is functioning properly and meeting the relevant safety and sterilization standards.

Some common tasks performed during autoclave service and repairs include:

·     Cleaning and lubricating moving parts to ensure smooth operation.

·     Replacing worn or damaged gaskets and seals.

·       Checking the temperature and pressure sensors to ensure accurate readings. 

·       Testing the electrical systems and control panels to ensure proper operation.

·     Verifying that the autoclave sterilisation is reaching and maintaining the appropriate temperature and pressure during cycles. 

Service and Breakdown

All decontamination equipment should be validated, tested, maintained, and serviced as recommended by the manufacturer and in line with Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Provision and the Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) guidelines. 

It is also important to keep documentation of these services and repairs for future reference and to maintain a record of the device’s maintenance history.

Autoclave Validation

Autoclave validation is the process of demonstrating and confirming that an autoclave is capable of consistently and effectively sterilizing equipment and supplies to a high standard. The purpose of autoclave validation is to ensure that the autoclave is safe and effective for use, and to prevent the transmission of infection from contaminated equipment or supplies to patients.

The steps involved in autoclave validation typically include:

·     Measuring the temperature and pressure of the steam during the sterilisation cycle.

·     Conducting tests to confirm that the autoclave is reaching the required temperature. 

·     Checking the functionality of the control systems and safety features of the autoclave.

·     Documenting the results of the validation tests as per HTM 01-05.

It is important to regularly perform autoclave validation, typically at least once a year, to ensure that the autoclave is functioning properly and meeting the relevant sterilization standards. The results of the validation tests should be documented and kept on file for future reference. It is also important to have any necessary repairs or maintenance performed in a timely manner to maintain the effectiveness of the autoclave.

 

PVI for Autoclaves

PVI inspection is a periodic visual inspection of autoclaves. PVI stands for “Periodic Visual Inspection”. It is a routine check that is performed on autoclaves to verify their physical condition and ensure that they are in good working order. The purpose of the PVI inspection is to identify any visible signs of wear or damage that could affect the performance of the autoclave, such as cracks or corrosion in the chamber or damaged gaskets.

The steps involved in a PVI inspection typically include:

·     Visually inspecting the exterior and interior of the autoclave, including the chamber, gaskets, control panel, and electrical systems.

·     Verifying that all components are securely fastened and that there are no loose parts; verifying that the autoclave is clean and free of debris. 

·     Checking for any signs of corrosion, cracks, or other damage. 

·  Documenting the results of the PVI inspection and certification in partnership with one of the UK’s leading providers of independent pressure system examinations. 

It is important to perform regular PVI inspections to ensure that the autoclave is in good working order and to maintain its ability to effectively sterilize equipment and supplies. The frequency of PVI inspections may vary depending on the type and age of the autoclave, as well as the conditions in which it is used; most manufacturers recommend an annual inspection. The results of the PVI inspection should be documented and kept on file for future reference.

Hague Dental Engineers are qualified and experienced to repair, service and validate a full range of decontamination equipment to support your practice and to keep you up and running. Whether you need an emergency repair, an engineer to install a new piece of equipment, or its time for your annual service, we’d be delighted to help.

Supporting surgeries and clinics in Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Derbyshire, Dorset, Essex, Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, London, Middlesex, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Rutland, Shropshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire.

 

Our difference

Experienced and Certified

You can trust in the experience and expertise of our engineering team as every member is required to attend all the necessary training courses available from the world-leading manufacturers of the products we supply, as well as updating and refreshing their knowledge whenever appropriate.

Our team are authorised dealers and offer maintenance, service, and repairs to the following manufacturers: A-dec, Acteon, Belmont, Bien Air, Cattani, Durr, EnvisionTEC, Fedesa, MGF, NSK, Planmeca, Vatech and W&H.

Efficiency and Minimal Downtime

When our engineering team visits your practice to support your dental equipment, they understand the value of your time. Their expertise means everything is done efficiently and with minimal downtime, allowing you to focus on what you do best – helping patients.

Whether for your annual service, installation of equipment, or a dental equipment repair, our team ensure that the work is completed at a time that's convenient for you and your team.

Team Icon

Award-Winning Customer Service Team

Our engineering team is backed up by our office support team who are on hand to provide you with personal service. This includes our parts and warehouse teams working in the background to ensure we have the right stock of parts, and on occasions when 'special' parts are required coordinating with manufacturers.

Having been voted the BDIA's 'Customer Service Provider of the Year' for the last 5 years out of 7, and the 2021 'Service & Repair Team of the Year' you can rest assured that you will be well looked after.

Understanding Legislation

The experience of our team and our in-house dental knowledge ensures that we will deliver a fully compliant practice that adheres to those all-important legal and regulatory requirements, such as HTM 01-05 and CQC.

Our techincal team are regularly attending courses to advise us on the most recent requirements in regard to dental equipment. They work with you to ensure your practice is running to 'best practice' as much as is physically possible.

Flexible Payment Options

Our team works with you to offer a choice of payment options for your repairs and annual servicing as well as working with finance partners sometimes to spread the cost.

Service and maintenance contracts are also available, with a comprehensive annual maintenance contract - which allows you to control and account for all maintenance costs on a long-term, fixed basis.

Read the words of a few of our engineering clients

Ryan Howorko

Ryan Howorko

Dental Engineering

Smita Mehra

Smita Mehra

Squat Practice Development

Dileepan Sivakumaran

Dileepan Sivakumaran

Dental Engineering

Dipen Patel

Dipen Patel

Dental Reception Design & Refurbishment

Neel Jaiswal

Neel Jaiswal

Squat Practice Development

Noor Al-Jumaily

Noor Al-Jumaily

Dental Reception Design & Refurbishment

Adam Thorne

Adam Thorne

Dental Practice Relocation

Meet the Senior Engineering Team

We have a well established engineering team, that is supported by some incredibly experienced customer service advisors. They come together to support you and find solutions to any diagnostic, service, or installation query that you might have, offering the best personal service. We always aim to keep your downtime to a minimum, finding and resolving any issues that you might have as quickly  as possible. Rest assured that whenever there might be a problem that is more complicated, we will be on hand until the end to ensure it is resolved as efficiently as possible, communicating with you every step of the way.

Lee Hemsley

Lee Hemsley

Engineering Manager & BCAS Specialist

Artur Silva

Artur Silva

Head of Digital and Senior Engineer

Jose

Jose Taveres

Senior Engineer and Trainer

Ivan Strazicic

Senior Engineer

Kieran Hegarty

Kieran Hegarty

Senior Engineer