Frequently Asked Questions
Pedicure Practice – key questions answered clearly.
Which autoclave is best suited to a pedicure or foot-care practice?
For most pedicure and foot-care practices the compact Klasse B autoclave Pro 3 L is the most popular choice: small, fast and space-saving. For many treatments per day or several staff members we recommend the Pro 12 L with considerably more volume. The easiest way to find the right device is via our configurator.
Do I even need an autoclave in foot care?
Yes, as soon as you reprocess critical instruments that may come into contact with blood or skin injuries, a Klasse B autoclave is mandatory. This is regularly the case in pedicure, for example when removing calluses or working on nails on skin at risk of injury.
From when is a sterilizer mandatory in foot care or cosmetics?
An autoclave is mandatory as soon as you reprocess critical instruments, that is, instruments that penetrate the skin or may come into contact with blood or blood products. In purely cosmetic foot care without such instruments, the obligation may not apply.
What is a Klasse B autoclave and why do I specifically need one?
A Klasse B autoclave is a steam sterilizer with fractionated pre-vacuum that also reliably sterilizes wrapped, hollow and porous instruments. For reprocessing critical instruments in pedicure, Klasse B according to EN 13060 is the relevant standard.
Is the compact 3 L autoclave enough for my pedicure practice or should I choose the 12 L?
The 3 L is sufficient for most small practices with a manageable workload. From around 8 treatments per day or with several practitioners, the 12 L is worthwhile, offering many times the volume for a small extra cost. The configurator gives you a concrete recommendation in two minutes.
How long does a sterilization cycle take in pedicure?
The compact Pro 3 L offers a quick programme of around 7 minutes, so you have instruments available again promptly. The exact duration depends on the programme and the load.
Do I need a sealing device for foot care?
For pedicure, self-sealing sterilization pouches are usually sufficient; they are inexpensive and uncomplicated in everyday use. A separate sealing device is usually not strictly necessary.
Is a validatable sealing device mandatory in podiatry?
In Germany a validatable sealing device is in principle mandatory in podiatry, even though this is not strictly checked in every federal state. In simple foot care with self-sealing pouches, this requirement often does not apply. If in doubt, we are happy to advise you.
What is the difference between pedicure and medical podiatry in terms of reprocessing?
The podiatry practice more frequently works with critical instruments on skin at risk of injury, so that an autoclave, validation and documentation are strictly required. Cosmetic foot care may have lower requirements depending on the instruments used. What is decisive is always whether critical instruments are being reprocessed.
Does the Steri24 autoclave meet RKI requirements and is it compliant for podiatry?
Yes, the Steri24 Klasse B autoclave meets the applicable guidelines according to EN 13060 and is validatable in accordance with MPBetreibV and the RKI recommendation. It is also accepted in podiatry practices, including statutory health insurance approval; all documents and certificates are available for download with the product.
Do I need a fixed water connection for my pedicure autoclave?
No. The compact Pro devices have an integrated fresh-water and waste-water tank and are filled manually; the 3 L has no fixed water connection. You simply set up the device, switch it on and get started. From 12 L, a fixed water connection can optionally be retrofitted.
What water do I need for the autoclave?
For steam sterilization, demineralized or distilled water is used to avoid limescale deposits and damage. You can also order a suitable water treatment system such as AQUAdem to go with it.
How do I document the batches in pedicure in an RKI-compliant way?
With the Pro devices you document every batch in an audit-proof way via USB and an integrated thermal printer. You can print the logs directly or save them to USB, which is audit-proof and ideal for the inspection.
Is validation mandatory for a foot-care or podiatry practice?
As soon as you reprocess instruments that come into contact with blood, validation is also mandatory in podiatry and foot care. In purely cosmetic foot care without critical instruments it is often omitted, but it can be carried out later at any time.
What does the validation of an autoclave mean?
Validation is a formal test that proves your autoclave and the entire reprocessing process meet the applicable standards and sterilize reliably. It is carried out on site with your instruments as the load.
Does the initial validation always have to be carried out on site in my practice?
Yes, validation must be carried out on site with your instruments as the load, because it tests the actual conditions at the place of use. Shipping the device to the factory is not possible for this; a device sent in can be serviced, but not validated.
Can I already use the autoclave before the initial validation has been carried out?
Yes. The initial validation is a process validation and can also be carried out after commissioning; the autoclave is ready for use immediately after delivery. You can commission the validation appointment retrospectively at any time.
At what intervals must validation be repeated?
Revalidation is usually due every 2 years and is carried out on site. With very heavy use, a shorter interval may be necessary.
Who carries out the validation and can I do it myself?
The validation must be carried out by an authorized validator with special measuring technology and cannot be done by yourself. Steri24 handles the entire process on site; in principle it can also be carried out by another authorized provider.
Is the validation included when purchasing the autoclave?
The initial validation is not automatically included in the device price, because it has to be carried out on site. However, you can order it directly with the autoclave or book it separately afterwards.
Can I also buy an autoclave without validation?
Yes, you can order the autoclave without validation and commission it yourself according to the manual. Whether validation is mandatory depends on whether you reprocess critical instruments used on people. It can be booked later at any time.
How does the validation work?
During validation, the autoclave and the reprocessing process are assessed on site with sensors, including a vacuum test, an empty-chamber profile and several sterilization runs with your instruments. You then receive a validation report.
Do the Helix test and vacuum test replace validation?
No. The Helix test checks steam penetration into hollow bodies, the vacuum test checks the tightness of the system. The initial validation, by contrast, assesses the entire reprocessing process and is mandatory for users in human medicine.
Which routine tests do I have to carry out every day?
