Potential safety hazards

About this topic

This topic describes potential hazards that you can encounter when using the Vertical Pipetting Station.

Mechanical hazards

Safety shield

 

WARNING Operating the Vertical Pipetting Station without a safety shield or enclosure cover increases the risk of injury.

You should enclose the Vertical Pipetting Station in a safety shield or enclosure to restrict access to the Vertical Pipetting Station while it is operating. For example, you can connect a light curtain to the Vertical Pipetting Station robot-disable circuit.

Moving parts

 

WARNING  When you initialize the Vertical Pipetting Station, the pipette head and shelves can move.

 

WARNING  Keep clear of the pipette head while it is in motion. Do not touch any of the moving parts or attempt to move labware while the Vertical Pipetting Station is in operation. The device could pinch, pierce, or bruise you. For example, a pipette tip could pierce your hand.

Figure. Vertical Pipetting Station with shaded areas showing pinch point hazards

 

The Vertical Pipetting Station has moving parts that can injure you if you deviate from the procedures given in this guide. It is the responsibility of every operator to follow safety precautions and keep away from the Vertical Pipetting Station whenever it is likely to move.

 

 

Hazardous-voltage electronics

Hazardous-voltage electronics can be found within the Vertical Pipetting Station. Under normal operating conditions, you are protected from exposure to the hazardous voltage.

 

 

WARNING  Do not try to gain access to the interior of the Vertical Pipetting Station. Do not remove panels for any reason. Exposure to the interior electronics of a device can cause severe injury.

 

CAUTION Verify that the voltage range and frequency of your power distribution match the power specifications of the individual instrument. Connecting devices to incompatible circuits can cause damage to the device.

Hazardous-voltage electronics can also be found in the computer. See the computer manufacturer documentation for the hazard warnings. Make sure you follow the instructions on the safe operation of the computer.

 

WARNING Ensure that the power cords are in good condition and are not frayed. Use of frayed or damaged power cords can cause injury. Use of incorrect power cords can cause damage to the device.

 

 

 

 

 

High-pressure gas

Compressed air is used to move components inside the Vertical Pipetting Station.

 

WARNING  Working with open, charged air lines can result in injury. Turn off the compressed air line when disconnecting or reconnecting devices that use compressed air. Contact your facilities department or Automation Solutions Technical Support with questions about setting up the air line.

Follow the local, state, and federal safety codes for the placement and mounting of gas cylinders. For example, you might have to attach a standard cylinder bracket to a solid permanent structure to meet or exceed all local seismic and safety requirements.

Always use good laboratory practices when handling high-pressure cylinders. Make sure you follow any instructions provided with the cylinders.

 

 

 

 

Chemical hazards

General guidelines

Some chemicals used when working with the Vertical Pipetting Station can be hazardous. Make sure you:

•	Follow standard laboratory procedures and cautions when working with chemicals.

•	Follow safety directions in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical.

•	Follow your local, state, and federal safety regulations when using and disposing of the chemicals.

Compatible chemicals

The Vertical Pipetting Station surfaces are designed to be compatible with small volumes of aqueous solutions, common biological buffers, solvents, and common reducing agents.

The following chemicals were tested for brief exposures outside the liquid-handling channels:

•	Water (deionized, ultrapure type 1)

•	Dimethyl sulfoxide (100%)

•	Strong acid, such as hydrochloric acid (100 mM HCl) pH 2-3

•	Strong base (HPO4 or sodium hydroxide, 100 mM) pH 12-13

•	Ethanol (95% alcohol)

•	Methanol (95% alcohol)

•	Acetonitrile (100%)

•	Chloroform (100%)

•	Hydrogen peroxide (35%)

•	Tetrahydrofuran

•	Dichlormethane

•

Toluene

•

Acetone

Agilent Technologies recommends that you employ an Environmental Health and Safety professional on site to confirm the compatibility of other chemicals.

 

 

Moving the Vertical Pipetting Station

Before moving a Vertical Pipetting Station, see Laboratory requirements for information on selecting the new location.

 

WARNING The Vertical Pipetting Station weighs 37.195 kg (82 lb). Do not attempt to move the Vertical Pipetting Station without assistance. Use proper lifting techniques when lifting the Vertical Pipetting Station.

 

CAUTION Agilent Technologies is not responsible for damage if the Vertical Pipetting Station is incorrectly packaged and moved by someone other than an Agilent Technologies employee.

Related topics

 

For more information about…	See…
General safety	General safety information
Stopping the Vertical Pipetting Station in an emergency	Stopping in an emergency
Reporting problems with the Vertical Pipetting Station	Reporting problems