Eschmann LS5 User manual

LS5

VACUUM & NON-VACUUM AUTOCLAVES

Instructions for use

1 10151

ST-IM61e

Preliminary
Information

Safety notes

and cautions

Installation

Operation

Cleaning, care

and maintenance

Technical data

Read these Instructions before use

Keep these ‘Instructions for use’ in a safe convenient place for future reference. Read in
conjunction with the Publications detailed in Section 1.4 and 1.5.

Eschmann After Sales Service Department

The Eschmann After Sales Service Department is staffed and equipped to provide advice and
assistance during normal office hours. To avoid delays when making enquires, please quote the
Model and Serial Number of your Autoclave which is shown on the Serial Number plate, the
location of which is shown in Fig. 2 item 8. Please ensure you include all alpha and numeric digits
of the Serial Number.

For further information visit www.eschmann.co.uk

All correspondence relating to the after sales service of Eschmann Equipment to be addressed to :

UK Customers

Eschmann Equipment, Peter Road, Lancing, West Sussex BN15 8TJ, England.
T el: [phone]. Fax: [phone].

Overseas Customers

Contact your local distributor. In case of doubt contact Eschmann Equipment.

Patents and Trade marks

The ESCHMANN name and logo are registered trade marks of Eschmann Holdings Limited.
“Eschmann Equipment” is a trading name of Eschmann Holdings Limited.
“Little Sister” and “LS5” are trade marks of Eschmann Holdings Limited.

Patents Pending plus: Pat. US5090033 and Pat. GB2238407.

Copyright © 2005 Eschmann Holdings Limited

All rights reserved. This booklet is protected by copyright. No part of it may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise without written permission from Eschmann Holdings Limited.
The information in this publication was correct at the time of going to print. The Company, however,
reserves the right to modify or improve the equipment referred to.

The CE marking affixed to the product certifies that it complies with the
European Medical Devices Directive 93/42/EEC and related legislation.

Instructions for use

ST-IM61e May 2005

VACUUM & NON-VACUUM AUTOCLAVES

Contents

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2 Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3 Limitations on use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4 Electrical safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

5 General safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

6 Conditions for safe use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

7 Warning markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

8 Safety features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

9 Declaration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

10 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

11 Control and panel details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Mains switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Push-button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Digital displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

12 Initial preparation for use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

13 Loading the autoclave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

14 Running a cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

15 Special programmes/Functions/Tests . . . . . . 9

16 Cleaning and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

17 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

18 Printer instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Paper roll renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Ribbon cartridge renewal . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Spares pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

19 Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

20 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

LS5

Appendix 1 - Cycle B4 notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Appendix 2 - Safety checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Appendix 3 - Daily record sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Table 1 Key to display A2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Table 2 Special functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Table 3 Error numbers and remedies . . . . . . . . 14

ST-IM61e P3/20

1 Introduction

WARNING

Read these instructions before use and keep them in
a safe convenient place for future reference. The use
of this autoclave should be under the control of a
person with adequate sterilization training. The
operator remains responsible for ensuring that the
load is suitable for the process adopted. The autoclave
should only be used as specified by the manufacturer
and detailed within these instructions. Never tamper
with, bypass or interfere with any of the safety features.
There are no ‘operator’ serviceable parts inside the
autoclave. Eschmann Equipment is not responsible
for malfunction, or a reduced level of protection
provided by the equipment, if used in a manner not
specified by them. Only use in conjunction with
Eschmann accessories and mains lead.

RESERVOIR WATER QUALITY CAUTION

a. Eschmann recommend filling the reservoir with

‘Sterile Water for Irrigation’. This is low in
dissolved solids and has a low microbial count.
In the U.K. the Department of Health recommend
that ‘Sterile Water for Irrigation’ is used in bench­top Autoclaves (NHS Estates document
HTM2031).

b. If ‘Sterile Water for Irrigation’ is not being used

then Eschmann strongly recommend the use of
either distilled water, deionized water, purified
water or water treated by the reverse osmosis
process. These types of water are low in
dissolved solids and can help reduce the effects
of tap water detailed below.

c. DO NOT USE TAP WATER, this is high in

dissolved solids and can deposit lime scale,
block filters and cause damage to the pressure
vessel.

1.1 For Customers on the Mainland of England,
Scotland and Wales, or on the Isle of Wight ONLY, when
you receive your Autoclave ensure that you complete your
Service Guarantee and Registration Card, and then
FREEPOST it to Eschmann Equipment. Failure to return
this card means you will not benefit from our FREE
installation service, which will ensure your Autoclave is
correctly installed, plus a FREE service visit during the
following 12 months.

