THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE - DISCIPLINE OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY

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1 Page: 1 of 5 1. Risk Assessment: Operation of Centrifuge TASK PERFORMED HAZARDS 1. Severe machine imbalance leading to machine destruction and possible injury to those in the vicinity 2. Exposure to biohazards/hazardous substances as a result of broken/leaking vessels RISK ASSESSMENT 1. The risk of machine imbalance is present while ever the equipment is in use. These risks are increased if the user is not trained or if the centrifuge is not regularly maintained. 2. Risk of exposure to biohazards due to broken/leaking vessels is present while ever the machine is in use. RISK CONTROL 1. Only trained staff are to use this equipment. Tubes must be balanced by weight before inserting into the centrifuge. Only tubes especially made for centrifugation are to be used. Establish a safety zone of 30cm around the centrifuge and ensure that no personnel or hazardous substances enter the zone during centrifugation. Check rotors regularly for signs of irregular wear/damage. 2. Use only specifically designed centrifuge tubes and ensure they are properly sealed before centrifugation. In the event of a spill, decontaminate machine immediately - follow spill procedures (GDP 011) and machine disinfecting instructions. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Use sealed rotors when centrifuging infectious or hazardous agents. 2. Calibration: N/A 3. Monitoring: NAME (signed) DATE WRITTEN BY CHECKED BY Distributed To: GEP Master File / GEP Lab File

2 Page: 2 of Frequency: Whenever in use. 3.2 Method Listen carefully to the centrifuge to ensure its operating sounds are characteristic to this particular machine. If there is any unfamiliar sounds coming from this equipment when it is in operation it could possibly mean that the rotor is unbalanced and must be turned off immediately. This is to avoid major damage to the centrifuge and possible safety hazards. 4. General Operation: 4.1 Ensure that the centrifuge is connected to the power point and that it is turned on. The unit also has a mains switch, either on the front or rear of the machine (depending on model). Locate this switch and turn it on. 4.2 Open the lid by pressing down on the lever on the right side of the centrifuge (indicated as number 7 on the diagram in section 1 of the Operating Instructions, attached to this GEP). Remove the clear plastic rotor cover. 4.3 Refer to section 4.6 of the Operating Instructions (Attachment 10.1), for information on load balancing. Insert tubes to be centrifuged, replace the rotor cover and close the lid. 4.4 Set the speed for centrifugation by turning the speed setting knob (no. 1 on diagram). The maximum is RPM. 4.5 Set the time length of the run, by turning the thumb wheel (no. 6 on diagram) to the time required. The maximum timed run for this centrifuge is 15 min. For a longer spin, set the thumb wheel to 0 (as 0 = ). The centrifuge will continue running until it is stopped by the operator. 5. Cleaning: 5.1 Frequency Cleaning must be carried out when required and immediately in the case of a spill.

3 Page: 3 of Method The rotor chamber and accessories must only be cleaned with soap and water. NB Ensure that the centrifuge is disconnected form the power supply before commencing cleaning. 5.3 Records: Record all cleaning details on the Maintenance Record Sheet (Illustration 9.1) 6. Maintenance: 6.1 Method: Refer to section 5 - 'Cleaning and Maintenance' of the Operating Instructions (Attachment 10.1). 6.2 Records: Record all Maintenance details on the Maintenance Record Sheet. 7. Instruction Manual: 7.1 Available - Copy Attached. 8. Repairs: 8.1 Check ERN for Service Company and warranty details 8.2 Contact the University Workshop for advice and repairs 9. Illustrations: 9.1 Maintenance Record Sheet 10. Attachments: 10.1 Operating Instructions (). 11. Change History: 11.1 Issue Number: 1st Issue 11.2 Issue Number: Date Issued: Date Issued: Reason for Change:

4 Page: 4 of 5 ILLUSTRATION 9.1 MAINTENANCE RECORD SHEET - Jouan A12 ERN# 126 SERIAL# DATE MAINTENANCE SIGNED

5 Page: 5 of 5 ILLUSTRATION 9.1 MAINTENANCE RECORD SHEET - Jouan A14 ERN# 97 SERIAL# DATE MAINTENANCE SIGNED