Despite technological advancements in 2026, user error and maintenance neglect remain the leading causes of centrifuge accidents. Recent safety statistics from OSHA and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) indicate that nearly 90% of centrifuge failures are preventable through routine care. This guide outlines the essential maintenance protocols—from microscopic rotor audits to precision balancing—required to protect your research, your budget, and your personnel.
This guide addresses a critical gap in laboratory safety: the misuse of heating and stirring equipment. Despite being everyday tools, heating devices are responsible for nearly 25% of all laboratory fires according to 2026 data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Penn EHRS. We break down the eight most frequent errors—ranging from using incompatible soda-lime glassware to neglecting external temperature probes—and provide actionable, source-backed solutions. By following these protocols and utilizing high-performance equipment from brands like DWK Life Sciences, IKA, and Velp, researchers can ensure a safer, more efficient, and highly reproducible laboratory environment.
