Moving an autoclave: clinic, lab and hospital

Two types, two moves

• Benchtop autoclaves, common in dental clinics and small labs: relatively light, packed like sensitive medical equipment.
• Floor-standing autoclaves, common in labs and hospitals: very heavy, needing heavy dollies, route planning and sometimes a crane.

Preparation

• The customer's technician disconnects power, water, drain and steam if present.
• Empty and dry the water reservoir and the chamber.
• Remove trays and shelves and pack them separately.
• Lock or secure the door so it cannot open in transit.

Route and access

A floor-standing autoclave can be wider than a standard door frame and heavier than some elevators allow. Openings, elevators and floors are measured in advance, and we check whether a door needs to come off or a crane is needed.

At the new site

• Placed in the planned position, next to water, power and drain connections.
• Levelled per the manufacturer's instructions.
• Connection, testing and restart are done by the customer's technician.
• Check with the manufacturer whether an extra inspection is required after a move.

More guides

• Relocating a hospital lab without interrupting serviceHow to move a clinical lab in a hospital in phases: backup from another lab, night moves, IT coordination and checks before returning to service.
• Moving a dental clinic: a guide to a quick moveHow to move a dental clinic: dental unit, compressor and suction, X-ray and autoclave, coordination with the technician and back to treating patients within days.