1. The work surface must be level and firm. Do not use the centrifuge on an uneven or slanted work surface

2. Balance the tubes in the rotor. If you want to run a tube with 10 mL of liquid, put another tube with 10 mL of water in the opposing hole on the rotor. The total mass of each tube should be as close as possible - this becomes increasintly important at very high rotar speeds.

    

3. Do not open the lid while the rotor is moving. Even though many centrifuges have a "safety shutoff" if the lid is opened, the ONLY thing this does is stop powering the rotor. The rotor will STILL spin due to its own inertia for a while until the friction slows and eventually stops it.

4. If you see it wobbling or shaking, pull the plug. A little vibration is normal, but excessive amounts can mean danger. If these things happen, contact the manufacturer or dealer and get the unit serviced. Do NOT continue to run a centrifuge that wobbles visibly when the rotor is spinning.

5. Wear a safety goggle. Accidents happen, sometimes under the most freakish or unexpected circumstances. The rotor is spinning very rapidly and generates extreme forces.

   Although a physicist would tell you that centrifugal force is an "illusory force", the point makes not one bit of difference to the sample as it spins in the rotor. It might as well be experiencing a real force that "pulls" the particles toward the bottom / outside of the tube. These "illusory" forces can also cause a faulty flywheel to rupture, sending dangerous projectiles outward. So much for illusions.

   Centrifuge rotors are made to withstand these extreme "centrifugal forces" (i.e., they're designed to give enough centripetal force to keep the rotor together as it spins), but it's better to be prepared in case something fails. It may be fascinating to watch the tubes spin around in the centrifuge, but don't make it a habit. Turn the unit on and keep your distance until the timer shuts off the motor- this is just a basic safety rule for all centrifuges.

6. Do not bump, jar, or move the centrifuge while the rotor is spinning. Instruct all other people in the area to stay clear of the unit while it is operating. Discard any tubes that have cracks in them.

• Unusual noises should be treated very seriously especially with ultracentrifuges - this could indicate rotor failure
• Stop the centrifuge, leave the area immediately, notify others in the lab.
• Post temporary Hazard Warning Sign
• Notify lab manager immediately - at home during off hours
• Do not restart centrifuge until a service representative has cleared use.

Once the centrifuge run is complete, make sure the rotor has STOPPED completely before you open the centrifuge lid; then check for spills. If infectious material was placed in the centrifuge, WAIT 10 minutes before opening the centrifuge lid. If leak or damage has occurred, close the lid and plan proper decontamination and cleanup.