OHS026
Safe Work Procedure
Faculty/Division
Medicine
Document number
School/ Divisional Unit
nephrology
Initial Issue date
1.9.2010
RCFUGE.SW
Current version
1.1
Current Version
Issue date
10.1.2012
Next review date
10.1.2015
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
Basic Operating Procedures for the High-speed Floor-mounted and Low-speed
bench top centrifuges
Title:
Associated risk assessment title and location: :
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Safe Work Procedure
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Describe the activity or process
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Background & Scope:
There are a number of different centrifuges available:
(1) Bench top micro-centrifuges (non-refrigerated),
(2) Bench top low-speed centrifuges (refrigerated & non-refrigerated),
(3) Floor-mounted ultra-centrifuge (refrigerated).
The basic operating procedure for any centrifuge is similar, however certain procedures are
unique to each model. This SOP outlines basic operating procedures/instructions that cover
the different centrifuge types, as well as specific guidelines for some of them. For
comprehensive operating procedures for any particular centrifuge, please consult the relevant
user manual.
General Centrifugation Procedures/Instructions:
1.
Firstly, identify the appropriate centrifuge to use (see below).
2.
Make sure you are familiar with how to use the centrifuge. If not, please read the
relevant user manual and/or get someone familiar with the correct operating procedures
to show you how to use it.
3.
Make sure that the samples you wish to spin are contained within the appropriate
centrifuge tubes/bottles. It is very important that you are familiar with both the chemical
resistance and the maximum tolerated G-force rating of the tubes you wish to use (for
example: 0.5 ml tubes have a maximum of 9000xg not 14,000xg and 50ml FalconTM
tubes cannot be used in the floor-mounted centrifuges). Stressing polymers with an
inappropriate chemical and/or an inappropriate speed could be disastrous (eg.
polycarbonate tubes with solutions containing phenol will dissolve).
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4.
Prepare balance tube(s) if required. Please note that volume is NOT the correct measure
to use when different chemicals are used, or when the samples are to be centrifuged at
high speed. Chemicals have different densities and will hence have different weights at
the same volume. Therefore, when centrifuging at high speed (> 4000 rpm) and/or
when using large volumes (>50 ml), accurately adjust the weight of your balance tubes
to match that of your samples (correct to two decimal places). Note: Particular care is
required when using the ultra centrifuge due to its high g/RCF capacity. Balance tubes
are to match sample tubes to three decimal places for this centrifuge.
5.
If using a swing bucket rotor, make sure that the rotor and the buckets are secure but able
to move freely in their brackets (as per the specifications), and that you have selected
the correct inserts/adaptors before commencing the run.
NB. the Renal
SW55TI swing out rotor is down rated to 35,000 rpm;
use all 6 buckets in the correct positions with the correct caps correctly threaded.
An important point to remember:
A rotor accident as a result of an imbalance, WILL not only damage the centrifuge and
destroy your samples, it may also result in serious operator injury. Remember that
small differences in weight will be amplified at high speed!
1.0 gram at 60,000rpm is equal to 1000 kg or 1 tonne in the centrifuge tube.
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List all resources required including plant, chemicals,
personal protective clothing and equipment, etc
Correct tubes, balance, balancing tubes.
List potential hazards and risk controls including specific
precautions required
Use of Ultracentrifuge. Imbalanced tubes can cause accident.
Two main rules that must be followed;
1. Balance ultra-centrifuge tubes to at least the third decimal place weight using pan
balance.
2. The vacuum should be turned off only after the rotor has come to a complete stop.
3. Tubes must be sealed against the vacuum; this means using the swing out rotor with
screw on caps, or for the angle rotors, tubes with heat seals or special caps for each
tube.
List emergency shutdown instructions
Contact supervisor or senior person in lab. Call emergency, try to alert all the people in
the lab, secure area where accident has happened if you can and then leave premises
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List clean up and waste disposal requirements
Follow Laboratory waste management
Generally, treatment with 1% active chlorine (Bleach) for 30 minutes is adequate for
liquid waste/spills.
List legislation, standards and codes of practice used in the
development of the SWP
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Guidelines for dealings with Genetically modified organisms in accordance with
the gene technology legislation
Section 4 Classification of laboratory practices and procedures (AS/NZS
2243.3:2002)
Management of biological spills: Guidelines Version: 2 (section 5, AS/NZS
2243.3:2002)
Appendix E: Chemical disinfectants (AS/NZS 2243.3:2002)
Laboratory Cleaning. Section 8 (AS/NZS 2243.3:2002)
Waste Disposal Section 9 (AS/NZS 2243.3:2002)
Gene technology Procedure version 0.1, 01/11/2006
www.ogtr.gov.au/pubform/index/htm
www.riskman.unsw.edu.au/ohs/genetech or
(http://www.hr.unsw.edu.au/ohswc/ohswc_home.html)
AS/NZ 2243.3:2002 Safety in Laboratories
Section 4: classification of laboratories, practices and procedures.
AS/NZ 2243.3:2002 Safety in Laboratories
Section 6: general precautions and special equipment.
Management of Biological Hazardous Spills or Accidental Release of
Biological Agents (UNSW Draft v2, March 2001).
AS/NZ 2243.3:2002 Safety in Laboratories
Section 5: laboratory spills.
AS/NZ 2243.3:2002 Safety in Laboratories
Appendix E: chemical disinfectants.
AS/NZ 2243.3:2002 Safety in Laboratories
Section 8: laboratory cleaning.
AS/NZ 2243.3:2002 Safety in Laboratories; Section 9: waste disposal
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Supervisory approval, training, and review
Supervisor:
Signature:
Plant custodian:
Signature
List competency required – qualifications, certificates, licencing, training - eg course or instruction:
SWP review date:
Responsibility for SWP review:
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