This recommended practice covers steam sterilization in health care facilities. Therecommendations are intended to promote sterility assurance and to guide health carepersonnel in the proper use of processing equipment. Included within the scope of therecommended practice are functional and physical design criteria for sterilization processingareas (decontamination, preparation, sterilization, and sterile storage areas); staffqualifications, education, and other personnel considerations; processing procedures;installation, care, and maintenance of steam sterilizers; quality control; and quality processimprovement.