Leica CM3050 S User manual

Leica CM3050S
Cryostat
Instructions for Use
English
Order No.: 14044380101 - Revision G
Always keep this manual with the instrument.
Read carefully before working with the instrument.
Version 2.0, Revision G - 11/2017

3
Leica CM3050S
Note
The information, numerical data, notes and value judgments contained in this Instructions for Use
represent the current state of scientific knowledge and state-of-the-art technology as we understand it
following thorough investigation in this field.
We are under no obligation to update the present Instructions for Use periodically and on an ongoing
basis according to the latest technical developments, nor to provide our customers with additional
copies, updates etc. of this Instructions for Use.
To the extent permitted in accordance with the national legal system as applicable in each individual
case, we shall not be held liable for erroneous statements, drawings, technical illustrations etc.
contained in this Instructions for Use. In particular, no liability whatsoever is accepted for any financial
loss or consequential damage caused by or related to compliance with statements or other information
in this Instructions for Use.
Statements, drawings, illustrations and other information regarding the contents or technical details of
the present Instructions for Use are not to be considered warranted characteristics of our products.
These are determined only by the contract provisions agreed between ourselves and our customers.
Leica reserves the right to change technical specifications as well as manufacturing processes without
prior notice. Only in this way is it possible to continuously improve the technology and manufacturing
techniques used in our products.
This document is protected under copyright laws. All copyrights to this documentation are held by Leica
Biosystems Nussloch GmbH.
Any reproduction of text and illustrations (or of any parts thereof) by means of print, photocopy,
microfiche, web cam or other methods – including any electronic systems and media – requires express
prior permission in writing by Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH.
For the instrument serial number and year of manufacture, please refer to the nameplate on the back of
the instrument.
The information, numerical data, notes and value judgments contained in this Instructions for Use
represent the current state of scientific knowledge and state-of-the-art technology as we understand it
following thorough investigation in this field.
We are under no obligation to update the present Instructions for Use periodically and on an ongoing
basis according to the latest technical developments, nor to provide our customers with additional
copies, updates etc. of this Instructions for Use.
To the extent permitted in accordance with the national legal system as applicable in each individual
case, we shall not be held liable for erroneous statements, drawings, technical illustrations etc.
contained in this Instructions for Use. In particular, no liability whatsoever is accepted for any financial
loss or consequential damage caused by or related to compliance with statements or other information
in this Instructions for Use.
Statements, drawings, illustrations and other information regarding the contents or technical details of
the present Instructions for Use are not to be considered warranted characteristics of our products.
These are determined only by the contract provisions agreed between ourselves and our customers.
Leica reserves the right to change technical specifications as well as manufacturing processes without
prior notice. Only in this way is it possible to continuously improve the technology and manufacturing
techniques used in our products.
This document is protected under copyright laws. All copyrights to this documentation are held by Leica
Biosystems Nussloch GmbH.
Any reproduction of text and illustrations (or of any parts thereof) by means of print, photocopy,
microfiche, web cam or other methods – including any electronic systems and media – requires express
prior permission in writing by Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH.
For the instrument serial number and year of manufacture, please refer to the nameplate on the back of
the instrument.
Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
Heidelberger Str. 17 - 19
69226 Nussloch
Germany
Tel.: +49 - (0) 6224 - 143 0
Fax: +49 - (0) 6224 - 143 268
Web: www.LeicaBiosystems.com

