Du Pont SORVALL RT6000B, Operating Instructions Manual

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Important Safety Information
Certain potentially dangerous conditions are inherent to the use of all centrifuges. To
ensure safe operation of this centrifuge, anyone using it should be aware of all safe
practices and take all precautions described below and throughout this manual.
WARNING
When using radioactive, toxic, or pathogenic materials, be aware of all characteristics of the
materials and the hazards associated with them in the event leakage occurs during
centrifugation. If leakage does occur, neither the centrifuge nor the rotor can protect you
from particles dispersed in the air. To protect yourself, we recommend additional precautions
be taken to prevent exposure to these materials, e.g., use of controlled ventilation or isolation
areas.
Always be aware of the possibility of contamination when using radioactive, toxic, or
pathogenic materials. Take all necessary precautions and use appropriate decontamination
procedures if exposure occurs.
The use of sealed rotors, buckets and/or sample containers will provide increased protection
from contamination during routine operation. However, these items will not guarantee
contamination protection from accidents resulting in damage to the rotor or buckets. Do not
run hazardous materials in the centrifuge unless placed in a biohazard enclosure and operated
using all appropriate safety precautions.
Never use any material capable of producing flammable or explosive vapors.
Never exceed the maximum rated speed of the installed rotor; to do so can cause rotor failure.
Always reduce (derate) rotor speed as instructed in this manual whenever:
• the rotor speed/temperature combination exceeds the solubility of the gradient material
and causes it to precipitate.
• the compartment load exceeds the maximum allowable compartment load specified. See
Chapter 3, Operation, page 3-6.
Failure to reduce rotor speed under these conditions can cause rotor failure.
CAUTION
Do not run or precool a rotor at the critical speed, as this will have a detrimental effect on
centrifuge component life. See Chapter 3, page 3-3.
Do not operate the centrifuge with a rotor out of balance. To do so can cause damage to the
centrifuge drive assembly.
Do not operate centrifuge without a rotor properly installed: rotor cover must be on and
locked in place, and the rotor locked to the centrifuge drive. See rotor instruction manual.
The centrifuge can be damaged if connected to the wrong voltage. Check the voltage before
plugging the centrifuge into a power source. Du Pont is not responsible for incorrect
installation.
Always maintain the centrifuge in the recommended manner. See Chapter 4, Maintenance.
Safety
SORVALL
®
Centrifuges
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