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 14 of 22
adaptors should be removed after use to allow adequate cleaning and drying. Ensure that the
manufacturer's recommendations on cleaning materials are followed.
EVERY MONTH:
(i) This is the responsibility of the responsible person ( or any laboratory user if the centrifuge is in
need of cleaning)
(ii) Before cleaning, pull the mains plug
(iii) Wipe the centrifuge casing, venting slots, the rotor chamber, the rotor and the accessories with
mild (pH 6 to 8) detergent (e.g. Fisherbrand or Neutracon).
(iv) During cleaning, make sure that cleaning liquids and especially organic solvents DO NOT come
into contact with the drive shaft and the ball bearing
(WARNING: organic solvents may
decompose the lubricant of the motor bearing and the drive shaft may block.)
(v) After cleaning, dry the holders with tissue. Add a spot of grease the size of a small grain of rice to
the load-bearing bolts of the rotor and the buckets
(vi) After completion of the routine clean, record the event the Preventative Maintenance of
centrifuges Record. (Section 6). Consult the Responsible Person/Laboratory Manager if any
signs of wear and tear, damage or corrosion are detected during the cleaning process.
NOTE:
This procedure increases life time and reduces corrosion. Corrosion or resultant damages
which are caused by insufficient care do not constitute a warranty claim.
5.5.5. Sterilization and Disinfection of Rotor Chamber and Accessories
Where a spill or leak is detected within the centrifuge, the centrifuge MUST be disinfected immediately.
The procedure will depend upon the risk group of the agent involved (refer to the Risk assessment). If
there is reason to believe that a breakage may have occurred whilst the centrifuge was running, adopt
the procedure in SOP038.
NOTE:
The centrifuges and the accessories consist of different materials. Before using detergents or
decontamination agents other than those recommended by the manufacturer is applied, the user
should contact the Laboratory Manager and/or the manufacturer to ensure that the planned procedure
does not damage the equipment.
If autoclaving:
(i)
Check the cleaning records for the centrifuge rotor BEFORE autoclaving. The rotor MUST NOT
be autoclaved more than 10 times.
