Mechanical Safety
For safe operation of the equipment, observe the following:
• Use only the rotors and accessories designed for use in this ultracentrifuge.
• Never operate the instrument without a rotor cap or lid installed on the rotor.
• Do not exceed the maximum rated speed of the rotor in use.
• NEVER attempt to slow or stop the rotor by hand.
• Do not lift or move the ultracentrifuge while the rotor is spinning.
• NEVER open the chamber door while the rotor is spinning. The instrument has a
protective window to allow safe observation of rotor motion.
• Maintain a 7.6-cm (3-in.) clearance envelope around the ultracentrifuge while it is
running. During operation you should come within the envelope only to adjust instru-
ment controls, if necessary. Never bring any flammable substances within the 30-cm
(1-ft) area surrounding the ultracentrifuge. Never lean on the instrument or place items
on the ultracentrifuge while it is operating.
Chemical and Biological Safety
Normal operation may involve the use of solutions and test samples that are pathogenic,
toxic, or radioactive. Such materials should not be used in this ultracentrifuge, however,
unless
all necessary safety precautions are taken.
• Observe all cautionary information printed on the original solution containers prior to
their use.
• Handle body fluids with care because they can transmit disease. No known test offers
complete assurance that they are free of micro-organisms. Some of the most virulent—
Hepatitis (B and C) and HIV (I–V) viruses, atypical mycobacteria, and certain systemic
fungi—further emphasize the need for aerosol protection. Handle other infectious
samples according to good laboratory procedures and methods to prevent spread of
disease. Because spills may generate aerosols, observe proper safety precautions for
aerosol containment. Do not run toxic, pathogenic, or radioactive materials in this
instrument without taking appropriate safety precautions. Biosafe containment should
be used when Risk Group II materials (as identified in the World Health Organization
Laboratory Biosafety Manual
) are handled; materials of a higher group require more
than one level of protection.
• Dispose of all waste solutions according to appropriate environmental health and safety
guidelines.
It is your responsibility to decontaminate the instrument and accessories before
requesting service by a Beckman Coulter representative.