OHS026
Safe Work Procedure
Faculty/Division
Medicine
Document number
SOMS GBD SWP 015
School/ Divisional Unit
School of Medical Sciences
Initial Issue date
13-03-2009
Current version
1.0
Current Version
Issue date
20-04-2010
Next review date
20-04-2013
The Writing Safe Work Procedures Guideline (OHS027) should be consulted to assist in the completion of this
form.
Safe Work Procedure Title and basic description
Use microcentrifuge
Title:
Description: To spin down solutions following vertex
Associated risk assessment title and location: RA Handing human tissue 020, RA Bench top centrifuge 003 and RA Waste
management 015 located in Room 209B.
Describe the activity or process
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The centrifuge can only be opened when the green light is off.
Open the lid and place the tube in the rotor, make sure that the rotor is balanced before start.
Set the time using the dial on the front of the centrifuge.
Set the RPM required using the dial on the front of the centrifuge.
Close the centrifuge lid.
Press the black button to start the spin.
When spin is finished, wait for the green light going off and then open the lid.
For a quick spin, just close the centrifuge and hold the black button in.
Clean up the spills if there any.
List all resources required including plant,
chemicals, personal protective clothing and
equipment, etc
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Spray bottle of 70% alcohol
Lab gown, disposable gloves, close shoes
Sample in tubes
List potential hazards and risk controls including
specific precautions required
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Damage to the rotor or lid can cause failure of centrifuge – inspect for damage before start using.
Potential electrical hazard – do annual inspection of electrical equipment and ensure inspection tag is current.
Unstable centrifuge caused by incorrectly balanced tubes – train all users to balance the centrifuge well with the tubes
before to start spin.
Spills from unsecured lid – train all users use of centrifuge correctly, the centrifuge will not operate if the lid is not closed.
Contamination from spills – the centrifuge lid cannot be opened until it has completely stopped spinning, wear gloves,
mask and lab gown. Spills are cleaned immediately with 70% alcohol.
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Page 1 of 2
Safe Work Procedure
Date Effective: 01/01/2007
Uncontrolled document when printed
Current Version: 1.2, 15/08/2007
List emergency shutdown instructions
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Centrifuge has “OFF” switch that can be used in emergency.
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Shut all electrical equipment off at power point in case of emergency.
List clean up and waste disposal requirements
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Wipe down all spills with 70% alcohol and then with water
Collect the liquid waste into waste bottle and dispose the tubes, tips and gloves in biological or chemical waste
List legislation, standards and codes of practice used
in the development of the SWP
NSW OHS Act 2000
NSW OHS Regulation 2001
Australia Dangerous Goods Code
Code of Practice for the Labeling of Workplace Substances
AS/NZS 2243.2:2006. Safety in laboratories. Part 2: Chemical aspects
Australian Standard AS2243.6-1990. Safety in laboratories. Part 6: Mechanical Aspects.
Australian Standard AS2243.7-1991. Safety in laboratories. Part 7: Electrical Aspects.
AS/NZS 2161.1:2000 Occupational Protective Gloves – Selection, Use and Maintenance
Safe Work Procedure Form (OHS026)
UNSW Hazardous Waste Disposal Procedure
Supervisory approval, training, and review
Supervisor: Prof E Burcher
Signature:
Plant custodian:
Signature
List competency required – qualifications, certificates, licensing, training - e.g. course or instruction:
SWP review date: 20-04-2013
Responsibility for SWP review: Fei Shang
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Page 2 of 2
Safe Work Procedure
Date Effective: 01/01/2007
Uncontrolled document when printed
Current Version: 1.2, 15/08/2007