SOP - Centrifuge Safety

This standard operating procedure outlines the use of centrifuges. Review this document and supply the information required in order to make it specific to your laboratory. In accordance with this document, laboratories should use appropriate controls and personal protective equipment when using centrifuges.

Centrifuges are machines used to separate solids from liquids in a suspension. The spinning motion of a centrifuge produces centrifugal forces that separate substances of greater and lesser densities.

The centrifuge must be loaded carefully balanced. An unbalanced load may present a risk to both the machine and to persons nearby. Centrifuge rotors should never be touched while the rotor is spinning, as they present a significant personal risk when in motion. Another potential hazard is the possible aerosolization of harmful samples during centrifuge operation.

If centrifuging hazardous materials, care should be taken to use tightly capped tubes and/or sealable safety cups or rotors that can be loaded and unloaded in a fume hood or biosafety cabinet, depending on the hazard.

The following information may be integrated into a lab-specific standard operating procedure (SOP) for centrifuge use.

1. Preventive Maintenance

A. Establish preventive maintenance schedule: Including regular cleaning of centrifuge interior to prevent damage and avoid costly repairs. Reference centrifuge operator’s manual or contact manufacturer for guidance.

Equipment repair and adjustments shall only be conducted by qualified service technicians.

B. Maintain log book: For all high speed centrifuges and ultracentrifuges include run dates, durations, speeds, total rotor revolutions, and notes on rotor condition.

Retire rotors after manufacturer’s recommended life span except where annual stress test demonstrates absence of structural flaws. Note: Rotor life span may be reduced or warranty voided if autoclaved; contact manufacturer for guidance.

2. Planning for Use

A. Complete lab-specific training for the centrifuge.

B. Wear appropriate PPE: Including safety eyewear, gloves, lab coat, and appropriate street clothing (i.e., long pants and closed-toe shoes). Ensure gloves are compatible with hazard(s).

C. Inspect centrifuge:

• Ensure tubes are rated for intended use (speed, temperature, and chemical resistance).
• Ensure rotor is compatible with centrifuge and seated on the drive correctly.
• Ensure rotor and safety cups/buckets are free of cracks and deformities.
• Ensure rotor O-ring is not cracked, missing, or worn.
• Ensure safety cups/buckets are attached correctly and able to move freely.

Contact a qualified service technician if inspection identifies centrifuge components requiring repair or replacement.

D. Prepare centrifuge tubes for loading:

• Inspect centrifuge tubes before use.
• Follow manufacturer’s filling limits for tubes. Do not overfill or underfill tubes.
• For biohazardous materials, disinfect outside of tubes prior to removal from biosafety cabinet and loading into rotor.

When centrifuging hazardous materials, use tightly capped tubes and/or sealable safety cups or rotors that can be loaded and unloaded in a fume hood or biosafety cabinet, depending on hazard. If a specific procedure does not allow for this, contact Occupational Safety and Environmental Health (OSEH) at (734) 647-1143 for guidance.

E. Use in-line filter: For high speed centrifuges and ultracentrifuges, use in-line filters to prevent contamination of vacuum pump and pump oil. Provide secondary containment for vacuum pump.

3. Centrifuge Operation

A. Balance centrifuge: Follow manufacturer’s instructions for proper centrifuge balancing steps.

B. Start run

• Do not leave centrifuge until full operating speed is reached and it appears to be running safely without incident.
• Stop centrifuge immediately if you notice any unusual noises or shaking. Confirm rotor is balanced.

To prevent rotor failure, do not exceed maximum speed and maximum mass limits for the rotor. You must reduce rotor speed if sample density calculations indicate maximum mass limits will be exceeded; contact manufacturer for guidance.

4 Sample Removal

A. Stop run: Ensure centrifuge comes to complete stop before opening cover. When centrifuging hazardous materials, wait at least 10 minutes after run to allow aerosols to settle before opening centrifuge.

