CONTROLLED COPY
Centre for Biological Engineering
Standard Operating Procedure
SOP122
Title: Use and Maintenance of Sigma Refrigerated Centrifuge 3-16PK
Location:
CBE Laboratory Unit (H21/22)
Version 003
Effective Date: 26
th
June 2018
Review 26
th
June 2020
Written by: Victoria Workman
Reviewed by: P.Hourd
Approved by: R/I.Temple
Page 1 of 22
1PURPOSE
To describe procedures for the safe operation and maintenance of the bench standing Sigma 3-16PK
refrigerated centrifuge.
2 SCOPE
This SOP applies to the use and maintenance of Sigma 3-16PK centrifuge by authorised CBE
personnel within CBE laboratories. The centrifuge is used for separating substances or mixtures with a
density of up to max 1.2g/cm
3
. The SOP covers the use of the centrifuge using the following
designated rotors; swing-out rotor for sealable buckets (Cat.-No. 11180) and swing-out rotor for plate
centrifugation (Cat.-No. 11222). This SOP does not cover the use of any other type of rotor with this
centrifuge. Certified and hermetically sealed accessories (e.g. rotors, buckets or safety cups) MUST be
used for applications involving the centrifugation of infectious, toxic or pathogenic material
SPECIAL NOTES: HEALTH & SAFETY
2.1
Hazards associated with use of centrifuge
•
Mechanical failure of rotating parts (often violent).
•
Contact with rotating parts.
•
Sample leaks causing aerosols, stress corrosion, contamination.
•
Sample imbalance causing machine movement/walking.
•
Fire/explosion.
•
Contact with contaminated components/vapours.
2.2
Safe Working Practices (also refer to Safety Note in Operator Manual)
Users MUST read all Precautionary Statements in Section 2 of the Operators Manual and should
refer to the Guidelines in Annex 1 for further recommendations on the safe use of centrifuges.
(i)
Ensure that the centrifuge is placed on a horizontal level surface and there is a clearance of at
least 30 cm around the centrifuge when in operation. Make sure that hazardous materials are
not stored or placed within this area and there is sufficient ventilation.
(ii)
The centrifuge should not be placed in a safety cabinet unless an operator protection factor (KI
Discus) test has been carried out with it running in situ and it shown not to compromise operator
protection.
(iii)
Always observe the start-up checks detailed in this SOP before using the centrifuge
