STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Operation/Equipment: Pressure Steam Washing
According to manufacturer’s guidelines and required policies within the laboratory and university,
special precautions must be taken when operating equipment or performing procedures within the
laboratory. The following information includes recommendations for operation and any procedures
needed in order to operate equipment within the laboratory. This Standard Operating Procedure
will be followed along with the requirements of the Hazard Communication Plan
Brief description of operation and/or equipment in use: High pressure steam cleaning. Refer to the
manufacturer’s operator manual for specific operational and safety guidelines.
**Attach additional pages as needed**
Brief Safety Overview:
● The Principal Investigator is responsible for training employees using the equipment on site.
The training should include a discussion of the known and potential hazards of material used
in conjunction with material; an explanation of the relevant policies, techniques and
procedures including the proper use of personal protective equipment, emergency/spill
procedures and containment equipment (engineering controls).
● Limit access to authorized users.
● Require applicable training.
Equipment used during operation:
Location of operation/equipment:
Handling and Storage Instructions:
Cleaning with Pressurized Steam:
1. Steam cleaning uses superheated dry steam delivered under pressure. It has a dual cleaning and
disinfectant function: the high temperature of the steam is very efficient at killing micro-organisms,
while the pressurized steam loosens dirt and greasy deposits, which are then pulled into the
machine using vacuum suction.
2. It is suggested that correct use of the machines is at least as effective as conventional cleaning at
removing soiling from surfaces, and will be better than conventional cleaning at cleaning crevices
and other difficult to reach surfaces.
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3. Correct training in the use of steam cleaners is particularly important. As soon as steam is
released into the atmosphere for cleaning it will rapidly, in less than one second, condense into
minute water droplets. Through evaporation, the water droplets will cool very quickly. Moist heat
above 80°C will kill pathogens except bactericidal spores. If the steam nozzle is too far away from
the surface being treated, or passes over it too quickly, this temperature will not be reached. The
achievement of an effective level of performance, therefore, depends entirely on the skill and
training of the user, in ensuring that the steam nozzle remains the optimum distance from the
treated surface and that each part of the surface receives optimum length of exposure.
4. Follow manufacturer’s operator manual for specific operational and safety guidelines. Attach
operational procedures from specific equipment manual to this SOP.
Pressure Washer Safety Requirements:
Pressure washing or power washing is the use of high-pressure water spray (usually between 750 to
4000 psi) to clean surfaces and remove grime, debris and dirt from surfaces and objects such as
buildings, vehicles and concrete surfaces. Safety requirements include:
- Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment – boots, safety glasses, gloves and hearing
protection are required.
- Always operate pressure washer in a well-ventilated area free of flammable vapors,
combustible dust, gases or other combustible materials.
- Keep clear of nozzle and spray! Never put your hand, fingers or body directly over the spray
nozzle
- Never point the high-pressure discharge spray at yourself or anyone else. Always keep
operating area clear of all persons.
- High pressure hoses and fuel lines should be inspected before each use for signs of wear. If
evidence of failure exists, promptly replace all suspect hoses and fuel lines to prevent the
possibility of injury from the high-pressure spray. If a hose or fitting is leaking never place
your hand directly on the leak.
- Wet surfaces can be slippery, wear protective foot gear, and keep good footing and balance
at all times.
PPE required: Based on manufacturer’s recommendations and label of any cleaning chemicals
being used.
Skin/Body Protection (example: Lab Coat)
Eye protection
Face shield
Respirator (example: N95):
Hand protection (example: Nitrile gloves):
Cleanup/Decontamination procedures for work area/equipment after use:
Created: June 2013 Revised: xxxxx Page 2
This Standard Operating Procedure must be placed in the Hazard Communication Plan. All laboratory
personnel must be familiar with safe handling practices (i.e., training with documentation of training) when
working with this equipment. This must be incorporated into the comprehensive Hazard Communication Plan
of the laboratory. If you have any questions regarding a comprehensive mandatory laboratory chemical
hygiene plan please contact your Representative at Environmental Health and Safety (292-1284). For any
other questions or concerns, please contact:
PI contact information
Name:
Office Phone:
Cell phone:
Date:
E-mail:
Home phone:
P.I. Signature ___________________________________________________________
Created: June 2013 Revised: xxxxx Page 3
