Leica RM2235 - General Safety Instructions

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Leica RM2235
Safety instructions — working with the instrument
Warnings — Transport and installation
2. Safety
Safety instructions — working with the instrument
• Once unpacked, the instrument may be transported only in an upright position.
• Do not transport the instrument by holding it by the handwheel grips, coarse driving wheel or
the knob for setting the section thickness.
• The protective devices located on the instrument and the accessories must not be removed or
modified.
• Take care when handling microtome knives and disposable blades. The cutting edge is
extremely sharp and can cause serious injuries!
• Always remove the knife / blade before detaching the knife holder from the instrument.
Always put the knives back into the knife case when not in use!
• Never place a knife anywhere with the cutting edge facing upwards and never try to catch a
falling knife!
• Always clamp the specimen block BEFORE clamping the knife.
• Always lock the handwheel before cleaning!
• Do not use any solvents containing acetone or xylene for cleaning!
• Ensure that liquids do not enter the interior of the instrument during cleaning!
• When using cleaners, please comply with the safety instructions of the manufacturer and the
laboratory safety regulations!
Hazards — servicing and cleaning
• Prior to manipulating the knife and specimen, or changing the specimen or knife, and during
breaks, always lock the handwheel and cover the cutting edge with the knife guard.
• ALWAYS turn the handwheel clockwise; otherwise, the brake will not work properly.
• Always wear safety goggles when sectioning brittle specimens. Specimens may splinter!
• Specimen blocks must NOT be oriented during the retraction phase. If a block is oriented
during retraction, the block will advance by the retraction value PLUS the selected section
thickness before the next section. This may cause damage to both specimen and knife!
• Prior to sectioning, check that the specimen is securely clamped in the specimen clamp –
failure to observe this poses the risk of damaging the specimen.