For the daily routine check you need test strips that are placed in the first cycle of the day; one pack lasts for about 100 steri-days. The integrated B&D / test programme is only needed by the validator or service technician.
How do I recognize on the log that sterilization was successful?
With the vacuum test it reads 'Result: OK', with other programmes at the end 'End: time and temperature'. If the run was not successful, an error message with an error code appears. How a used Helix test strip should look is described on its packaging.
How do I clean my pedicure instruments before sterilization?
Critical instruments are cleaned and disinfected before autoclaving, ideally in an ultrasonic cleaner or washer-disinfector. Only after that are they packaged and sterilized. Pre-cleaning does not replace sterilization.
Is an ultrasonic cleaner enough instead of an autoclave?
No. An ultrasonic cleaner is used for pre-cleaning and disinfection, but does not replace the sterilization of critical instruments. As soon as instruments come into contact with blood or injured skin, a Klasse B autoclave is additionally required.
Are UV or hot-air devices sufficient for foot care?
No. UV and hot-air devices are not sufficient for critical instruments; hot-air sterilizers are no longer approved for such instruments. For safe reprocessing you need a Klasse B autoclave.
Do instruments have to be sterilized wrapped?
Critical instruments that are stored sterile and reused must be sterilized wrapped so that sterility is maintained until use. In pedicure, self-sealing sterilization pouches are usually used for this.
How are wrapped instruments correctly labelled?
Labelling is done on the film side of the packaging. According to KRINKO, every package must be labelled in such a way that traceability is ensured; both handwriting and a label are permitted.
How long do sterilized instruments remain usable?
The storage life depends on the type of packaging and the storage conditions. What is decisive is dry, clean and protected storage; the packaging must be undamaged and correctly sealed. The details depend on the applicable hygiene specifications of your practice.
Which accessories do I need for reprocessing in pedicure?
Typical items are self-sealing sterilization pouches, test strips for the routine check, demineralized water or a water treatment system, and an ultrasonic cleaner for pre-cleaning. As a value bundle, the consumables are cheaper.
Do I need training or specialist qualification for the autoclave?
Instruction in the medical device is required. It can be purchased additionally or is already included with the initial validation together with set-up and commissioning. It is sufficient if at least one trained person handles operation and release.
Who is allowed to release the batch?
The release must be carried out by a trained or qualified person. Loading and release may be carried out by different people, as long as the release is done competently.
How big are the compact pedicure autoclaves and do they fit on my work surface?
The 3 L is ultra-compact and fits on practically any work surface. The 12 L needs a little more space, but is still designed as a benchtop device. We are happy to tell you the exact dimensions of your preferred model.
Can I pay for the autoclave in instalments?
Yes. Instalment payment is possible via Klarna or PayPal, so you can conveniently spread the purchase over several months. Simply get in touch with us about this.
Are there used or display devices for foot care?
As a rule we offer new devices only, because with them you receive a full warranty as well as on-site installation, maintenance and repair. Occasionally there are compact demo devices with a small discount; please feel free to ask about this.
How quickly is the device delivered and installed?
The devices are usually available at short notice. On request we handle delivery, installation and commissioning in accordance with the legal requirements, as well as the initial validation on site.
I don't know Steri24, why should I buy there?
Steri24 is a brand of CertoClav Sterilizer GmbH, a family-run manufacturer since 1957. We sell directly without intermediaries and handle the service ourselves, so that you get a dense on-site service network like that of established expensive providers, but at fairer prices.
How does Steri24 differ from established expensive providers?
You receive Klasse B devices according to EN 13060 with comparable performance, but at significantly fairer prices. Instead of selling through depots, we sell directly and handle service, maintenance and validation ourselves, with free travel in the DACH region.
Do I get on-site service if something doesn't work?
Yes. We operate on site with numerous locations and service partners throughout the DACH region and offer a 24h emergency service. Maintenance, validation and repair are carried out by our own trained technicians or authorized partners.
Does the service also apply in Austria and Switzerland?
Yes. We also have trained technicians and service partners in Austria and Switzerland who come on site for installation, validation, maintenance and repair. Please note that requirements and costs may differ from country to country.
How often does the autoclave have to be serviced?
Maintenance is generally required every 24 months, but earlier when a high number of cycles is reached. With the maintenance contract we remind you in good time and arrange the appointment.
Is there a maintenance contract and what is its benefit?
Yes. The maintenance contract covers the regular, prescribed maintenance work and can extend the warranty. We remind you in good time, take care of the execution, spare parts and report; the contract itself is free of charge.
What happens to my old autoclave?
We advise you on switching, take back your old device and dispose of it properly, regardless of the manufacturer. Many foot-care practices switch to us because their previous device has got on in years.
How long do the devices last?
With regular maintenance, our autoclaves have a very long service life of around two decades; the smallest device class a little less, due to the more compact construction. We keep spare parts available for a correspondingly long time.
What does the error message 'too little water in the tank' mean?
This message means that there is too little distilled water in the fresh-water tank. Fill up the tank and restart the cycle; if necessary, switching off and on again helps. If the message persists, contact our support via the service form.
What should I do if the autoclave reports a process as 'not passed'?
Send a photo of the sterilization log and fill in the service form at steri24.de/help. A technician will then check whether it is a genuine fault or an operating or sensor notice.
What should I do if water or steam escapes at the door?
Escaping water or steam usually indicates a worn or incorrectly seated door seal. As a precaution, switch off the device and fill in the service form so that a technician can check the seal.
How do I know which device and which size is right for my practice?
The easiest way is to use our autoclave configurator: in around two minutes you receive a suitable recommendation including accessories for your pedicure. Alternatively, we are happy to advise you by phone.
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