An autoclave (figure 3.1) is a metal ' pan' whjch is speciaJly designed to create and withstand the heat and pressures necessary for sterilisation.
The only type of autoclave which can be used with total safety in a salon environment is an electrical one which has a fully automatic cycle. A measured amount of water is placed into the autoclave, and the pre-washed tools are placed on a rack above the water so that the steam can circulate freely around them. The }jd is d osed and the autoclave switched on. During use the water boils, creating steam which forces the air out of the pan through a valve. When all the air has been expelled, this valve d oses. The pressure builds up inside the pan, which causes the temperature to rise. When the sterilisjng temperature has been reached, the automatic programme maintains the temperature and pressure for the required length of time and then switches off th e autoclave.
When the pressure returns to normal the lid can be removed and the sterile articles taken out.
Articles taken from an autoclave are sterile only until they come into contact with the air or some other item. If sterility has to be maintained, it is therefore necessary to transfer them to a sterilising cabinet. In the salon, however, the purpose of sterilisation is to.
