Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure an autoclave specifically designed for sterilizing ophthalmology instruments at McCord Provincial Eye Hospital. The procurement aims to ensure the availability of reliable sterilization equipment that meets specified standards to support ophthalmic surgical and diagnostic procedures.

Scope

The scope encompasses the supply, delivery, installation, testing, and commissioning of one autoclave suitable for ophthalmology instruments. The equipment must comply with technical specifications, standards, and quality requirements outlined in the tender documents. The scope also includes providing training, manuals, spare parts, and maintenance support throughout the equipment's lifecycle.

Technical Requirements

• The autoclave must operate on mains voltage 220V / 50Hz, with a power consumption not exceeding 1300 Watts and a power cord at least 3 meters long.
• The sterilization chamber must have a capacity of at least 5 liters with internal dimensions approximately 40 x 20 x 10 cm, including a stainless steel cassette with a stainless steel grid.
• The unit must feature microprocessor control for temperature, pressure, and cycle management, with predefined cycles for unwrapped, wrapped, delicate, and heavy load sterilization.
• The sterilization cycles must meet specified parameters:
  • Unwrapped instruments: 136°C for 3.5 minutes, total cycle ≤ 10 minutes.
  • Wrapped/hollow loads: 136°C for 6 minutes, total cycle ≤ 17.5 minutes.
  • Delicate items: 121°C for 15 minutes, total cycle ≤ 24 minutes.
  • Full load: 135°C for 6 minutes, total cycle ≤ 17.5 minutes.
• The sterilizer must have automatic air removal, drying cycle, LCD monitoring, manual stop button, optional built-in printer, and level indicators.
• It must conform to relevant standards such as EN 13060:2004, EN 61010-1:2001, and IEC 60601-1 for electrical safety.
• The device should include a minimum 24-month warranty, with provisions for maintenance, calibration, and spare parts supply for at least 10 years.
• Additional optional accessories, optional extended cycles, and upgrade policies should be clearly specified.

Skills Requirements

• The supplier must have a well-established service and repair facility in KwaZulu-Natal, with qualified technicians trained by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
• Technicians must possess OEM-certified training certificates and be available within 24 hours for maintenance or repairs.
• The bidder must provide comprehensive training to the Department's technical staff on operation, calibration, maintenance, and repair of the autoclave, including PCB-level troubleshooting.
• The supplier should demonstrate experience in supplying sterilization equipment to healthcare facilities, with references and proof of evaluation by government or reputable institutions.
• Provision of detailed manuals, software, spare parts, and ongoing technical support throughout the equipment's lifecycle is mandatory.