CENTRIFUGE GUIDANCE

Background Most common centrifuge incidents are related

to the centrifuge rotors. All centrifuges are at risk of rotor-related

damage. Contributing factors to rotor-related incidents

can include: Improper use. Inadequate centrifuge and rotor

maintenance. Age-related metal fatigue. Centrifuge design issues.

Guidance for Lab Managers & EHS Reps

Example signfor Sorvall

centrifuges

Include centrifuge awareness in lab-specific training.

Create a lab job for centrifuge maintenance. Ensure centrifuge and rotor manuals are

easily accessible to users. Place appropriate reminder signs on

centrifuges.

Create log book to record usage and errors. Individual runs: Date, speed and length of run,

rotor used, user name and lab

Rotor details: Serial number, model number, and age.

Repair and maintenance records

Have centrifuges and rotors routinely inspected for signs of damage and excessive wear.

Guidance for Lab Managers & EHS Reps

Guidance for Users Prior to use:

Receive centrifuge-specific training from an experienced user.

Learn how to properly secure rotors and balance tubes.

Refer to centrifuge and rotor manual for information on proper usage.

Using the centrifuge: Wear appropriate PPE for the hazards used in

the centrifuge.

Check the rotor and centrifuge for signs of damage prior to use.

Check compatibility: Contents with tubes, tubes with rotor, and rotor with centrifuge.

Tubes:

Don’t overfill.

Make sure they are balanced.

Guidance for Users

Using the centrifuge continued: Make sure rotor is correctly seated in

centrifuge.

Standby until the centrifuge gets to full speed.

Stop the centrifuge if there are any strange noises or shaking.

Record spin details in log book.  

Guidance for Users

After the spin: Check for error messages. Clean up spills inside the rotor and drum to

prevent imbalance. If a problem is suspected:

Put a note on the centrifuge alerting others not to use it.

Report the problem to the lab manager or other appropriate person.

Guidance for Users