4Version 2.0, Revision G
Table of Contents
1. Important information ................................................................................................................................ 7
1.1 Symbols and their meanings.......................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 General.............................................................................................................................................................. 9
1.3 Instrument type.............................................................................................................................................. 10
1.4 Designated use .............................................................................................................................................. 11
1.5 Qualification of personnel............................................................................................................................ 11
2. Safety .......................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.1 Safety notes.................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.2 Integrated safety devices............................................................................................................................. 13
2.2.1 Locking the handwheel................................................................................................................................. 13
2.2.2 Centering the handwheel grip..................................................................................................................... 14
2.2.3 Emergency stop function (instruments with sectioning motor only) .................................................... 14
2.2.4 Knife guard...................................................................................................................................................... 15
2.3 Safety instructions: handling and operation of the instrument ............................................................. 15
2.3.1 Transport and installation ............................................................................................................................ 15
2.3.2 Site requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 16
2.3.3 Electrical connections.................................................................................................................................. 17
2.3.4 Handling microtome knives/blades ............................................................................................................ 17
2.3.5 Knife guard/handwheel lock........................................................................................................................ 18
2.3.6 Motorized sectioning .................................................................................................................................... 18
2.3.7 Defrosting/handling frozen tissue............................................................................................................... 18
2.3.8 Frozen parts of the instrument and frozen accessories ......................................................................... 18
2.3.9 Infectious/radioactive material................................................................................................................... 19
2.3.10 Disinfection and cleaning............................................................................................................................. 19
2.3.11 Removing/reinstalling the microtome ........................................................................................................ 19
2.3.12 Display message dry microtome................................................................................................................. 20
2.3.13 Maintenance .................................................................................................................................................. 20
3. Installation ................................................................................................................................................. 21
3.1 Site requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 21
3.1.1 General site requirements............................................................................................................................ 21
3.1.2 Electrical connections.................................................................................................................................. 21
3.2 Unpacking and installation........................................................................................................................... 21
3.2.1 Repacking ....................................................................................................................................................... 23
3.3 Available models............................................................................................................................................ 23
3.4 Standard delivery........................................................................................................................................... 23
3.5 Installing/inserting accessories.................................................................................................................. 25
3.5.1 Installing the handwheel.............................................................................................................................. 25
3.5.2 Inserting the accessories............................................................................................................................. 25
3.5.3 The footswitch................................................................................................................................................ 26
3.6 Prior to switching on the instrument.......................................................................................................... 27
4. Instrument properties............................................................................................................................... 28
4.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................................... 28
4.2 Technical data................................................................................................................................................ 30

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Leica CM3050S
Table of Contents
5. Operation.................................................................................................................................................... 33
5.1 Operating the instrument for the first time................................................................................................ 33
5.2 Switching on/fuses........................................................................................................................................ 33
5.3 Control panel 1 ............................................................................................................................................... 34
5.3.1 Key functions in control panel 1 ................................................................................................................. 35
5.3.2 Display functions in control panel 1 ........................................................................................................... 35
5.3.3 Display indications when switching on ..................................................................................................... 36
5.3.4 Menu functions: setting parameters of refrigeration, time and preset counter................................. 38
5.3.5 Status display................................................................................................................................................. 42
5.3.6 Indication of refrigeration state, section thickness setting and counters........................................... 44
5.4 Control panel 2 ............................................................................................................................................... 46
5.4.1 Selecting a sectioning mode/start and stop sectioning ......................................................................... 47
5.4.2 Setting the sectioning window.................................................................................................................... 48
5.4.3 Selecting sectioning speed.......................................................................................................................... 49
5.4.4 Emergency stop ............................................................................................................................................. 50
5.4.5 Coarse feed keys ........................................................................................................................................... 51
5.4.6 Trimming and sectioning functions - switching between trimming and sectioning .......................... 52
5.4.7 Setting the section thickness ...................................................................................................................... 52
5.5 Daily operation of the instrument................................................................................................................ 53
5.5.1 Freezing specimens onto specimen discs with quick-freeze shelf and stationary heat extractor . 53
5.5.2 Freezing specimens onto specimen discs with 90 ° prism (Instruments w/specimen cooling)....... 54
5.5.3 Optional accessories for freezing and for removing of frozen specimens.......................................... 55
5.5.4 Inserting specimen discs into the specimen head .................................................................................. 57
5.5.5 Specimen orientation.................................................................................................................................... 57
5.5.6 Trimming/sectioning...................................................................................................................................... 57
5.6 Finishing work ................................................................................................................................................ 59
5.6.1 Daily routine steps......................................................................................................................................... 59
5.6.2 Switching off the instrument for a longer period of time........................................................................ 59
5.7 Defrosting........................................................................................................................................................ 60
5.7.1 Automatic chamber defrost cycle .............................................................................................................. 60
5.7.2 Manual chamber defrost cycle................................................................................................................... 61
5.7.3 Defrosting the specimen head (instruments with specimen cooling only) ......................................... 62
6. Troubleshooting, application tips.......................................................................................................... 63
6.1 Displayed error messages ........................................................................................................................... 63
6.1.1 Other error indications.................................................................................................................................. 64
6.2 Potential problems - causes and remedies............................................................................................... 64
6.3 Reference chart for temperature settings (in minus °C)......................................................................... 68
7. Disinfection, cleaning and maintenance............................................................................................. 69
7.1 Safety instructions on disinfection and cleaning..................................................................................... 69
7.2 Cold disinfection ............................................................................................................................................ 69
7.3 Disinfection at room temperature............................................................................................................... 70
7.4 Cleaning........................................................................................................................................................... 70
7.5 Removing/reinstalling the microtome ........................................................................................................ 71
7.5.1 Removing the microtome.............................................................................................................................. 71
7.5.2 Disassembling the specimen head (instruments w/specimen cooling only) ...................................... 71
7.5.3 Reinstalling the microtome .......................................................................................................................... 73
7.6 Exchanging the fluorescent light lamp....................................................................................................... 74

