When centrifuging biohazards, it is recommended that the safety buckets and sealed rotors be:
How do I avoid centrifuge imbalances in the first place? Show
Ensure that your work surface is level and firm. Do not use the centrifuge on an uneven or slanted work surface. At high speeds, a centrifuge can easily become unbalanced if equal masses are not located opposite each other in the rotor: For fixed-angle rotors, balance your tubes according to their weight. Load the rotor symmetrically and ensure the opposing tube is not only the same type of tube, but that it is also filled with the same mass. If the number of tubes with samples is uneven, counterbalance using water in an additional tube. Remember to balance the mass (weight) of the tubes, not the volume (size). Weigh the tube with your sample and record the mass. If you are spinning more than two tubes, only the tubes directly opposite each other have to be equal in mass. For swing-out rotors, always load all rotor positions with buckets (incomplete loading of the rotor may reduce the lifetime of the rotor). The weight of the maximum load or maximum weight of the completely loaded bucket is specified (weight class) on the buckets. Do not exceed this weight. When loading the buckets, make sure the tubes or plates are placed symmetrically. Always check to see that the buckets swing out smoothly. If they do not, clean the pivots and grooves and apply grease. (The following has been adopted from the University of Minnesota Centrifuge Safety Fact Sheet.) Centrifugation may present two serious hazards: mechanical failure and dispersion of aerosols. This page describes safety and maintenance procedures to minimize centrifuge hazards. General Procedures: Before Centrifugation
During Centrifugation
After Centrifugation
Safety procedures above plus:
Fill centrifuge tubes, load into rotors, remove from rotors, and open tubes within a biological safety cabinet if biological safety cabinet is available.
Emergency Situations. The following events are considered an emergency:
Emergency Procedures:
Centrifuge Maintenance: Moisture, chemicals, strong cleaning agents, and other substances can promote corrosion of centrifuge parts and cause centrifuge failure. The following are general maintenance recommendations:
Maintaining a Log Book:To avoid rotor failure, keep a log book for high speed rotors recording the length of time and speed for each use. Track and discard rotors according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. When centrifuging biohazards What is the recommended wait time before opening the centrifuge to allow aerosols to settle?If unusual sounds from a centrifuge suggest that breakage and a spill has occurred, or, if breakage and a spill is discovered after the machine has stopped, wait at least 30 minutes after centrifuge has stopped before opening. This will allow hazardous aerosols to settle in the centrifuge.
Which of the following is a good practice when centrifuging biohazards?Which of the following is a good work practice when centrifuging biohazards? Decontaminate the exterior of tubes, safety buckets, and/or sealed rotors before removal from the biosafety cabinet.
When using the centrifuge what safety precautions should be followed?Safe Operation. Use safety cups whenever possible.. Disinfect or clean weekly and after all spills or breakages.. Lubricate O-rings and rotor threads weekly.. Do not operate the centrifuge without the rotor properly balanced.. Do not use rotors that have been dropped.. What should not be done when using centrifuge?Remember:. Conduct rotor or safety cup/bucket cleanup in nearest biosafety cabinet or fumehood, 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.. |