Centrifuge Safety Department of Cell Physiology andPharmacology Tim Walton Departmental Safety Officer

Centrifuge Safety Plastic and Aluminium for low speed machines Plastic and Aluminium for low speed machines Aluminium alloys for high speed, up to 20,000 rpm Aluminium alloys for high speed, up to 20,000 rpm Aluminium alloys and Titanium for ultra-speed centrifuges, up to 100,000 + rpm Aluminium alloys and Titanium for ultra-speed centrifuges, up to 100,000 + rpm

Centrifuge Safety Care of rotors Keep them clean Stop corrosion Clean up any spills

Centrifuge safety Balancing of tubes and rotors Small bench centrifuges, Small bench centrifuges, Balance by eye or add the same volume of liquid. Balance by eye or add the same volume of liquid. Large volume low speed machines, Large volume low speed machines, balance to ± 1 gram. balance to ± 1 gram. High speed centrifuges, High speed centrifuges, balance to ± 100 mg. balance to ± 100 mg. Ultracentrifuges, Ultracentrifuges, balance to ± 10 mg. balance to ± 10 mg.

Centrifuge Safety Use Inspect the rotor for defects. Inspect the rotor for defects. Always use rotors designed for the centrifuge. Always use rotors designed for the centrifuge. Always use tubes designed for the rotor. Always use tubes designed for the rotor. Familiarise yourself with the action and controls of the machine. Familiarise yourself with the action and controls of the machine.

Centrifuge Safety REMEMBER READ THE MANUAL KEEP THINGS CLEAN BALANCE TUBES AND ROTOR CORRECTLY