6Version 2.0, Revision G
Table of Contents
8. Warranty and service............................................................................................................................... 76
9. Appendix .................................................................................................................................................... 77
9.1 Electrohydraulic height adjustment............................................................................................................ 77
9.1.1 Designated use .............................................................................................................................................. 77
9.1.2 Standard delivery........................................................................................................................................... 77
9.1.3 Safety instruction........................................................................................................................................... 77
9.1.4 Installation ...................................................................................................................................................... 78
9.1.5 Control keys.................................................................................................................................................... 79
9.1.6 Maintenance and care ................................................................................................................................. 80
9.1.7 Troubleshooting............................................................................................................................................. 80
9.1.8 Technical data................................................................................................................................................ 81
9.2 Ordering information - accessories............................................................................................................ 81
10. Decontamination confirmation .............................................................................................................. 83

7
Leica CM3050S
Important information 1
1. Important information
1.1 Symbols and their meanings
Caution
Leica Biosystems GmbH assumes no liability for consequential loss or damage due to failure to
observe the following instructions, particularly in relation to transportation and package handling,
and failure to observe the instructions for handling the instrument carefully.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Warning
Description: Warnings appear in a gray box and are marked by a
warning triangle.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Note
Description: Notes, i. e. important user information, appear in a
gray box and are marked by an information symbol.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Item number
→"Fig. 7 - 1"Description: Item numbers for numbering illustrations. Numbers in
red refer to item numbers in illustrations.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Function key
Start Description: Function keys to be pressed on the instrument are
displayed as capital letters and bold, black text.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Software key and/or Display Messages
Ready Description: Software keys to be pressed on the display and/or
messages on the display are displayed as bold, gray
text.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Caution
Description: Indicates the need for the user to consult the
Instructions for Use for important cautionary
information such as warnings and precautions that
cannot, for a variety of reasons, be presented on the
medical device itself.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Warning, hot surface
Description: Instrument surfaces which become hot during
operation are marked with this symbol. Avoid direct
contact to prevent risk of burning.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Manufacturer
Description: Indicates the manufacturer of the medical product.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Manufacturing date
Description: Indicates the date when the medical device was
manufactured.

8Version 2.0, Revision G
Important information
1
Symbol: Title of the symbol: CE Compliance
Description: The CE marking is the manufacturer's declaration
that the medical product meets the requirements of
the applicable EC directives.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: In vitro diagnostic medical device
Description: Indicates a medical device that is intended to be
used as an in vitro diagnostic medical device.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: China ROHS
Description: Environmental protection symbol of the China RoHS
directive. The number in the symbol indicates the
"Environment-friendly Use Period" of the product in
years. The symbol is used if a substance restricted
in China is used in excess of the maximum permitted
limit.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: WEEE Symbol
Description: The WEEE symbol, indicating separate collection
for WEEE - Waste of electrical and electronic
equipment, consists of the crossed-out wheeled bin
(§ 7 ElektroG).
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Alternating current
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Article number
Description: Indicates the manufacturer's catalog number so that
the medical device can be identified.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Serial number
Description: Indicates the manufacturer's serial number so that a
specific medical device can be identified.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Consult Instructions for Use
Description: Indicates the need for the user to consult the
Instructions for Use.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Warning, risk of electric shock
Description: Instrument surfaces or areas which become
energized during operation are marked with this
symbol. Therefore, direct contact is to be avoided.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: IPPC symbol
Description: The IPPC symbol includes
IPPC symbol
• Country code to ISO 3166, e.g. DE for Germany
• Regional identifier, e.g. NW for North
Rhine-Westphalia
• Registration number, unique number beginning
with 49.
• Treatment method, e.g. HT (heat treatment)

