Centrifuges:

• recommended speeds and loadings must not be exceeded;
• tubes must be adequately robust and examined for defects before use;
• loads must be balanced and tubes not overfilled;
• hazardous materials must be centrifuged in capped or sealed tubes;
• buckets, rotors, trunnions, cushions etc must be positioned correctly;
• interlocks preventing lids being opened while the centrifuge is in motion must not be overridden;
• centrifuges should be checked for signs of spillage after use;
• spillages that are not dealt with correctly can lead to corrosion of rotors etc and their eventual failure;
• rotors and other components should be inspected and maintained according to the manufacture’s recommendations; and
• cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate tubes must not be autoclaved (explosion risk) and their use should be avoided.

Glove boxes:

• should be used either for storage of materials or for experiments;
• should be checked for leaks;
• should not contain sources of ignition (e.g. sparking electrical equipment) if used for flammable or explosive material; and
• must incorporate devices to contain explosives/implosives if necessary.