Sterilising Service Terms & Conditions

1. Scope of Service

These services are provided by PodMed Supplies based on the customer’s independent assessment that the service is suitable for their clinical and operational requirements.

Information regarding PodMed Supplies policies, procedures and sterilisation processes can be provided upon request to assist customers in undertaking their own risk assessment.

All sterilisation and handling processes are performed in accordance with PodMed Supplies internal quality management procedures and processes aligned with AS 5369:2023.
 

2. Instrument Ownership

Any instruments supplied by PodMed Supplies remain the property of PodMed Supplies unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Customer-owned instruments submitted for processing remain the responsibility of the customer.

Customers acknowledge that all reusable instruments submitted for sterilisation must:

• Be suitable for reprocessing

• Be maintained according to manufacturer instructions

• Comply with applicable Australian regulations, including ARTG requirements where applicable

PodMed Supplies reserves the right to refuse, quarantine or return any instruments considered unsafe, excessively damaged, heavily corroded, contaminated or unsuitable for compliant processing.
 

3. Sterilisation & Packaging

Instruments are supplied in compliant sterile packaging with a validated sterile shelf life of up to 12 months, provided packaging remains intact, dry and correctly stored in accordance with applicable standards.

Each pack is individually pouched, sterilised and labelled with traceability information including:

• Sterilisation date

• Batch or cycle number

• Expiry date

• Tracking information

Sterilisation cycle documentation and traceability records may be supplied electronically, physically or through the customer portal.

Validation evidence may include:

• Class 6 emulating indicators

• Process indicators

• Printex tracking labels

• Steriliser cycle confirmation records
   

4. Customer Responsibilities

The customer agrees to:

• Inspect all packs and instruments upon receipt and prior to use

• Ensure packaging remains intact and suitable for use

• Store sterile instruments according to applicable standards and manufacturer recommendations

• Use all instruments only for their intended clinical purpose and by appropriately trained personnel

• Remove all disposable sharps, blades and single-use items prior to return

• Wipe or remove visible debris from instruments prior to placing them in the used instrument container

• Place all used instruments into the supplied used instrument container and seal appropriately for transport

• Complete any required return documentation prior to collection or shipment

Customers must not use any sterile pack that appears:

• Wet

• Torn

• Punctured

• Opened

• Damaged

• Expired

• Otherwise compromised

Responsibility for sterile storage, handling and inspection transfers to the customer upon delivery.
 

5. Shipping & Courier Services

PodMed Supplies coordinates shipping and courier services as part of the sterilising service.

Shipping services may include:

• Delivery of sterile instruments

• Return shipping labels

• Courier pickup where available

• Return transport of used instruments

Courier services are provided through third-party transport providers and remain outside the direct control of PodMed Supplies.

While reasonable care is taken in packaging and transport coordination, PodMed Supplies is not liable for delays, loss or damage caused by third-party courier providers.

Turnaround times and delivery estimates are indicative only and may vary due to:

• Courier delays

• Weather events

• Public holidays

• Operational requirements

• Circumstances outside reasonable control

Customers must follow all provided packing and return instructions to ensure safe and compliant transport of used instruments.
 

6. Used Instrument Handling

A separate used instrument container marked “BIOHAZARD – Used Medical Instruments” will be provided for the return of used instruments.

Customers acknowledge:

• All sharps and disposable blades must be removed prior to return

• Instruments must be free from excessive visible contamination prior to shipping

• Containers must be sealed correctly before return shipment

PodMed Supplies reserves the right to refuse service or apply additional handling charges where returned items present an unreasonable contamination or sharps risk.
 

7. Instrument Damage & Maintenance

Reasonable wear and tear may occur during normal instrument use and reprocessing.

Damage outside normal wear and tear may be charged at up to 80% of the current retail replacement value. Damaged items charged to the customer may be retained by the customer.

Maintenance and servicing of PodMed Supplies-owned instruments is the responsibility of PodMed Supplies.

Maintenance, repair and replacement of customer-owned instruments remains the responsibility of the customer.

PodMed Supplies accepts no liability for wear, corrosion, deterioration, breakage or failure of customer-owned instruments submitted for processing.
 

8. Fees & Charges

Sterilisation and shipping charges are invoiced according to the applicable pricing schedule at the time of service.

Shipping charges may apply depending on total order value.

Unless otherwise agreed:

• Orders below $100 — $50 shipping

• Orders $100–$150 — $35 shipping

• Orders $150–$200 — $25 shipping

• Orders above $200 — Free shipping

All prices are exclusive of GST unless otherwise stated.

Accounts not paid within agreed trading terms may result in suspension of further services until payment is received.
 

9. Limitation of Liability

Instruments must only be used by appropriately trained healthcare professionals.

PodMed Supplies accepts no liability for:

• Improper use or misuse of instruments

• Failure to inspect packaging prior to use

• Incorrect storage after delivery

• Customer handling or transport errors

• Clinical outcomes associated with instrument use

• Delays caused by third-party transport providers

To the maximum extent permitted by law, PodMed Supplies’ liability is limited to the value of the sterilisation services supplied.

PodMed Supplies will not be liable for indirect, consequential or business losses including loss of income, cancelled procedures, clinic downtime or loss arising from delayed delivery or instrument unavailability.
 

10. Force Majeure

PodMed Supplies will not be liable for delays, interruptions or inability to provide services due to events outside reasonable control, including:

• Courier disruptions

• Equipment failure

• Power outages

• Natural disasters

• Supply shortages

• Industrial action

• Government restrictions
   

11. Acceptance of Terms

By utilising the services of PodMed Supplies, the customer acknowledges that they have:

• Read and understood these Terms & Conditions

• Undertaken their own risk assessment regarding use of the service

• Accepted the processes and limitations outlined above

• Agreed to comply with all return, handling and storage requirements

If additional information regarding PodMed Supplies processes or procedures is required, customers should request this prior to using the service.