9
Leica CM3050S
Important information 1
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Fragile, handle with care
Description: Indicates a medical device that can be broken or
damaged if not handled carefully.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Store dry
Description: Indicates a medical device that needs to be
protected from moisture.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: This way up
Description: Indicates correct upright position of the transport
package.
Appearance: Indication: Tilt indicator
Description: Indicator to monitor whether the shipment has been
transported and stored in upright position according
to your requirements. With a pitch of 60° or more,
the blue quartz sand flows into the arrow-shaped
indicator window and sticks there permanently.
Improper handling of the shipment is immediately
detectable and can be proven definitively.
Note
Upon delivery of the instrument, the recipient must check that the tilt indicator is intact before
unpacking. The responsible Leica representative must be notified in the case that the indicator has
been triggered.
1.2 General
This Instructions for Use includes important instructions and information related to the operating safety
and maintenance of the instrument.
The Instructions for Use is an important part of the product. It must be read carefully before using the
instrument for the first time and must always be kept with the instrument.
If additional requirements, which exceed the scope of this Instructions for Use, are imposed by
regulations and/or laws on accident prevention and environmental protection in the country of
operation, appropriate instructions for compliance with such requirements must be added to this
Instructions for Use.
Read this Instructions for Use carefully before attempting to use or operate the instrument.

10 Version 2.0, Revision G
Important information
1
Warning
Please pay particular attention to (→p. 12 – 2. Safety).
Please read this information, even if you are already familiar with the operation and use of other
Leica products.
1.3 Instrument type
All information given in this instruction manual applies only to the instrument type indicated on the title
page.
A name plate, indicating the instrument serial number, is attached to the back of the instrument.
The figure of the type nameplate shown (→"Fig. 1") is provided as an example only and shows a
valid nameplate for this instrument with the necessary information about instrument type and power
requirements. Precise data for the various versions is specified in (→p. 30 – 4.2 Technical data).
Required information for all inquiries:
For any inquiries please specify:
• Instrument type
• Serialnumber
Fig. 1

11
Leica CM3050S
Important information 1
1.4 Designated use
• The Leica CM3050S is a powerful cryostat for routine as well as research applications in biology,
medicine and industry.
• The instrument has been designed for rapid freezing and sectioning of tissue samples.
• The instrument has not been designed for unattended storage of tissue material.
• The instrument may only be operated within the scope of its designated use as described above and
as per the instructions given in this Instructions for Use.
Any other use of the instrument is considered improper.
The Leica CM3050S is also suitable for IVD (in vitro diagnostics).
1.5 Qualification of personnel
The Leica CM3050S may only be operated by trained laboratory personnel.
All laboratory personnel designated to operate the instrument must carefully read the present
instruction manual prior to starting work with the instrument.

12 Version 2.0, Revision G
Safety
2
2. Safety
2.1 Safety notes
Warning
• The safety and caution notes in this chapter must be observed at all times. Be sure to read these
notes even if you are already familiar with the operation and use of other Leica products.
• When working with cryostats, personal safety precautions must always be taken. It is mandatory
to wear work safety shoes, safety and cut resistant gloves (→p. 23 – 3.4 Standard delivery), a
mask and safety goggles.
• Due to explosion hazard, the use of flammable freezing sprays inside the cryostat chamber, while
the instrument is turned on, is prohibited.
These Instructions for Use include important instructions and information related to the operating safety
and maintenance of the instrument.
The Instructions for Use are an important part of the product, and must be read carefully prior to startup
and use and must always be kept near the instrument.
This instrument has been built and tested in accordance with the safety requirements for electrical
equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use.
Residual risks
The instrument has been designed and constructed with the latest state-of-the-art technology and
according to recognized standards and regulations with regard to safety technology. Operating or
handling the instrument incorrectly can place the user or other personnel at risk of injury or can cause
damage to the instrument or other property. The machine may be used only as intended and only if all of
its safety features are in proper working condition. Malfunctions that impede safety must be remedied
immediately.
To maintain this condition and ensure safe operation, the user must observe all notes and warnings
contained in these Instructions for Use.
Only original spare parts and permitted original accessories may be used.
Note
These Instructions for Use must be appropriately supplemented as required by the existing
regulations on accident prevention and environmental safety in the operator's country.
The instrument's EC Declaration of Conformity can be found on the Internet at:
http://www.LeicaBiosystems.com
Warning
The protective devices on both instrument and components must neither be removed nor modified.
Only service personnel qualified by Leica may repair the instrument and access the instrument's
internal components.

