Centrifuges, which are vital pieces of research equipment, operate at very high speeds. The high operating speed of the centrifuge is beneficial because it allows for separation of materials based on density. The operating speed of the centrifuge can present hazards ranging from aerosol creation to equipment instability and malfunction. Aerosols can be created when a centrifuge tube or sample tube breaks inside of the rotor. Additionally, an unbalanced rotor can create instability within the equipment, which can be greatly multiplied by the operating speed of the centrifuge and can cause user injury or laboratory damage.

In an article written by the Laboratory Safety Committee of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the AIHA described an incident where an ultra centrifuge failed while in use. According to the article, “the rotor within an ultra centrifuge failed due to excessive mechanical stress caused by the high rotation speed”. When the rotor failed, flying metal fragments were released from the centrifuge and damaged the walls, ceiling, and other nearby laboratory equipment. The equipment malfunction was attributed to the use of a rotor that was not approved by the manufacturer to be used. It is important that researchers follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions for the make and model of the centrifuge used by the lab.

Centrifuge accidents can be prevented when users choose to operate high speed centrifuges and ultra centrifuges safely.  The following will provide tips to reduce the likelihood of a centrifuge accident or injury:

• Ensure that centrifuge bowls and tubes are dry
• Use matched sets of tubes, buckets and other equipment
• Inspect tubes and sample containers and sample tube tops for cracks, splits, or other damage before using them
• Always use centrifuge safety cups with aerosol covers to contain spills and prevent aerosols of potentially infectious materials
• If there is a spill of infectious material, wait 10 minutes after the rotor stops before opening the lid
• Avoid overfilling tubes or containers – Centrifugal force may drive the solution up the side of the tube or container wall
• Ensure that the rotor is properly and firmly seated on the spin drive or drive shaft
• Only check the O-rings if you are properly trained
• Do not exceed the rotor’s maximum run speed
• Make sure that the centrifuge is operating normally before leaving the area
• Make sure that the rotor has come to a complete stop before opening the lid
• Close the centrifuge lid during operation
• Decontaminate the centrifuge with 70% ethanol or 10% bleach solution after any spills
• Schedule regular preventative maintenance

References:

• OSHA Website.  “OSHA Quick Facts – Laboratory Safety Centrifuges.” Web. 14 May 2013http://www.osha.gov/Publications/laboratory/OSHAquickfacts-lab-safety-centrifuges.pdf.

• American Industrial Hygiene Association Website.  “Lab Safety Centrifuge Explosion Incidents”.  Web.  17 May 2013.http://www.aiha.org/get-involved/VolunteerGroups/LabHSCommittee/Incident%20Pages/Lab-Safety-Centrifuge-Explosions-Incidents.aspx.