Safety
Use gloves, it's HOT!
To prevent burns, gloves and a long sleeve shirt (or lab coat) are essential. Dies
and piston rods are extremely hot and are designed to quickly transfer heat to
the sample being tested. Unfortunately this means they will transfer heat very
quickly to you as well. Even brief contact with a hot item can cause a burn. The
indexer barrel housing can also get fairly hot, however, at barrel temperatures
lower than 350
C these will not cause burns if touched for a brief period.
Consider where dies may fall. If they are dropped on Nylon carpeting or similar
materials they can quickly form holes. Protective mats may be needed.
DYNISCO POLYMER TEST recommends keeping a hot piston rod in the
chamber; this precludes someone picking it up inadvertently. Be sure to hold
the piston by the top insulator.
Electrical Hazard
Your Dynisco Polymer Test indexer contains high voltage inside the steel
housing. DO NOT remove the housing unless you are instructed to do so by a
DYNISCO POLYMER TEST representative or are experienced with high
voltage devices. Be sure the outlet used to power the indexer is properly
grounded.
Calibration Thermometers use
Mercury
To calibrate the temperature on the indexer, a thermometer containing about 8
grams of mercury is used. Every lab with mercury thermometers or equipment
containing mercury must be prepared for breakage. Note that mercury exposed
to air "evaporates" at room temperature, producing an invisible, tasteless,
odorless and dangerous vapor. Thermometers have been used for decades in
laboratory equipment and when used properly provide an accurate and effective
means of calibration. Keep the thermometer in a safe place where it will not be
crushed or otherwise broken. When using the thermometer be careful not to
drop or bend the glass. Place a hot thermometer onto cotton patches to cool .
Never put a hot thermometer in contact with cold metal or cold solvent because
the thermal shock can crack or shatter the glass. Mercury is extremely toxic and
should be handled accordingly.
A material safety data sheet (MSDS) for mercury (Hg) can be found in the
appendix. Observe local, state and federal hazardous waste disposal laws when
disposing of any broken thermometers. If packaged in a sealed plastic container
and labeled with the following symbol:
Series 4000 Melt Indexer Operation Manual
Safety
10
