
QUICKGEL CHAMBER THREE - Precautions and Limitations
3-1
Section 3 - Precautions and Limitations
3.1. The entire operator’s manual should be
read and understood before attempting in-
strument operation.
3.2. Refer to the procedure supplied with the
gels for proper gel orientation, specimen col-
lection and handling, and other information.
3.3. Use only gels made specifically for use
with QuickGel Chamber instruments. Refer to
the procedures supplied with the gels for
additional precautions and limitations.
3.4. Do not expose the instrument to drafts or
to direct sunlight. Do not operate at tempera-
tures above 80°F (27°C) or below 59°F
(15°C), or allow prolonged exposure to high
humidity.
3.5. Provide adequate room on all sides of
the instrument for good air circulation. Do not
block the air vent located on the bottom of the
instrument.
3.6. To prevent damage to the QuickGel
Chamber, never place objects on the top of
the instrument.
3.7. This instrument should not be connected
to any other devices or instruments in any
way not described in this manual.
3.8. Do not expose the sample tray to tem-
peratures above 158°F (70°C), or severe
warping of the tray may result, making the
tray unsuitable for use.
3.9. We require that the instrument power
cord be plugged into an easily accessible,
grounded wall outlet of the proper voltage and
frequency. These specifications can be found
on the serial number plate located on the
bottom of the instrument. If your leakage
current requirements are more stringent than
<5mA, the purchase of an isolation trans-
former is recommended. Specifications for
this transformer are given in section nine.
3.10. For emergency shut down, disconnect
both the QuickGel Chamber and the external
electrophoresis power supply power cords.
3.11. Should an instrument be contaminated
by blood or blood derivative, spray any con-
taminated surface with a commercial virucidal
and germicidal agent. Observe where the
specimens are used inside the instrument
and confine cleaning to that area. Wipe up
the residue. These materials contain corro-
sives and are harmful to metal surfaces. No
harsh cleansers, acids, or bases should be
used or spilled on inner or outer surfaces. Do
not immerse the unit. ALWAYS UNPLUG
THE MAIN POWER CORD BEFORE
CLEANING.
3.12. Keep flammable liquids and flammable
vapors away from the instrument at all times.
3.13. Instructions for the "responsible body*"
(*Under IEC 61010-2-101:2002 -- the per-
son(s) responsible for the use and
maintenance of equipment and for ensuring
that operators are adequately trained for
eliminating and reducing hazards involved in
removal from use, transportation, or disposal.)
3.14. Action(s) to be taken in case of malfunc-
tion: See section 3.10 and 10.2.
3.15. Requirements for handling biohazards:
Due to potential biohazard risk from human
based components (blood, CSF [Cerebrospi-
nal Fluid], urine, plasma, blood cells, ect.),
guidelines pertaining to Universal Precautions
shall be adhered to when handling the sam-
ples and operating this instrument. This
includes the use of protective gloves and any
other protective equipment as warranted for
safe handling and disposal of test tubes,
reagents, applicators, or other items contain-
ing or contaminated by biohazards and use,
transportation and disposal of this device.
For information on minimizing biohazard risk,
see section 3.11.
3.16. Storage and transport environmental
requirements:
Operating Temperature range: 15° to 27° C
Storage and shipping temperatures: -20° to 70° C
3.17. The Helena Agent shall provide a power
cord or adapter of the proper configuration for
the country in which the instrument is to be
installed. The power cord or adapter will
comply with IEC 60227, IEC 60245, or be
certified as rated for the power specified in
section 9 of this manual.