4
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 PCT40 Basic Process Control Unit 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.
Electrical Safety
The equipment described in this Instruction Manual operates from a mains voltage
electrical supply. It must be connected to a supply of the same frequency and voltage
as marked on the equipment or the mains lead. If in doubt, consult a qualified
electrician or contact Armfield.
The equipment must not be operated with any of the panels removed.
To give increased operator protection, the unit incorporates a Residual Current
Device (RCD), alternatively called an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker, as an integral
part of this equipment. If through misuse or accident the equipment becomes
electrically dangerous, the RCD will switch off the electrical supply and reduce the
severity of any electric shock received by an operator to a level which, under normal
circumstances, will not cause injury to that person.
At least once each month, check that the RCD is operating correctly by pressing the
TEST button. The circuit breaker MUST trip when the button is pressed. Failure to
trip means that the operator is not protected and the equipment must be checked and
repaired by a competent electrician before it is used.
Hot Surfaces and Liquids
The unit incorporates an electric heating element, and is capable of producing
temperatures that could cause skin burns or scalds.
Ensure that the heating element is off when not required for the exercise being
performed.
When using the heating element, before disconnecting any of the pipes or tubing:
Stop all the pumps.
Leave time for the water to cool
Check that the temperature is at a safe level
Do not touch any surfaces close to ‘Hot Surfaces’ warning labels, or any of the
interconnecting tubing, whilst the equipment is in use.