Handling Microtome Knives/Blades; Knife Guard/Handwheel Lock; Motorized Sectioning; Defrosting/Handling Frozen Tissue - Leica CM3050 S Instruction Manual

2.3.4 Handling microtome knives/blades

• Danger!
--> Microtome knives and disposable blades
have extremely sharp cutting edges and
can cause serious injuries. Therefore:
• Handle knives / blades with utmost care.
• Never leave any knives / blades in unpro-
tected 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.

2.3.5 Knife guard/handwheel lock

• 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.

2.3.6 Motorized sectioning

• Do not interrupt sectioning / trimming by set-
ting the sliding potentiometer to zero speed!
--> This does not really switch the sectioning
function off - it only operates at '0' speed.
If the sliding potentiometer is accidental-
ly moved, the instrument will resume sec-
tioning immediately (risk of injury)!
• During motorized sectioning, always center
the handwheel grip!
Leica CM3050 S – Cryostat

2.3.7 Defrosting/Handling frozen tissue

• 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 cy-
cle, 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 cryo-
chamber prior to leaving work.
2.3.8 Frozen parts of the instrument and
frozen accessories
• Prolonged contact of bare skin to frozen
surfaces of the instrument or to frozen
accessories (specimen discs, knife holder,
shelves etc.) can cause frostbite.
• Wear protective gloves.
2. Safety
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