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Laboratory Equipment Safety - Centrifuges

What’s at Stake? A laboratory was damaged when rotor of ultracentrifuge failed during use. Flying metal fragments damaged walls, the ceiling and other equipment. The shock wave blew out the laboratory's windows and shook down shelves. The cause – likely the use of a rotor that wasn’t approved for the centrifuge.

What’s the Danger? Centrifuges have potential for injury • Unbalanced rotors can result in injury or death • Container breakage can release harmful aerosols • Rotors on high-speed centrifuge and ultracentrifuge units are subject to powerful mechanical stress - can result in rotor failure • Improper loading/balancing can cause rotors to break loose while spinning

How to Protect Yourself Most centrifuge accidents result from user error. Follow these steps for the safe operation of centrifuges: 1. Ensure centrifuge bowls and tubes are dry and the spindle is clean. 2. Ensure the rotor is properly seated on the drive shaft.

How to Protect Yourself 3. Use safety cups to contain potential spills and prevent aerosols. 4. Inspect tubes or containers for cracks or flaws before using them. 5. Avoid overfilling tubes or other containers.

How to Protect Yourself 6. Use matched sets of tubes, buckets and other equipment. 7. Make sure tubes or containers are balanced in rotor. 8. Only check O-rings if you are trained. 9. Close the centrifuge lid during operation.

How to Protect Yourself 10. Don’t exceed rotor’s maximum speed. 11. Check centrifuge is operating normally before leaving area. 12. Let rotor come to a complete stop before opening lid. 13. For infectious materials, wait 10 minutes after rotor comes to a complete stop before opening the lid. 14. Use decontamination and cleanup procedures for spills – report incidents immediately.

Final Word There a few important guidelines for operating a centrifuge. Following them can prevent damage to the centrifuge and possible serious injury to you and others.