Ethylene oxide sterilization, (also known as EO sterilization), is the most common sterilization method in all sterilizations. It is a low-temperature sterilization, and its liquid and gas have a strong antimicrobial effect. It can kill all kinds of microorganisms, including bacterial propagules, spores, viruses and fungal spores. It is a broad-spectrum disinfectant. The gas has a stronger microbicidal effect. The principle of action is that ethylene oxide can undergo non-specific alkylation with microbial protein, DNA and RNA, making the carboxyl and carbon dioxide on the protein an inert gas. In addition, the catalyst is mixed with ethylene oxide, which is not only safe to use, but also Greatly reduce its toxicity. However, ethylene oxide is a colorless gas, which is flammable, explosive, toxic, and easily soluble in water. There are potential risks and safety hazards in ethylene oxide sterilization. In order to reduce and eliminate hidden dangers of insecurity, we must:

 

1. Regular training of professional knowledge and emergency handling for ethylene oxide staff. After excessive exposure to ethylene oxide, quickly move the patient away from the poisoning site and immediately breathe in fresh air; after skin contact, rinse the contact area with water for at least 15 minutes while removing dirty clothes; eye contact with liquid ethylene oxide or high-concentration epoxy Flush the eyes with ethane gas for at least 10 minutes. If you encounter an idiopathic condition, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

 

2. Keep the ethylene oxide sterilizer and gas cylinders or gas tanks away from fire and static electricity. All personnel entering the sterilization workshop shall not bring lighters, matches and flammable and explosive materials into the workshop to avoid unsafe accidents.

 

3. The storage place of ethylene oxide should be free of fire, no rotating motor, no sunlight, good ventilation, and the temperature should be lower than 40℃. Dispose of in strict accordance with the storage requirements for flammable and explosive materials formulated by the state.

 

4. When sterilizing and adding medicine, the operator should not use too much force when injecting the medicine and opening the bottle, so as to prevent the medicine from spraying out.

 

5. The equipment engineer should strictly follow the manufacturer's requirements and regularly clean, repair and debug the ethylene oxide sterilization equipment to avoid gas leakage.

 

6. Ethylene oxide can form toxic ethylene glycol when it meets with water, so it cannot be used for food sterilization to prevent food poisoning.

 

7. The air concentration of the ethylene oxide working environment is monitored every year to ensure the health and safety of the employees' working environment.

 

8. Develop emergency rescue plans and conduct drills to enhance employees' awareness of safety precautions.