General Safety Information; Helios Gene Gun Safety; Pressurized Helium And Nitrogen Safety - BIO RAD Helios Gene Gun System Instruction Manual

Section 1 General Safety Information
Section 1

General Safety Information

Caution: In particle bombardment DNA-coated microparticles are accelerated to velocities in excess
of 1,000 ft/sec in order to penetrate the cell membrane and through multiple layers of cells in tissues
and organs. In the Helios Gene Gun, this accelerating force is supplied by a high-pressure helium pulse.
Numerous safety features have been designed into this instrument to protect both the user and bystanders.
The parts used in manufacturing the Helios Gene Gun were chosen because they are designed to work at
the pressures required for operation and have a wide safety margin. General safety principles are indicated
below. Specific safety recommendations are indicated in the appropriate sections throughout the manual.

Helios Gene Gun Safety

Caution: While the Helios Gene Gun has a trigger button that is time-activated by a safety interlock
switch, accidental or unintentional discharge is still possible. Do not point the gun at people. The Helios
Gene Gun is for research use only.
Refer to Connecting the Helios Gene Gun to a Helium Source in Section 4 for setting up a helium source
and to Particle Delivery Using the Helios Gene Gun and Removing Used Cartridges, Depressurization, and
Shutdown, both in Section 5, for instruction on use and depressurization/shutdown, respectively, of the
Gene Gun.

Pressurized Helium and Nitrogen Safety

Caution: Although helium and nitrogen are neither toxic nor flammable, all gases under pressure are
potentially dangerous if used improperly. Always be sure pressurized tanks are properly secured. This may
be accomplished by placing the tank in a floor stand or by using a wall-mounted or bench-mounted strap.
Please follow the instructions provided with the helium tank from the supplier and those that are applicable
for your institution (see your Site Safety Officer). Bio-Rad has supplied tubing, fittings, a control valve, and
a pressure regulator capable of safely handling the high-pressure helium gas used in the Helios Gene Gun.
These components have been carefully selected and are the only parts to be used with the Helios Gene
Gun System.
Refer to Requirements for System Operation in Section 2 for a description of the helium and nitrogen gases
required for the Helios Gene Gun System.
Section 1 General Safety Information
Helios Gene Gun System | 1