Centrifuge Incident

All,

We had a dangerous situation this week when a centrifuge user had an immediate error upon beginning a run. 

From the user:

There was a noise from the centrifuge and it automatically stopped the run.

It engaged a door lockout for 2 hours, and had the errors "D1: Drive Performance" and "S128: Door Lockout Active."

After the lockout expired, they checked on the rotor. The screw holding the rotor was  loose, which  was the cause of the issue.

After tightening the screw, the centrifuge ran without issue, so I do not believe there are any ongoing problems.

The centrifuge operated as it was designed for what it sensed as broken tube and associated imbalance of the rotor. The two hour lock out ensurses that there are no aerosolized droplets still inside the rotor upon opening. 

The fact that the rotor was not properly secured to the drive spindle is a bigger issue.

1. Whenever you are using a centrifuge make sure your tubes have been balanced exactly. (A few milligrams x 5,000g is a big deal)
2. Make sure the rotor is attached to the centrifuge spindle via both the rotor locking knob and the cover locking knob. This should be done any time you replace a rotor in a centrifuge and everytime prior to using a centrifuge. 

Improper centrifuge use creates the potential for both serious bodily injury and expensive repairs. If you are unsure of how to use any piece of equipment in the building do not hesiitate to ask some one with more expertience than yourself. 

Thank you!!