1.2 This manual applies to the following Autoclaves fitted
with software version 1.51 (see section 19.7) or later:-

SES Little Sister 5 Autoclave

(from Serial Number L5NC....) REF 87-060-01

SES Little Sister 5 Vacuum Autoclave

(from Serial Number L5SA3C1001) REF 87-060-25

It is also applicable to earlier models of the LS5 autoclave
that has been upgraded by Eschmann or their accredited
agents and has software version 1.51 (see section 19.7)
or later.

1.3 These Autoclaves are designed for the sterilization
of instruments, utensils and other items. Only the Vacuum
models can sterilize wrapped or pouched items and hollow
instruments. They operate automatically and have
programmes at 134°C and at 121°C (with and without
drying). For sterilization times, refer to section 19.

1.4 The Service Manual (ST-SM33) containing a
technical description, complete maintenance procedures
and an illustrated list of spare parts is available on request
from the Eschmann After Sales Service Department.

1.5 A Manual (ST-IM55) providing the ‘Manufacturers
recommended instructions for testing vacuum autoclaves’
to the applicable parts of HTM2010 and DB9804 is available
on request from the Eschmann After Sales Service
Department.

d. Eschmann also recommend changing the water

in the reservoir on a weekly basis, with the type
of water detailed in ‘a’ (or ‘b’) above. This will
reduce the build-up of contaminants in the water
that may cause blocked filters and/or damage
to the pressure vessel. Your local Health
Authority may suggest that you change the
reservoir water more frequently. Eschmann
advise you to follow your local Health Authority’ s
recommendations.

P4/20 ST-IM61e

LS5

VACUUM & NON-VACUUM AUTOCLAVES

2 Hazards

2.1 The operator should be aware of the following
hazards:-

a. Burns to the operator caused by contact with hot

accessible surfaces of the load (use the ‘tray lifter’
to remove the sterilized load) and high temperature
internal surfaces of the chamber. Scalds to the
operator caused by hot water and/or steam from
the reservoir, from the chamber on opening the door
and from overfilling the reservoir.

b. The hazard of scalds and burns from contact with

hot surfaces are greater during validation when the
covers may be removed which also exposes the
risk of electric shock. V alidation should therefore only
be carried out by a qualified engineer.

c. Infection, caused by contact with water in the

reservoir if the reservoir is not drained and left to
dry as described in these instructions for use.

d. The autoclave indicates a successful cycle, but the

load remains non-sterile because the load is not
suitable for the cycle selected. All loads and loading
conditions should be validated. It is recommended that
the operator consults the instructions for use of the
items to be autoclaved and if in doubt consult a qualified
microbiologist (or in the UK an Authorized Person).

3 Limitations on use

5 General safety

IMPORTANT

The design of the autoclave pressure vessel is
approved by a third party to International Standards.
In order to ensure safety and to comply with UK
and/or International regulations, the vessel and
fittings should be inspected by a ‘competent person’
at intervals of no more than 14 months. This can be
carried out by an Eschmann trained engineer. Also
see Appendix 2.

5.1 The operator should follow these general safety
measures:-

a. Do not cover the ventilation ports at the rear.
b. Do not use abrasive powders, chemicals, or

solutions containing chlorine to clean the autoclave.

c. Do not attempt to open chamber door until unit has

cooled and internal pressure has fallen sufficiently to
allow the door to be opened, by pressing the
button.

d. If an error display appears during a cycle, do not

switch-off power until discharge of hot water or
steam into the reservoir has stopped.

6 Conditions for safe use

6.1 This autoclave has been designed for use in the
following conditions only:-

3.1 The operator should be aware of the following
limitations during use:

a. Never use trays or cassettes without perforations.
b. Do not process porous loads (e.g. drapes and

gowns) or fluids in this autoclave.

c. Items in pouches should only be processed as

detailed in these instructions.

d. Do not use in zones of risk associated with

flammable anaesthetics.

e. When sterilizing instruments not of solid metal

construction, the manufacturer of the instrument
must be consulted about its suitability for
autoclaving. (Note: The sterilizing temperature may
be exceeded during the drying phase).

4 Electrical safety

4.1 The operator should follow these electrical safety
measures:-

a. This equipment must be earthed.
b. Switch ‘off’ unit and disconnect from mains power

supply before renewing fuses, fitting the printer,
checking and cleaning the autoclave.

c. Do not attempt to service this equipment internally.

a. Indoor use.
b. Altitude from sea level up to 2000 metres.
c. Temperature 5°C to 40°C.
d. Maximum relative humidity 85% for the temperature

range above.

e. Mains supply voltage fluctuations not to exceed

±10% of the supply voltage.

