Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent 5100 and 5110 ICP-OES User’s Guide
9
The shielding around the torch compartment is designed to reduce
UV, visible and RF radiation to safe levels while still permitting easy
access to, as well as installation and viewing of, the torch. The
spectrometer has an interlock system that is designed to extinguish
the plasma if the mains supply fails, the handle on the torch
compartment door is opened, or the torch loading handle is open.
Do
not
attempt to bypass the interlock system.
Before opening the torch compartment door,
always
extinguish the
plasma by pressing SHIFT + F5 on the keyboard or by clicking the
‘Plasma Off’ icon on the ICP Expert software toolbar.
The torch and its surroundings remain hot for up to five minutes
after the plasma is extinguished. Touching this area before it has
cooled sufficiently may result in burns. Allow the torch and torch
compartment to cool before carrying out any work in this area, or
wear heat-resistant gloves.
The plasma system has been carefully designed to operate safely and
effectively when using torches and related components that conform
to Agilent’s design criteria. Use of non-approved components in the
plasma compartment may render the system inoperative and/or
hazardous. It may also invalidate the warranty on the instrument.
Use only torches and related components supplied or authorized by
Agilent.
Heat, Vapors and Fumes
Heat, ozone, vapors and fumes generated by the plasma can be
hazardous, and must be extracted from the instrument by means of
an exhaust system. Ensure that an exhaust system of the appropriate
type is fitted (as specified in the Site Preparation Guide). The system
must be vented to the outside air in accordance with local regulations
and never within the building. Regularly check the exhaust system by
smoke test to ensure that the exhaust system is functioning correctly.
The exhaust system must always be switched on
before
igniting the
plasma.