13
Leica CM3050S
Safety 2
2.2 Integrated safety devices
The instrument is equipped with the following safety devices:
• Handwheel lock
• Handwheel grip centering
• Emergency stop function (instruments with sectioning motor only)
• Knife holder equipped with knife guard
The safety devices installed by the manufacturer of the instrument only constitute the basis of accident
prevention. Operating the instrument safely is, above all, the responsibility of the owner, as well as the
designated personnel who operate, service or repair the instrument. To ensure trouble-free operation of
the instrument, make sure to comply with the following instructions and warnings.
2.2.1 Locking the handwheel
Warning
Always cover the cutting edge with the knife guard and lock the handwheel:
• Prior to doing any work on knife and/or specimen.
• Prior to exchanging specimens.
• During work breaks.
The handwheel can be locked in 2 positions:
• with the grip in the uppermost position (→"Fig. 2-1"),
• with the grip in the lowest position (→"Fig. 2-2").
1
5
5
3
3
7
2
6
6
4
4
Fig. 2
Locking:
1. Rotate handwheel, until grip (→"Fig. 2-3") is in upper (→"Fig. 2-1") or lower position
(→"Fig. 2-2").
2. To lock, press pin (→"Fig. 2-4") to the right into position (→"Fig. 2-5").
LThe upper locking position for pin (→"Fig. 2-4") is marked by a black dot (→"Fig. 2-7").

14 Version 2.0, Revision G
Safety
2
Instruments with sectioning motor:
The sectioning motor is now blocked.
All instruments:
The message LOCKED in the display of control panel 1 indicates that the handwheel has been locked:
C T - 3 0 ° C O T - 3 5 ° C
L O C K E D - -
Unlocking:
1. To unlock, push locking pin (→"Fig. 2-4") to the left into position (→"Fig. 2-6").
2. Display indication LOCKED disappears.
Instruments with sectioning motor:
The sectioning motor can now be activated again.
2.2.2 Centering the handwheel grip
Warning
During motorized sectioning, for safety reasons always center the handwheel grip!
Center grip
1. To center grip (→"Fig. 2-3"), pull outwards and pivot into center of handwheel.
2. When released, the grip locks into position.
2.2.3 Emergency stop function (instruments with sectioning motor only)
The emergency stop is activated via the red emergency stop button (→"Fig. 3-3") in control panel 2
(→"Fig. 3-1") or via the footswitch (→"Fig. 3-2").
Fig. 3
1
2
3
4

15
Leica CM3050S
Safety 2
Activating the emergency stop function
» Press emergency stop button (→"Fig. 3-3") or step on footswitch forcefully (→"Fig. 3-2"), STOP
(red) (→"Fig. 3-4") lights up.
As soon as the emergency stop function is activated, the sectioning motor stops.
Deactivating the emergency stop
» To deactivate, rotate emergency stop button in direction of arrow (→"Fig. 3-3").
Note
If the emergency stop function has been activated by the footswitch, unlocking is not necessary
(function is unlocked as soon as the footswitch is released).
2.2.4 Knife guard
All knife holders are equipped with a knife guard (--> see separate Instructions for Use on knife
holders).
Warning
Always cover the cutting edge with the knife guard and lock the handwheel:
• Prior to doing any work on knife and/or specimen.
• Prior to exchanging specimens.
• During work breaks.
2.3 Safety instructions: handling and operation of the instrument
2.3.1 Transport and installation
Warning
To avoid severe damage to the instrument by running it while the compressor oil is displaced from its
regular position:
• Do not tilt the instrument, only transport in an upright position.
• After transporting, do not turn the instrument on for a minimum of 4 hours.
To ensure proper function, the instrument must be set up with the following minimum clearance to
walls and fixtures on all sides:
• rear: 15 cm - 5.9 inch
• right: 30 cm - 11.8 inch
• left: 15 cm - 5.9 inch
The compressor oil may have been displaced during transport and must settle to its original position
before switching the instrument on. Otherwise, the instrument may be severely damaged.