Note: If it is required to operate this Autoclave outside of

these conditions, contact Eschmann Equipment at
the address given in these instructions.

7 Warning markings

7.1 The warning markings on this equipment have the
following meanings:

Caution; refer to accompanying documents
(i.e. these Instructions for Use).

Caution; hot surface. This symbol warns the
operator of high surface temperatures on the outside
of the equipment.

WARNING: DO NOT USE TAP WATER
(see CAUTION in section 1)

ST-IM61e P5/20

8 Safety features

8.1 The autoclave incorporates these safety features:­a. Door Interlock Switch and Door Catch Interlock

Switch. These prevent a programme starting if the
door and catch are not properly closed.

b. Pressure Relief Valve (safety valve). This valve

safely releases excess pressure up to a maximum
of 2.85+10%barG.

c. Microcomputer. The microcomputer constantly

monitors all key functions. If an error arises, it stops
the cycle, discharges pressure, and causes the
appropriate message to be displayed

d. Overheat Control. The microcomputer operates in

conjunction with an independent manual reset thermo­stat to protect the heating element from overheating.

e. Band Heater Thermostat (vacuum units only). This

prevents the band heater exceeding a preset
temperature.

9 Declaration

9.1 The design of the autoclave pressure vessel is

approved by a third party to International Standards. This
equipment is defined as:-

Installation Category 2 (Overvoltage Category 2)
Pollution Degree 2 (in accordance with IEC664).

10 Installation

10.1 The Autoclave should be installed by a competent

person. UK Customers should arrange for this equipment
to be installed by an Eschmann Trained Engineer before
use. (For free installation and service, see section 1.1). All
programmes and functions can be deactivated or reactivated
by an Eschmann Trained Engineer, on request. The ability
to achieve this is protected from tampering, access can only
be gained by use of a ‘password’. Note that a levelling kit
(part number 1 12713) is available for the feet.

Cycle temperature button. Each time the button
is pressed the cycle temperature will alternate between

134°C and 121°C. The temperature selected will be
indicated by the LED C adjacent to the temperature.

Unwrapped load (with drying) cycle button. Press
the button to select a cycle for an unwrapped load

with a drying phase after sterilization. The LED C
adjacent to the button will illuminate to show that

this cycle has been selected.

Unwrapped load (without drying) cycle button.

Press the button to select a cycle for an unwrapped
load without a drying phase after sterilization. The

LED C adjacent to the button will illuminate to
show that this cycle has been selected. (Also see
Appendix 1)

Programme ‘P’ button. This button can be used in
combination with other buttons to activate special

programmes, functions and extended sterilization
cycle times. For more details see Section 15.

Cycle start button. (Always press and hold) Pressing
the button will start the selected cycle.

Open door button. (Always press and hold) When
the cycle has been completed (indicated on the process

display chart ) press the button to
open the door.

Single wrapped load (with drying) cycle button.

(Vacuum autoclaves only) Press the button to
select a cycle for a single wrapped load with a drying
phase after sterilization. The LED C adjacent to the

button will illuminate to show that this cycle has
been selected. See section 15.5 for daily testing
information.

11 Control and display details

1 1.1 Open out the illustration page at the very back of this
manual to familiarise yourself with the controls and displays
shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

11.2 Mains switch

The mains switch is positioned at the front of the autoclave
(bottom left). The symbol ‘I‘ indicates ‘on’ and the symbol
‘0’ indicates ‘off’ (see 10, Fig. 2).

11.3 Push buttons (see Fig. 1)

Display change button. Button is disabled during

sterilization and drying phases. At any other time press
the button to display the cycle counter in display

D1. If the autoclave is running a cycle the display will
show the cycle number in progress, or, if a cycle is not
running the counter will show the number of cycles
completed (including any aborted). The display will

revert to show the time of day five seconds after the
button is released.

11.4 Digital displays (see Fig. 1)

D1 Time, cycle counter, sterilization or drying time

(remaining), or error number display. This display

normally shows the time of day (to adjust the time
display see section 15.4, Special Functions, F8).

Whilst pressing button this display will show the
cycle counter (see in section 11.3). During the

sterilization or drying phase of a cycle (if applicable)
the display will show the number of minutes remaining
for that phase of the cycle. In the event of an error
occurring it will display an error code. For more details
on the error codes see Table 3.

