 Such a failure can be catastrophic failure, especially with larger centrifuges, and generally results in total destruction of the centrifuge.While centrifuges generally have safety shielding to contain these failures, such shielding may be inadequate, especially in older models, or the entire centrifuge unit may be propelled from its position, resulting in damage to nearby personnel and equipment.Uncontained rotor failures have shattered laboratory windows and destroyed refrigerators and cabinetry.