This recommended practice provides guidelines for steam sterilization in hospitals and similar health care facilities. These recommendations are intended to promote sterility assurance and to assist health care personnel in the proper use of processing equipment. This recommended practice specifically addresses: a) functional and physical design criteria for sterilization processing areas; b) staff qualifications, education, and other personnel considerations; c) processing procedures; d) installation, care, and maintenance of steam sterilizers; and e) quality control. Definitions of terms and a bibliography are also provided.