OHS026
Safe Work Procedure
Faculty/Division
Medicine
Document number
POWCS.RESP.SWP01
School/ Divisional Unit
SWS Clinical School and School of Medical Sciences,
Initial Issue date
15 April 2010
Current version
1.1
Current Version
Issue date:
04/04/2013
Next review date
04/04/2014
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:
Usage of centrifuge
Description: To ensure the proper use of the centrifuge
Associated risk assessment title and location: POWH, CSB, level 2
Describe the activity or process
Procedure
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Switch the centrifuge on.
Open the lid by pressing the Door Button once only, if the lid is locked. Open the lid with your hand.
Prepare your tubes and balance them using bench top balance.
Load your tubes into the swinging bucket, symmetrically. Choose tube adaptor according to your tube size (15ml
or 50ml). If you using round bottom tubes, please choose the round bottom tube adaptor.
Close lid by pulling down the lid, press firmly on the two front corners of the lid.
Lock lid: Keep your hands away from the edge of lid. Press Door Button once only, wait until the Door Indicator
turns on.
Set centrifuge parameters: Speed (rpm/rcf), time (minutes) and temperature.
Speed: Press Speed Button once (or twice to change between rpm/rcf), use number pad to set speed, then press
Enter Button.
Time: Press Time Button once, use number pad to set time, then press Enter Button.
Temperature: Press Temperature Button once, use number pad to set temperature, then press Enter Button.
Review settings: Press Show Button to review your settings.
Press Enter Button, then press Start Button. The centrifugation process starts.
After the centrifugation run is completed, and the centrifuge has come to a full stop, press Door Button once only,
wait until the Door Indicator turns off. This means that the lid is unlocked. Open the lid with your hand.
Retrieve your samples.
Leave the lid open (to let any condensed moisture dry) and switch the centrifuge off (if no other user will be using
it in the next 30 minutes.
If your tubes are not balanced, the centrifuge will vibrate (this will damage the centrifuge). In such cases, please
press the red coloured Stop Button once immediately to stop the centrifuge urgently.
If you accidently spill your samples in the centrifuge chamber, please clean with a paper towel, followed by wiping
with Viraclean Disinfectant, then wipe off completely with paper towels rinsed with tap water. Wipe with 70%
ethanol, and finally wipe the chamber dry with paper towels. If you have to clean the hinge of the swinging bucket,
please place a notice to stop other users from operating this centrifuge until the hinge of the swinging bucket is
lubricated properly.
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Safe Work Procedure
List all resources required including plant, chemicals,
personal protective clothing and equipment, etc
Materials & Equipment
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Centrifuge
Tubes, such as Falcon tubes
Viraclean Disinfectant (for cleaning centrifuge for spills)
Personal Protection
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The laboratory gowns must be worn at all times as well as gloves and enclosed shoes.
List potential hazards and risk controls including
specific precautions required
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Loss of tissue culture suspension due to tube not being closed properly.
Risk Control: Double check the lid of your tubes.
Crush your fingers when locking the lid:
Risk Control: Keep hands away from the lid when locking the lid.
Mechanical hazard from imbalance of substances in centrifuge:
Risk Controls: balance tubes using bench top balance.
Centrifuge rotor is a hazard while in motion:
Risk Controls: Keep lid closed when in use.
Centrifuge may be hazardous if the rotor fails/breaks while in use:
Risk Controls: service the equipment and inspect for wear regularly. Be aware of the expiry date marked on the
rotor arm.
Potential electrical hazard:
Risk Controls: ensure electrical cords are tagged and in good order.
List emergency shutdown instructions
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In the case of an emergency, switch the centrifuge off by pressing the red coloured STOP button, or by switching
it off at the power point (this is the last option).
List clean up and waste disposal requirements
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Leave the lid open and switch off after your usage to dry the condensed moisture and prevent corrosion.
If you accidently spill your samples in the centrifuge chamber, please clean with a paper towel, followed by
wiping with Viraclean Disinfectant, then wipe off completely with paper towels rinsed with tap water. Wipe with
70% ethanol, and finally wipe the chamber dry with paper towels. If you have to clean the hinge of the swinging
bucket, please place a notice to stop other users from operating this centrifuge until the hinge of the swinging
bucket is lubricated properly.
List legislation, standards and codes of practice used in
the development of the SWP
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NSW OHS Act 2000
NSW OHS Regulation 2001
Australian/New Zealand Standards 2243.3:2002. Safety in laboratories - Microbiological aspects and
containment facilities.
Australian/New Zealand Standards 2243.6-1990. Safety in Laboratories-Part 6: Plant and Equipment aspects.
Australian Standards 2243.6-1990. Safety in laboratories - Mechanical aspects
Supervisory approval, training, and review
Supervisor: Paul Thomas
Signature:
Plant custodian: Paul Thomas
Signature
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Safe Work Procedure
List competency required – qualifications, certificates, licencing, training - eg course or instruction:
 UNSW Laboratory Safety Awareness training
 UNSW Occupational Health and Safety Awareness training
 UNSW Hazardous Substances training
 Training in the use of Beckman Advanti J-E centrifuge by the assigned custodian.
SWP review date: 23/04/2013
Responsibility for SWP review: Paul Thomas
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Safe Work Procedure