Clinical Sterilisation (CSSD) SWMS
Central sterile services department (CSSD) reprocessing operations — manual pre-clean, ultrasonic and washer-disinfector operation, steam autoclave, ethylene oxide and peracetic acid sterilisation, aeration, load-release biological indicators and sharps-handling protocols.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) reprocessing of reusable medical devices — manual pre-clean, ultrasonic and washer-disinfector cycles, steam autoclave, ethylene oxide and peracetic acid sterilisation, aeration and biological indicator release. Triggers WHS Regulation Part 7.1 (Hazardous Chemicals), AS/NZS 4187 compliance and Safe Work Australia exposure standards for sterilant gases.
Hazards identified
4 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Carcinogenic exposure, reproductive harm
Severe respiratory and eye burns
Bloodborne pathogen transmission injury
Thermal burns, scalding injuries
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Atmospheric monitoring for EtO and peracetic acid against SWA workplace exposure standards with alarms.
- 2Dedicated extraction ventilation, sealed sterilisers and full aeration cycles before chamber opening.
- 3Chemical-resistant PPE: nitrile gauntlets, face shield, fluid-resistant gown for decontamination zone tasks.
- 4Validated AS/NZS 4187 cycle parameters with biological indicator release before instrument despatch.
Applicable Codes of Practice
Hazardous chemicals register, exposure monitoring, health surveillance
Reprocessing reusable medical devices in healthcare facilities
High-Risk Construction Work triggered
EtO, peracetic acid and glutaraldehyde are scheduled hazardous chemicals requiring documented controls and monitoring.
SWMS mandatory before work; PCBU penalties up to $30,000 for non-compliance.
Who this is for
- →Public and private hospital CSSD managers and infection control coordinators
- →Day surgery and dental sterilisation contractors reprocessing reusable medical devices
What you receive
- ✓Editable DOCX SWMS customisable to your facility and equipment
- ✓State-specific WHS legislation schedule (all Australian jurisdictions)
- ✓Hazard register with risk matrix and residual scoring
- ✓Worker sign-on register for SWMS acknowledgement
Worked example
A metropolitan hospital CSSD deployed this SWMS across EtO and peracetic acid sterilisers. Atmospheric monitoring confirmed sub-WES exposures, aeration protocols eliminated residual gas complaints, and AS/NZS 4187 audit closed without non-conformances. Staff sharps incidents reduced 60% within six months.
Related legislation
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth model)
- WHS Regulation 2011 Chapter 7 — Hazardous Chemicals
- AS/NZS 2243.3 Safety in laboratories — Microbiological aspects