Leica Biosystems RM2255 - Manual (Page 10)

8 Instructions for Use, V 1.8 RevC – 07/2013
2. Safety
Safety instructions – working with the instrument
• 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 or blade.
• Lock the handwheel and cover the knife edge with the knife guard prior to any manipulation
of knife or specimen clamp, prior to changing the specimen block and during all work breaks!
• ALWAYS turn the handwheel clockwise; otherwise, the brake will not work properly.
• Always take appropriate safety precautions when sectioning brittle specimens! Specimens
may splinter!
• Ensure that liquids do not enter the interior of the instrument during work!
• Do not attempt to clamp, approach or orient the specimen 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 speci-
men and knife!
• The handle of the handwheel must always be centered while in motorized sectioning mode.
Do not touch the handwheel while it is running – there is a danger of injury from the hand-
wheel lock.
• 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.
• Only authorized and qualified service personnel may access the internal components of the
instrument for service and repair!
• Before each cleaning, switch off the instrument, disconnect the power plug, remove the knife
holder completely and clean it separately.
• Always remove the blade before detaching the knife holder from the instrument.
• Lock the handwheel before each 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!
• Do not turn the instrument on before it is completely dry!
• When using cleaners, please comply with the safety instructions of the manufacturer and the
laboratory safety regulations!
• Turn the instrument off with the power switch and disconnect the power plug before re-
placing the fuses! Only use fuses of the same specification! For fuse specifications refer to
Chapter 3.3 - "Technical data".