16 Version 2.0, Revision G
Safety
2
2.3.2 Site requirements
Warning
Do not operate in rooms with explosion hazard! To ensure proper function of the instrument, it must
be set up with a minimum distance on all sides from walls and furniture (→p. 15 – 2.3.1 Transport
and installation).
The place of installation must meet the following requirements:
• The instrument requires an installation area of approx. 600 x 730 mm.
• Room volume must be at least 8 m3.
• Room temperature consistently 18 °C - 35 °C.
• Temperature range during storage: 5 °C - 50 °C
• Relative humidity, maximum 60 % (non-condensing),
• Elevation: up to a max. of 2000 m above sea level
Note
Condensation water may form in the instrument if there is an extreme difference in temperature
between the storage location and the installation site and if air humidity is high at the same time. If
this is the case, wait at least two hours before switching on the instrument.
Failure to comply with this may cause damage to the instrument.
• The instrument is designed for indoor use only.
• The power plug/circuit breaker must be freely and easily accessible. The power socket may not be
located further than 2.5 m from the instrument.
• Power supply at a distance no greater than the length of the power cable – an extension cable must
NOT be used.
• The floor must be largely vibration-free and have sufficient load capacity and rigidity for the weight of
the instrument.
• Avoid impacts, direct sunlight, and excessive temperature fluctuations.
• The instrument MUST be connected to a properly grounded socket. Use only the power cable
provided, which is intended for the local power supply.
• The chemicals to be used are easily inflammable and hazardous to health. Therefore the installation
location must be well ventilated, and must contain no sources of ignition of any kind.
• Furthermore, this instrument must NOT be operated directly under the outlet of an airconditioning
system, since the increased air circulation accelerates icing of the chamber.
• The installation location must be protected against electrostatic charge.
• To ensure proper instrument function maintain the distances mentioned in (→p. 15 – 2.3.1
Transport and installation) between walls and/or furniture and all sides of the instrument.
Note
Room temperatures and humidity levels in excess of the recommendations above will affect the
cryostat's cooling capacity and the lowest stated temperatures will not be reached.

17
Leica CM3050S
Safety 2
2.3.3 Electrical connections
• Before connecting the instrument to an AC power outlet, ensure that the AC power of your laboratory
matches the values on the nameplate of the instrument.
• During the start-up of the refrigeration system, the minimum nominal voltage must not drop below the
values specified in (→p. 30 – 4.2 Technical data).
Warning
• The compressor draws a starting current between 25 and 35 A.
• Therefore, the electric circuit at the place of installation must be inspected by an electrical
engineer to ensure that it meets the requirements for a smooth operation of the instrument.
• A stable power supply in accordance with the instrument's specifications is essential to its proper
functioning.
Failure to comply with the above can damage the instrument.
Fire hazard!
• Instrument malfunctions caused by voltage drop.
Electrical power supply deviating from specifications damages the instrument.
• During the start-up phase of the compressor, the nominal voltage must not drop below the values
specified in (→p. 30 – 4.2 Technical data)!
• Ensure uniform current supply according to specifications.
• Therefore, arrange for the electrical installations on site to be checked by a trained professional and
make sure any necessary upgrades are installed!
• Have the circuit protected by a fuse of its own!
• Do not connect any other consumers to the same circuit.
• Prior to connecting the instrument to mains, make sure the electrical power supply in your laboratory
corresponds to the values indicated on the instrument nameplate (→"Fig. 1").
• No additional extension cable may be used.
2.3.4 Handling microtome knives/blades
Warning
Microtome knives and disposable blades have extremely sharp cutting edges and can cause serious
injuries. Therefore:
• Handle knives / blades with utmost care.
• Wear cut resistant gloves (→p. 23 – 3.4 Standard delivery).
• Never leave any knives / blades in unprotected places.
• Never place a knife, no matter where, with the cutting edge facing upwards.
• Never try to catch a falling knife.
• Always insert the specimen before inserting the knife.

18 Version 2.0, Revision G
Safety
2
2.3.5 Knife guard/handwheel lock
Warning
Always cover the cutting edge with the knife guard and lock the handwheel:
• Wear cut resistant gloves (→p. 23 – 3.4 Standard delivery).
• Prior to doing any work on knife and/or specimen.
• Prior to exchanging specimens.
• During work breaks.
2.3.6 Motorized sectioning
Warning
Do not interrupt sectioning / trimming by setting the sliding potentiometer to zero speed.
Risk of injury!
• This does not really switch the sectioning function off - it only operates at ‘0’ speed.
If the sliding potentiometer is accidentally moved, the instrument will resume sectioning immediately.
During motorized sectioning, always center the handwheel grip.
2.3.7 Defrosting/handling frozen tissue
Warning
Never leave specimens unattended in the cryochamber over an extended period of time!
• In case of power failure or instrument failure, or during the automatic defrost cycle, tissue
material can be destroyed.
During the defrost cycle the cryochamber is partially warmed. Therefore:
• Remove sensitive specimens from the chamber prior to defrosting.
• If automatic defrosting is programmed to take place during the night, remember to remove all
specimens from the cryochamber prior to leaving work.
2.3.8 Frozen parts of the instrument and frozen accessories
Warning
Wear protective gloves.
• Prolonged contact of bare skin to frozen surfaces of the instrument or to frozen accessories
(specimen discs, knife holder, shelves etc.) can cause frostbite.

