Laboratory centrifuges are indispensable in Thai clinical, research and industrial laboratories. They separate components rapidly and reliably, from blood fractions to cellular organelles, but incorrect use can lead to sample loss, equipment damage and serious safety hazards. This article outlines best practices for the safe operation of centrifuges in Thailand’s laboratories, emphasising proper training, routine maintenance and robust safety culture.
Understand the equipment and its limits
Before operating any centrifuge, users must be familiar with the specific model, rotor types and rated limits. Centrifuges vary by speed (rpm), relative centrifugal force (RCF/g), temperature control and rotor capacity. Always consult the manufacturer’s manual and the lab’s equipment log to confirm maximum permitted speed for a given rotor, maximum sample volume per tube and recommended operating temperatures. Exceeding these limits is a primary cause of mechanical failure and accidents.
Training and competency
Only trained personnel should operate centrifuges. Training programmes should cover:
- Basic principles of centrifugation (RCF vs rpm, rotor balance).
- Correct selection and fitting of rotors and adapters.
- Safe loading and unloading techniques.
- Response to alarms and emergencies (e.g., rotor failure, lid lock engaged).
Competency should be assessed periodically and recorded. In Thailand, where multilingual workforces are common, provide training materials and signage in the languages used by staff to ensure comprehension.
Pre-use checks
Perform a checklist before each run:
- Inspect the rotor, buckets and adapters for cracks, corrosion or deformation.
- Verify the centrifuge chamber is clean and free from spills.
- Check rotor and lid locking mechanisms for proper function.
- Ensure tubes are compatible with the speed and temperature planned.
- Confirm the centrifuge is placed on a stable, level surface with adequate clearance and ventilation.
Document pre-use inspections in the equipment log to build a maintenance history and catch emerging issues early.
Rotor balancing — non-negotiable
Imbalance is the most common operational hazard. Even a small weight difference at high speed can generate dangerous vibrations and catastrophic rotor failure. Best practices for balancing:
- Use tubes of identical size and fill volume, positioned symmetrically.
- For odd numbers of samples, use a balance tube filled with water to the same mass.
- When using different tube types, weigh them or use calibrated balance tubes.
- Never attempt to run a visibly wobbling centrifuge — stop and rebalance.
Sample containment and biosafety
When processing biological or hazardous materials, use appropriate secondary containment:
- Sealable tubes, capped bottles and leak-proof rotors/buckets reduce aerosol generation.
- Use biosafety cabinets for open handling steps where aerosols might be produced.
- Follow local biosafety regulations for disposal of centrifuge waste and decontamination of spills.
For infectious samples, ensure the centrifuge is located outside general working areas if possible, and that staff use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE): lab coat, gloves and eye protection at minimum.
Correct operation settings
Always set the centrifuge using RCF when possible, rather than relying solely on rpm. RCF accounts for rotor radius and gives consistent separation across different rotors. When temperature control is required (e.g., for sensitive proteins or blood components), allow the centrifuge to reach the set temperature before starting the run to avoid thermal shock to samples and equipment.
Maintenance and rotor management
Adopt a scheduled maintenance programme:
- Routine cleaning and decontamination after spills.
- Periodic inspection and certification of rotors, preferably by a qualified technician.
- Replace worn rotors and adapters promptly; do not attempt field repairs on cracked components.
- Keep a rotor usage log—rotors have a finite lifespan, often specified in number of cycles or years.
In Thailand, ensure spare parts and service contracts are in place with reputable local or regional suppliers to minimise downtime and to meet manufacturer recommendations.
Emergency procedures and incident reporting
Establish clear protocols for abnormal events:
- If an unusual noise or vibration occurs, stop the centrifuge immediately and wait for it to come to rest before opening the lid.
- For spills or breakages, follow the lab’s decontamination procedure and report the incident to the supervisor.
- Keep contact details for service engineers and safety officers readily available.
Document incidents in an accessible log to support root-cause analysis and prevent recurrence.
Record keeping and compliance
Maintain accurate records of training, maintenance, rotor inventories and incident reports. These documents not only support safe operation but also demonstrate compliance with institutional and national regulations. While specific requirements vary, good documentation is a cornerstone of laboratory governance and helps auditors and inspectors evaluate safety practices.
Cultivate a safety culture
Beyond rules and checklists, encourage an atmosphere where staff feel empowered to stop a run if something seems unsafe and to report near-misses without fear of blame. Regular safety briefings, accessible SOPs and visible inspection logs reinforce accountability and continuous improvement.
Conclusion
Safe centrifuge operation in Thailand hinges on proper training, diligent pre-use checks, strict rotor balancing, scheduled maintenance and a proactive safety culture. By taking these practical steps, laboratories can protect personnel, preserve valuable samples and extend equipment life — all while maintaining the high standards required for reliable scientific results.