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 17 of 22
Annex 1: Safe Use of Centrifuges (Extracts from BS4402)
Moving parts in centrifuges can reach very high kinetic energies. Breakage of a rotor or accessories inside
the centrifuge releases large amounts of energy, and debris can be expelled at high speeds from the
centrifuge; bodily movement of centrifuges for a distance of several metres can also occur in this situation.
Modern centrifuges must be designed and manufactured to British Standard BS 4402:1982, Safety
Requirements for Laboratory Centrifuges. This Standard is intended to ensure that the casing of the
centrifuge will contain the debris of components which break inside it and to ensure that centrifuges are
fitted with necessary interlocks and other safety devices.
It is important that all users of centrifuges are properly trained in the safe use and maintenance of
the equipment.
Appendix B of BS 4402 gives advice on the use of centrifuges and part of it reads:
'RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE USE OF CENTRIFUGES’
B.1 Recommendations applying to all centrifuges
B.1.1.
Introduction
: When running, a centrifuge has considerable kinetic energy and even a small 'bench
centrifuge' not complying with the requirement of this British Standard can expel debris, or even
move bodily, for a distance of several metres in the event of mechanical failure. While considerable
effort goes into the design and construction of centrifuges to try to minimise the hazards, sensible
use is also important for the safety of operators and others in the laboratory.
B.1.2
Installation:
It is essential that all centrifuges be fixed to the working surface, following the
specifications and recommendations of the manufacturer for suitable fixings and fixing details. Care
should be taken to ensure that the working surface and its substrate are strong enough to withstand
the maximum forces of rotation and translation expected to act on the fixings in the event of a
disruption of the rotation assembly (see instruction manual). A centrifuge may move abruptly in the
event of such a disruption, in spite of the fixings, but the distance will be limited if the centrifuge is
correctly fixed.
B.1.3
Training of Operators:
Training in the operation of the centrifuge should be carried out by an
experienced user or (by arrangement) by the manufacturer's representative, and should be given to
all operators of the centrifuge before they are permitted to use the centrifuge.
B.1.4
Precautions to be taken when using centrifuges:
NOTE: attention is also drawn to
recommendations given in BS 5345 and to the 'User Guide for the Safe Operation of Centrifuges'
published by the Institution of Chemical Engineers.
B.1.4.1. Inspect each sample container and head accessory and all seals (if any) before filling.
Reject any which are damaged or not authorised by the manufacturer, since such
components could cause unsatisfactory sealing, breakage or jamming in the centrifuge head.