19
Leica CM3050S
Safety 2
2.3.9 Infectious/radioactive material
Warning
Risk of infection!
Use caution when working with potentially infectious specimens.
When working with potentially infectious/radioactive specimens:
• Wear protective clothes (gloves, protective boots, mask, lab coat), in compliance with radiation
safety regulations and/or in-house regulations on handling infectious/radioactive material.
When working with radioactive specimens:
• Comply with applicable radiation safety regulations.
• Dispose of radioactive specimen waste according to applicable regulations.
2.3.10 Disinfection and cleaning
Warning
• Only use alcohol-based disinfectants for disinfecting the cryostat chamber.
• Do not use solvents (xylene, acetone etc.) for cleaning or disinfection.
• Risk of icing - Do not spray disinfectants into the evaporator.
• Comply with all safety instructions supplied by the manufacturer of the product when using
disinfectants and detergents.
• Explosion hazard when working with alcohol: Explosion hazard when working with alcohol: Make
sure the premises are appropriately ventilated and the instrument is switched off when using
flammable sprays.
• Risk of icing - Disinfected accessories must be thoroughly dry when reinserting them into the
chamber. Insure the chamber is completely dry before switching on the instrument.
• Dispose of waste liquids from disinfection/cleaning as well as of sectioning waste according to
applicable regulations on disposal of special category waste.
• For disinfection at room temperature, refer to (→p. 70 – 7.3 Disinfection at room temperature).
• Prior to disinfection with conventional disinfectants, switch the instrument off and unplug it from
mains. For removal of the microtome from the cryostat chamber see (→p. 19 – 2.3.11 Removing/
reinstalling the microtome).
• For details about the cold disinfection process using disinfection sprays, refer to (→p. 69 – 7.2
Cold disinfection).
2.3.11 Removing/reinstalling the microtome
Note
Before removing the microtome:
• Switch instrument off.
• Unplug from mains.
• Place handwheel grip in lowest position and lock.
When removing the microtome, the specimen head must always be locked in the lowest position.
Otherwise the upper part of the slot cover might be bent and consequently damaged!

20 Version 2.0, Revision G
Safety
2
Warning
When removing the microtome:
• Risk of frost bite. Wear gloves when removing the microtome while it is still frozen.
On instruments with specimen cooling:
• Risk of frost bite. Do not distort the refrigerating tube! If distorted it might break, causing
extremely cold refrigerant to escape.
Before reinstalling the microtome:
• Microtome must be completely dry. Humidity in the interior of the microtome freezes and causes
microtome malfunctions and/or damage to the microtome.
• Risk of icing. All accessories/tools removed from the cryochamber must be thoroughly dry before
putting them back into the chamber!
2.3.12 Display message dry microtome
If the error message Dry Microtome is displayed in control panel 1, the following has happened:
• Cryochamber refrigeration has been interrupted for an extended period of time (e.g. power failure),
causing the chamber temperature to rise into the positive digits.
Note
If this message appears, do not switch on the instrument but remove the microtome from the
chamber, disinfect, if necessary, and dry thoroughly before reinstalling it into the chamber, see
(→p. 69 – 7.1 Safety instructions on disinfection and cleaning) to (→p. 71 – 7.5 Removing/
reinstalling the microtome).
2.3.13 Maintenance
Note
Only technical service engineers authorized by Leica may access the internal components of the
instrument for service and repair.
The fluorescent light lamp (chamber illumination), unless broken or splintered, can be replaced by the
user:
1. Switch off mains switch.
2. Unplug the instrument from mains.
Warning
Risk of injury! If the lamp is broken or splintered, have lamp replaced by Leica Technical Service.
3. Use only those replacement lamps that correspond to technical specification (→p. 30 – 4.2
Technical data).