B. Check for leaks/spills: In samples, rotor, safety cups/buckets, and centrifuge well.

C. Open sealable tubes/safety cups/rotors: Wear appropriate PPE and open inside fume hood or biosafety cabinet, depending on hazard.

When operating the centrifuge, proper eye protection (glasses/goggles), gloves, lab coat, and close-toe footwear should be worn. Gloves should be appropriate for the present hazard.

Centrifuge Disposal

1. For biohazardous materials, clean/disinfect centrifuge and remove/cross out biohazard sticker. Attach note on centrifuge describing what has been done.

2. For radioactive materials, request radiation safety survey and signage before disposal of centrifuge.

 If the employee is in need of emergency medical attention, call 911 immediately.   

Contact OSEH for advice on symptoms of chemical exposure, or assistance in performing an exposure assessment.

Report all work related accidents, injuries, illnesses or exposures to WorkConnections within 24 hours by completing and submitting the Illness and Injury Report Form. Follow the directions on the WorkConnections website Forms Instructions to obtain proper medical treatment and follow-up.

Complete the OSEH Laboratory Incident and Near-Miss Report form.

TREATMENT FACILITIES: U-M Occupational Health Services -- Campus Employees Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 4:30 pm After hours - go to UM Hospital Emergency Dept. – Urgent Care Clinic C380 Med Inn building 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor (734) 764-8021 University Health Services -- University students (non-life threatening conditions) Mon-Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm, Sat 9 am – 12 pm Contact for current hours as they may vary 207 Fletcher Street, Ann Arbor (734) 764-8320 UMHS Emergency Department -- after clinic hours or on weekends 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, (734) 936-6666 Click here for more information.

1. Mechanical Failure

Turn off centrifuge immediately and unplug power cord. Do not use centrifuge again until inspected by qualified service technician.

2. Hazardous Material Spill/Exposure

A. Turn off centrifuge immediately. Keep centrifuge cover closed for at least 30 minutes to reduce aerosolization of hazardous material.

B. Follow spill, exposure, and incident reporting instructions.

• For chemical, radioactive, and biohazard spills, contact OSEH at (734) 647-1143 for assistance and guidance.

Remember:

• Conduct rotor or safety cup/bucket cleanup in nearest biosafety cabinet or fume hood, depending on hazard.
• Use tongs or forceps to avoid contact with sharp-edged debris.
• Avoid alkaline cleaners for aluminum centrifuge components.
• Avoid abrasive wire brushes for cleaning.

Report all emergencies, suspicious activity, injuries, spills, and fires to the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) by calling 911 or texting 377911. Register with the University of Michigan Emergency Alert System via Wolverine Access.

All personnel are required to complete the General Laboratory Safety Training session (BLS025w or equivalent) via OSEH’s My LINC website. Furthermore, all personnel shall read and fully adhere to this SOP when handling centrifuges.

I have read and understand the above SOP. I agree to contact my Supervisor or Lab manager if I plan to modify this procedure. Sign by logging in and typing * ~~~~ in the list below:

• Ccousz (talk) 17:19, 14 October 2016 (UTC)
• Iharvey (talk) 21:18, 10 November 2016 (UTC)
• Pfeiferl (talk) 18:09, 5 June 2017 (UTC)
• Snyderds (talk) 18:49, 7 June 2017 (UTC)
• Reddj (talk) 14:01, 9 June 2017 (UTC)
• Elhabbal (talk) 21:59, 12 June 2017 (UTC)
• Mollyec (talk) 14:50, 13 June 2017 (UTC)
• Nlambrec (talk) 21:16, 17 February 2019 (UTC)
• Kkistler (talk)
• Allmeyer (talk) 20:39, 9 January 2020 (UTC)

Prior Approval required – Is this procedure hazardous enough to warrant prior approval from the Laboratory Director? ☐ YES ☒ NO

Laboratory Director - Dave Bridges Revision Date - 2016-10-14