Bowa ARC 400 - Operation Area: Avoiding Ignition and Explosions; Applying the Neutral Electrode

2 Safety
BOWA-IFU-11779-ARC400-V2.1.0-S0-EN Operating Manual ARC 400 17
2.5.1. Operation area: avoiding ignition and explosions
Sparks are generated when the HF device is used as intended.
 Do not use the HF device in areas where there is a risk of explosion.
 Do not use any flammable or explosive liquids.
 If the display fails, do not use the HF device any longer.
 During operations (e.g. in the head or thoracic regions), avoid using
ignitable anaesthetics and gases that support combustion (e.g. nitrous
oxide or oxygen) or extract them using a vacuum system.
 Use exclusively non-flammable cleaning agents, disinfectants and
solvents (for adhesives). If you use flammable cleaning agents,
disinfectants or solvents, ensure that they have fully evaporated before
using HF surgical equipment.
 Ensure that no flammable liquids collect beneath the patient or in body
cavities (e.g. the vagina). Suction and/or flush body cavities before
activating the device.
 Wipe off all liquids before using the HF device.
 Ensure that no ignitable endogenous gases are present.
 Ensure that all materials saturated with oxygen (e.g. cotton or gauze)
are kept far enough away from the HF environment that they cannot
ignite.
2.5.2. Applying the neutral electrode
Observe the instructions on the use of the neutral electrode in the user guide
and the information on the package of the neutral electrode.
In the monopolar HF method, the neutral electrode feeds the current
introduced into the patient’s body at the surgical site back to the HF device.
 To prevent a rise in temperature at the current exit point, the following
conditions must be ensured:
 sufficiently large contact surface between the neutral
electrode and the patient’s body;
 high electrical conductivity between the neutral electrode
and the patient’s body.