OHS026
Safe Work Procedure
Faculty/Division
Medicine
Document number
SOMS.CGM.SWP004
Initial Issue date
12 June 2009
School/ Divisional Unit
School of Medical Sciences
Oncology Research Unit/Neuromuscular and
Regenerative Medicine Unit
Current version
Current Version
Next review date
1
12 June 2012
Issue date:
12 June 2009
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: Centrifuge Use
Description: Safe use of centrifuges (excludes Ultracentrifuges)
Associated risk assessment title and location: 04_RA_Centrifuge Use_AK
Describe the activity or process
Laboratory centrifuges: An apparatus used in the laboratory for separating substances of different density
or particle size, when suspended in a fluid, by spinning them about an axis in a suitable container.
Operation
 Only suitably trained persons may operate a centrifuge.
 Before use, the rotor, its lid and seals must be examined for cleanliness and damage (a build-up of
chemicals from spillages may cause a tube to jam in the rotor or cause corrosion that could lead to a
rotor failure). Damaged rotors must not be used and should be reported to the Lab Manager, dirty rotors
must be cleaned by the approved method. (see rotor care).
 Never fill centrifuge tubes above the maximum recommended by the manufacturer.
 Check the minimum safe volume for the rotor, tube and speed of centrifugation from the manufacturers.
 Always use tubes that are specifically designed to be used in centrifuges and never centrifuge above the
manufacturers recommended speed.
 Never exceed the maximum stated speed for any rotor.
 Balance the rotor to within the limits specified (take care that materials of similar densities are in
opposite positions of the rotor). The higher the speed the rotor needs to be balanced more precisely,
ie weigh centrifuge tubes plus contents on a scale.
 Do not operate the centrifuge without the appropriate rotor cover securely fitted and its seals in place.
 Check compatibility of tube material to solvent medium. (some solvents may cause the tubes to swell or
crack in the rotor)
 Use only correctly fitting tubes.
 Clean up spillages immediately. Use appropriate PPE if necessary.
 Do not use chemicals that are explosive, highly flammable or have vigorous chemical interaction without
observing the appropriate safety precautions to minimise risk of vapour build-up.
 Never attempt to open the lid of a centrifuge or slow the rotor by hand or open the lid while rotor is in
motion as serious injuries may be incurred.
 Only authorised and suitably trained persons may service or repair a centrifuge, report all faults
promptly, do not attempt repairs yourself. Do not use the centrifuge until the fault has been inspected or
repaired.
Rotor Care
 Stress corrosion is thought to be initiated by certain combinations of stress and chemical reaction. If the
rotor is not kept clean and chemicals remain on the rotor, corrosion will result. Also, any moisture left for
an extended time can initiate corrosion. It is important that the rotor is left clean and dry. (Wash with mild
detergent and warm water). Dry the rotor thoroughly and store upside down with the cover and tubes
removed.
 Do not expose aluminum rotor components to strong acids or bases, alkaline lab detergents or salts
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Safe Work Procedure
Date Effective: 01/01/2007
Uncontrolled document when printed
Current Version: 1.2, 15/08/2007
(chlorides) of heavy metals (e.g. caesium, lead, silver or mercury.) Use of these can initiate corrosion.
List all resources required including plant,
chemicals, personal protective clothing and
equipment, etc
Materials and Equipment
Eppendorf Centrifuge 5424
Eppendorf Centrifuge 5810
Eppendorf Centrifuge 5414R
QikSpin Centrifuge
Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment
 Laboratory coat/gown
 Gloves
 Mask (if possibility of aerosols)
List potential hazards and risk controls including
specific precautions required
1) Physical Injury due to spinning rotor
Risk Controls: proper training, proper and regular maintenance; do not exceed maximum speed stated for rotor and
centrifuge, never fill centrifuge tubes above the maximum recommended by the manufacturer, balance the rotor to
within the limits specified, maintain rotors in good condition.
2) Infections from aerosols
Risk Controls: proper training, proper and regular maintenance; do not exceed maximum speed stated for rotor and
centrifuge, never fill centrifuge tubes above the maximum recommended by the manufacturer, balance the rotor to
within the limits specified, maintain rotors in good condition, clean up spillages immediately
3) Potential electrical hazard
Risk Controls: annual inspection of electrical equipment and ensure inspection tag is current.
List emergency shutdown instructions
For centrifuges, turnoff at power point. If unable or unsafe to do so use the emergency cutoff
switch (red button) for the laboratory (Rm 502) located on the wall near the entrance to the lab.
List clean up and waste disposal requirements
If rotor or centrifuge becomes contaminated wash with mild detergent, warm water and then 70% ethanol.
Dry the rotor thoroughly after washing.
List legislation, standards and codes of practice used
in the development of the SWP
NSW OHS Act 2000
NSW OHS Regulation 2001
Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances
AS/NZS 2243.2:2006. Safety in laboratories. Part 2: Chemical aspects
AS/NZS 2243.3: 2006 Safety in laboratories Part 3: Microbiological aspects and containment facilities
AS/NZS 2243.6-1990. Safety in laboratories. Part 6: Mechanical Aspects.
AS/NZS 2243.3:2006 Safety in Laboratories Part 7 Electrical aspects
AS/NZS 2161.1:2000 Occupational Protective Gloves – Selection, Use and Maintenance
Safe Work Procedure Form (OHS026)
Supervisory approval, training, and review
Supervisor: Edna Hardeman
Signature:
Plant custodian:
Signature
List competency required – qualifications, certificates, licencing, training - eg course or instruction:
Training as per the Training Needs Analysis, Induction to Lab, training in this SWP
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Safe Work Procedure
Date Effective: 01/01/2007
Uncontrolled document when printed
Current Version: 1.2, 15/08/2007
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Page 3 of 3
Safe Work Procedure
Date Effective: 01/01/2007
Uncontrolled document when printed
Current Version: 1.2, 15/08/2007