5
Important Safety Information
Introduction
All practical work areas and laboratories should be covered by local safety
regulations
which must be followed at all times
.
It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that all users are made aware of
relevant local regulations, and that the apparatus is operated in accordance with
those regulations. If requested then Armfield can supply a typical set of standard
laboratory safety rules, but these are guidelines only and should be modified as
required. Supervision of users should be provided whenever appropriate.
Your
CEM-MKII Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor
has been designed to be safe in
use when installed, operated and maintained in accordance with the instructions in
this manual. As with any piece of sophisticated equipment, dangers exist if the
equipment is misused, mishandled or badly maintained.
Water Borne Hazards
The equipment described in this instruction manual involves the use of water, which
under certain conditions can create a health hazard due to infection by harmful
micro-organisms.
For example, the microscopic bacterium called Legionella pneumophila will feed on
any scale, rust, algae or sludge in water and will breed rapidly if the temperature of
water is between 20 and 45°C. Any water containing this bacterium which is sprayed
or splashed creating air-borne droplets can produce a form of pneumonia called
Legionnaires Disease which is potentially fatal.
Legionella is not the only harmful micro-organism which can infect water, but it
serves as a useful example of the need for cleanliness.
Under the COSHH regulations, the following precautions must be observed:
Any water contained within the product must not be allowed to stagnate, ie.
the water must be changed regularly.
Any rust, sludge, scale or algae on which micro-organisms can feed must be
removed regularly, i.e. the equipment must be cleaned regularly.
Where practicable the water should be maintained at a temperature below
20°C. If this is not practicable then the water should be disinfected if it is safe
and appropriate to do so. Note that other hazards may exist in the handling of
biocides used to disinfect the water.
A scheme should be prepared for preventing or controlling the risk
incorporating all of the actions listed above.
Further details on preventing infection are contained in the publication “The Control
of Legionellosis including Legionnaires Disease” - Health and Safety Series booklet
HS (G) 70.