D2 Temperature display. This display normally shows

the actual chamber temperature. During special
functions it may display other details see details in the
‘Special functions table’.

D3 Pressure display. This display normally shows the

measured chamber pressure. During special functions
it may display other details see details in the ‘Special
functions table’.

P6/20 ST-IM61e

LS5

VACUUM & NON-VACUUM AUTOCLAVES

11.5 Indicators (see Fig. 1)

A1 Low water indicator. When this indicator is

illuminated the water reservoir is low and should be
refilled before the next cycle is started (see section

12.5).
A2 Process display indicator. This indictor

has 19 LEDs that illuminate to show the stage reached
during a sterilization cycle. Each LED indicates a
stage and this is detailed in Table 1.

A3 Door unlocked indicator. This indicator is

illuminated when the door is unlocked.

A4 Door locked indicator. This indicator is illuminated
when the door is locked.

C Selection indicators. These indicators illuminate to

show which function has been selected (cycle or
temperature).

12 Initial preparation for use

12.1 When lifting or moving the Autoclave (with at least
two people), place the hands under the base at each side
of the unit. Place the autoclave on a flat, level, water and
heat resistant surface and ensure there is a working
clearance of 150 mm on the left hand side. Do not cover
the ventilation ports at the rear of the autoclave. The
autoclave does not require wall clearance at the back and
can be positioned flush against a wall (unless an extraction
unit is fitted see 12.6). Also see section 10.1.

12.5 With the door open fill the reservoir via the filling
cup (item 2, Fig. 2) up to the ‘MAX’ mark* engraved inside
the filling cup. Eschmann recommend the use of ‘Sterile
Water for Irrigation’ alternatively distilled or deionized water,
or water treated by reverse osmosis process can be used.
DO NOT USE TAP WATER. Close the door onto the
secondary catch only .
* Note: Only two litres of water are required to operate the
autoclave, the reservoir does not require filling to the ‘MAX’
mark if only a few cycles are to be run before the reservoir
is drained (see 16.2).

12.6 The autoclave has been designed to accept
standard 100mm domestic extraction ducting at the rear
of the unit. Before connecting the unit to an extraction
system (to remove exhaust steam) check which type of
reservoir is fitted. If it has 4 plugs (‘A’ in Fig.3) remove
them and reposition them in the holes marked ‘B’ in Fig. 3.
If the plugs are not provided block of the holes marked ‘B’
in Fig. 3 with suitable adhesive tape and carefully make
four holes (6mm diameter) as shown ‘A’ in Fig. 3. Do not
allow any swarf to enter the reservoir or make the holes
lower than indicated.

WARNING

This equipment must be earthed. Ensure that the
mains plug is easily accessible during use as this
is the means of disconnection.

12.2 The unit is supplied with an IEC mains input socket
at the rear (see C, Fig. 3) and a selection of mains input
leads. If the lead has a fused plug the correct fuse will be
installed. If an alternative plug is fitted ensure that the plug
is earthed and check that the fuse (if it is a fused plug) is
appropriate for the voltage of the equipment (see rating
plate on base of cabinet item 8, Fig. 2). Connect the
required ‘Eschmann’ lead to the rear socket, DO NOT use
equivalents.

12.3 Connect unit to mains power supply and switch on
by selecting unit power switch ‘0-I’ to ‘I’ (10, Fig. 2). V arious
displays will illuminate to show the autoclave has been
connected correctly , and is ‘on’.

12.4 T o open the chamber door (16, Fig. 2) press button
B7 (Fig. 1) and then push the secondary catch (item 15,
Fig. 2) to the left (when viewed from the front) to release
the door. Remove the tissue paper from the door and
accessories from within the chamber. Remove all packing
pieces carefully and dispose of these and the carton in
accordance with applicable recycling practices.

3

13 Loading the autoclave

CAUTION

When loading the autoclave take care that you do
not damage the door or front face of the chamber,
especially the door seal and mating face. Damage
to these parts can adversely affect performance.
When loading pouches ensure they do not make
‘paper cuts’ in the door seal.

13.1 Check you have read the limitations on use
(section 3) and the technical specification.

13.2 Operators should note that as load types and load
arrangements vary greatly, validation of particular load
arrangements is essential (e.g. wrapped cassettes and
maximum loads). Steam penetration can also be affected
by extremes of humidity. If in doubt, seek advice from a
qualified microbiologist or Authorised Person.

13.3 The autoclave is designed to sterilize instruments,
not to wash or clean them, therefore before loading
instruments into trays cassettes or pouches they should
be pre-washed. Preferably instruments should be washed

ST-IM61e P7/20