Safe Working Procedures

Sorvall Discovery M120 SE

Ultracentrifuge
Safe Working Procedure No: SWP-2015-055 Version: 1.0
Faculty: Science and Department/Office: CBMS/APAF
Engineering
Contact(s): Dr. Leon McQuade, Dr. Alamgir Khan

Location of Building F7B, Room 410

Equipment

Approvals, -Training by a trained staff is required prior to fist time use.

Training or -Risk assessment for Ultracentrifuge machine is read and understood.
Qualifications -Safe working procedure for Ultracentrifuge machine is read and understood.
required:

Supervision -Supervision is required for new users.

Required -Periodical lab inspection by the lab supervisor.

Warnings
(Insert symbol &
wording)

The rotor operates at Potential Potential Chemical

very high speeds. Biological hazard hazard
Correct balancing of
the rotor is essential.
Use recommended
tubes only.

Restrictions
(Insert symbol &
wording)

Trained personnel Do not attempt No corrosive, explosive

only to operate and opening lid during or flammable substances
clean operation are to be spun.

Personal
Protective
Equipment

Gloves required Foot wear required Eye wear required Lab coat
required

Hardcopies of this document are considered Source: Manager, Health & Safety
uncontrolled. Please refer to (Area) for latest version. Created: August 2009
Revised: June 2010
Version No: 1
 Potential Hazard Possible Controls
Hazards Consequences

Damage to rotor Personal injury. Treat rotor with care and report
Minor to extensive any damage to rotor
equipment damage. immediately.
Ensure the rotor is properly
balanced before commencing
run.

Unbalanced rotor Short term or chronic Ensure the rotor is properly

effect on hearing. balanced before commencing
Potential risk to run.
personnel.
Minor to extensive
equipment damage.

Mechanical failure Physical injury Training required prior to use.

Follow manufacturer’s
instructions strictly.

Biological/chemical hazard Contamination due to Use recommended tubes only.

tubes broken/sample Use correct speed for the rotor.
leak. Use PPE.
Clean up any spill immediately.

Environment Operate the equipment in a well-ventilated and light area. Ensure the centrifuge machine is placed
on a level and stable surface (floor).The rotor spins at very high speeds – ensure the rotor is fitted
to the spindle correctly and that the samples are balanced in the rotor.

Procedure -Only trained personnel are to use the equipment.

(e.g. -Gloves, lab coats, enclosed foot ware and safety glasses must be worn while working with the
preparation, pre- instrument.
operation -Ensure that the rotor chamber is clean both before and after using the equipment.
checks, -Ensure rotor is free from corrosion and cracks. If any damage/corrosion do not use rotor.
process/method) -Only centrifuge tubes certified for high speed use are to be used in the equipment. Sorvall tubes
are highly recommended.
-All eight chambers in the rotor are to be occupied with tubes. Use water in tubes that do not
contain samples.
-Opposing centrifuge tubes are to be balanced against each other and must weight within ± 10
mg of each other.
-Do not fill centrifuge tubes to the top – this is a fixed angle rotor.
-Prepare and balance all eight centrifuge tubes before commencing.
-Pumps in the machine will pull a vacuum in the rotor chamber and inbuilt safety checking
software will be enabled. Both the safety checking and rotor chamber evacuation occurs in two
steps. If either of these fails the machine will either stop or not spin faster than 5,000 rcf.
1. Turn the centrifuge on and lift up the fold down control panel.
2. Slide open the lid on the rotor chamber.
3. Load the samples into the rotor and screw down the lid – ensure the lid is fitted correctly and is
NOT over tightened.
Any samples considered to be a biological hazard are to be prepared and loaded into the
centrifuge tubes in a Bio-safety cabinet.
4. Gently lower the rotor onto the spindle and gently turn by hand to ensure the rotor is properly
engaged on the spindle.
5. Close the rotor lid by sliding and ensuring that it is fully closed.
6. Set the spin parameters using the control panel and keypad; spin speed (in rcf or rpm); spin
time, chamber temperature start up speed and slow down speed.
7. Press the green “Start” button.
8. Stay with the machine until the vacuum indicator shows two < symbols and the centrifuge has
reached the set speed.
At the completion of the spin:

Hardcopies of this document are considered Source: Manager, Health & Safety
uncontrolled. Please refer to (Area) for latest version. Created: August 2009
Revised: June 2010
Version No: 1
 9. Ensure the rotor has come to a complete stop.
10. Press the grey vacuum button to release the vacuum from the rotor chamber.
11. Gently remove the rotor off the spindle and place on a flat surface.
12. Unscrew the rotor lid and remove the samples carefully.
13. Wipe clean the inside of the rotor chamber using lint free tissues.
14. Slide closed the rotor chamber lid.
15. Turn off the centrifuge at the main switch.

Emergency 1. Please advise Alamgir Khan (x6204) or Leon McQuade (x6211) if equipment is not
Procedures operating properly.
2. If safe to do so, disconnect from the main power and seek advice from Alamgir Khan.

Clean Up & Ensure that any spills either in the rotor chamber or on the instruments are cleaned up.
Waste Disposal If Biological spill occurs follow SWP for Biological Spill Clean-up.
If Chemical spill occurs follow Chemical Spill Response guides
(http://web.science.mq.edu.au/intranet/ohs/hazsub/).

Maintenance The instrument is serviced on an “ad hoc” basis.

Electrical testing is conducted annually.

Date Approved 24/08/2015

Date of Commencement 15/07/2015
Date for Next Review 15/07/2017
Supporting Documentation Plant Risk Assessment: RA_Sorvall Ultracentrifuge dated 15 February
2015.
User manual for Sorvall Discovery Ultra-centrifuge machine.
Relevant Legislation, Guidelines and Legislation
Standards Work Health and Safety Act (NSW) 2011
Work Health and Safety Regulation (NSW) 2011

Hardcopies of this document are considered Source: Manager, Health & Safety
uncontrolled. Please refer to (Area) for latest version. Created: August 2009
Revised: June 2010
Version No: 1