OHS026
Safe Work Procedure
Faculty/Division
Medicine
Document number
SOMS_IIR_SWP30
School/ Divisional Unit
SOMS
Initial Issue date
1-March-2010
Current version
1.0
Current Version
Issue date
1-March-2010
Next review date
1-March-2011
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
Title: Operation of SpeedVac Concentrator
Description: This SWP applies to the SpeedVac - located in room 525 of Wallace Wurth Building
Associated risk assessment title and location: Medicine server: Files-1-med/IRU/Common/Risk assessments
Describe the activity or process
Please do not use these machines unless you have been trained in their use. For each centrifuge, follow additional safety
information in the manual.
1.
Procedure
Switch on cold trap machine, located to the right of the main SpeedVac – leave for 30 minutes until use
Switch on pump – leave for 10 minutes until use
Switch on SpeedVac machine prior to use
Prior to use check oil level in pump (refer to clear covering on the front of pump)
Ensure all connections to all parts of machine are securely fastened. Failure to do so may cause inproper seal, reducing
vacuum
Prior to use, report following information into log book, located to the left of SpeedVac  Name of user, Date, Time and
duration of use, Oil level in pump, type of solution being dried down
Ensure appropriate rotor is attached to speedvac prior to drying samples
Tubes need to be appropriately balanced prior to use
When in use, stay with machine until it has reached maximum speed and vacuum is achieved
After use turn of all equipment so as not to over heat speedvac pump
Leave cold trap on after use, so waste does not evaporate. Empty Cold trap once every 2 weeks
2.
Clean up procedures
Do not leave liquid waste in the cold trap.
Leave the lid of the SpeedVac down to prevent dust from accumulating in the machine.
If the SpeedVac was switched to medium or high, turn it back to low after use.
3. Waste disposal procedure
Once every two weeks, dispose of the material in the cold trap appropriately (you may have to wait until it thaws). For example
if your sample had acetonitrile before lyophilization dispose of the liquid in the trap in the acetonitrile waste.
In the event of a spillage the centrifuge interior must be thoroughly cleaned using a mild non-corrosive detergent (eg. Viraclean
diluted 1:10).
If the spill contains biological material, (such as cell lines or human blood) the rotor and or buckets will need to be
decontaminated using neat Viraclean for 10 mins then soak up with absorbent paper and repeat. Dispose of absorbent paper
into the biohazard waste bag.
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Page 1 of 2
Safe Work Procedure
Uncontrolled document when printed
Date Effective: 01/01/2007
Current Version: 1.2, 15/08/2007
List all resources required including plant,
chemicals, personal protective clothing and
equipment, etc
Savant SC110A SpeedVac Concentrator
Pump
Cold trap
Tubes or samples
Balance
Lab coat
Gloves
List potential hazards and risk controls including
specific precautions required
Centrifuge rotor is a hazard while in motion – keep lid closed when in use
Centrifuge may be dangerous if operated when not properly balanced – Ensure centrifuge is properly balanced
Centrifuge may be hazardous if the rotor fails/breaks while in use – service equipment and inspect for wear regularly
Potential electrical hazard – ensure electrical cords are tagged and in good order
Ensure all tubes to and from pump are clear of oil prior, during and after use
List emergency shutdown instructions
In case of emergency, switch Speedvac off by pressing the OFF button, or by turning the main power off at power point (manual
timer models).
List clean up and waste disposal requirements
Remove all tubes and samples from speedvac after use. Clean up condensation with paper towel if it has formed inside the
centrifuge.
Waste – This will depend on your sample. Large volumes (>1 mL) of highly volatile liquids (eg. chloroform) will not collect in the cold
trap and may harm the vacuum pump, particularly if they are corrosive.
List legislation, standards and codes of practice used
in the development of the SWP
Australian Standard AS2243.7-1991. Safety in laboratories. Part 7: Electrical Aspects.
Australian/New Zealand Standards AS/NZS 2243.3:2002. Safety in Laboratories. Part 3: Microbiological aspects and containment
facilities.
Australian/New Zealand Standards AS 2243.6-1990. Safety in Laboratories. Part 6: Plant and Equipment aspects.
NSW OHS Regulation 2001
Supervisory approval, training, and review
Supervisor: Lincoln Gomes
Signature:
Plant custodian: Lincoln Gomes, checked by Jesse Goyette
Signature
List competency required:
All users must have completed the Laboratory safety course and be instructed in the use of the centrifuge prior to use.
SWP review date: 1-March-2011
Responsibility for SWP review: Plant custodian
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Page 2 of 2
Safe Work Procedure
Uncontrolled document when printed
Date Effective: 01/01/2007
Current Version: 1.2, 15/08/2007