Perkin-Elmer RamanStation 400 Series, Getting Started Manual

Page: 23 / 98

Safety Practices . 23
Internal Interlock System
There is an interlock system associated with the sample compartment lid (Figure 3). If the
door is open then the laser cannot be emitted from within the instrument without deliberate
user intervention.
The interlock switches cannot be over-ridden by using simple magnets. The placing of a
specifically coded magnetic actuator (MA) in the vicinity of a magnetic proximity switch (MPS)
may disable the interlock and allow laser light to be emitted from the instrument. Placing a
specifically coded magnetic actuator (MA) in the vicinity of this magnetic proximity switch
(MPS) is not recommended under any circumstances and is considered highly dangerous,
compromising the safe operation of the instrument. This type of action is deemed to be a
deliberate attempt to bypass the internal instrument safety interlocks and as a consequence
of this the instrument will be classified as Class 3B.
Figure 3 The RamanStation 400 Series safety interlock system, showing the
proximity of the MPS and MA when the sample lid is closed. Note that the MPS
and MA are located inside the instrument enclosure
WARNING
Do not tamper with the safety interlock mechanism.
Defeating the interlocks by using a specifically coded magnetic actuator
(MA) in the vicinity of a magnetic proximity switch (MPS) should only be
performed by a PerkinElmer Service Engineer during service/maintenance
or repair of the instrument (observing Class 3B laser safety precautions at
all times).
Magnetic actuator (MA)
Magnetic proximity switch (MPS)