Pressure Vessels

Autoclaves and small pressure vessels must have American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Underwriters Laboratory (UL) certifications, unless exempted by size and operating pressure. Staff and lab workers must follow manufacturer’s operating, inspection, testing and maintenance instructions. An inspection is required every two years by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) or its authorized agent. If the equipment is physically damaged, it must be repaired and recertified, or taken out of service and disposed.

Procuring and operating autoclaves and other small pressure vessels

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• Ensure your autoclave or pressure vessel is designed and constructed in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, as indicated by a placard.
• If you are on the Seattle campus, notify UW Facilities to include your pressure vessel in their inventory for periodic inspection by (L&I); look for a state ID sticker (green stamp) on the equipment, indicating it has been inspected by the agency every two years.
• Refer to the Biohazardous Waste page for autoclave safety information.

Developing and setting up research pressure vessels and apparatus

• Use vessels or components that have been certified (e.g., ASTM, ASME, UL), or at least tested by the manufacturer, to withstand your operating pressures, plus a margin of safety (verified through manufacturer’s listing or calculations by a qualified engineer).
• Include a qualified engineer to perform design calculations with appropriate safety factors.
• Limit operating pressure to 15 pounds per square inch (psi) and provide a pressure relief valve not to exceed 15 psi.
• Request review and approval of your research pressure vessel by EH&S and L&I,  if required, before operating it.
• Use a metal or shatter-proof glass or plastic screen to protect personnel from physical injury.
• Use a pressure relief valve that is just above the operating pressure but well below the pressure limit of the vessel.
• Limit and carefully control the application of heat.
• Provide a pressure regulator that is appropriate and designed for the system.
• Periodically inspect the equipment setup for physical damage or stress.
• Use a lower pressure or a different system (e.g., a pump) if it will not adversely affect the research.
• Consider all conditions that may affect the pressure vessel (gas versus liquid, heating/cooling, corrosion).
• Wear your safety glasses, lab coat and any other designated personal protective equipment.

UW personnel are required to submit an incident report to Environmental Health & Safety for any work-related event that results in an injury, illness, exposure to hazardous materials, or fire, regardless of the work location. UW personnel are highly encouraged to submit work-related near-miss events. Visit the Incident Reporting page for more information.