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 2 of 22
(iv)
Do not centrifuge toxic, pathogenic or radioactive material without taking proper precautions for
aerosol containment.
(v)
Do not centrifuge substances which could damage or affect the mechanical strength of the
material of the centrifuge, the rotor or the buckets. See Operators Manual for details of chemical
resistance to plastics.
(vi)
Do not centrifuge materials capable of developing flammable or explosive vapours.
(vii)
Never attempt to slow rotor by hand.
(viii)
Only use the rotors and accessories specified by the manufacturer. If unsure of which rotor or
tube to use, ask Responsible Person or call the manufacturer.
(ix)
Never exceed the maximum speed for the rotor.
NOTE:
The centrifuge is equipped with an
automatic rotor identification system. The system performs an automatic rotor check after the
start. If a rotor other than the preselected one is installed, the system will display the installed
rotor and the pre-selection speed will be corrected if necessary.
(x)
Use only the correct designated tubes for the rotor.
Do not modify them to make them fit
unless using attachments authorized by the manufacturer. NEVER USE GLASS CONTAINERS
IN THE CENTRIFUGE.
(xi)
Avoid overfilling tubes or bottles. .
(xii)
Place centrifuge vessels symmetrically so that the rotor is loaded evenly. Load vessels outside
the centrifuge. Fill vessels carefully to same weight. Imbalances will result in increased wear of
bearings.
(xiii)
Stay at the centrifuge until it is running smoothly. Shut the machine down immediately if there is
any unusual noise or vibration. Report non-resolvable issues to the Laboratory Manager.
(xiv)
Do not open the door until the rotor stops spinning.
(xv)
Always check for spills. If you find one, clean the centrifuge and rotor thoroughly (Refer to
SOP038).
(xvi)
Always clean the equipment after it is used with salts or corrosives.
(xvii) Check that the replacement of time-expired components are made according to the
manufacturer’s Instructions - Do not use rotors or buckets which have exceeded their maximum
operating life.
(xviii) When centrifuging infectious materials, use capped or sealed containers and aerosol
containment sealable buckets
