DRAFT
September 25, 2007 1:07 am, 4376782_Preface.fm
Preface
Safety Conventions Used in This Document
xi
Applied Biosystems StepOne
™
and StepOnePlus
™
Real-Time PCR Systems
Installation, Networking, and Maintenance Guide
Safety Conventions Used in This Document
Safety Alert Words
Four safety alert words appear in Applied Biosystems user documentation at points in the
document where you need to be aware of relevant hazards. Each alert word—
IMPORTANT,
CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER
—implies a particular level of observation or action, as
defined below.
Definitions
IMPORTANT!
– Indicates information that is necessary for proper instrument operation,
accurate chemistry kit use, or safe use of a chemical.
– Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
– Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
– Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury. This signal word is limited to the most extreme situations.
Except for IMPORTANTs, each safety alert word in an Applied Biosystems document
appears with an open triangle figure that contains a hazard symbol. These hazard symbols are
identical to the hazard symbols that are affixed to Applied Biosystems instruments (see
“Safety Symbols” on page xii).
Examples
IMPORTANT!
You must create a separate spreadsheet for each 96-well plate.
CHEMICAL HAZARD
.
TaqMan
Universal PCR Master Mix
may
cause eye and skin irritation. Exposure may cause discomfort if swallowed or inhaled. Read
the MSDS, and follow the handling instructions. Wear appropriate protective eyewear,
clothing, and gloves.
PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD.
During instrument operation, the
heated cover and sample block can reach temperatures in excess of 100
°
C.
ELECTRICAL HAZARD.
Grounding circuit continuity is vital for the
safe operation. Never operate the system with the grounding conductor disconnected.