> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.aethlabs.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.aethlabs.com/microaethalometer-tm-ma600/manual/safety.md). # 2. Safety Information Key safety warnings, important safety and handling information, operating environment, shipping, and regulatory compliance summary for the microAethalometer™ MA600. ## 2.1 Key Safety Warnings {% hint style="danger" %} **Do not disassemble.** The microAethalometer contains no user-serviceable parts inside the optical module. Internal repairs must be performed by AethLabs authorized service personnel only. {% endhint %} {% hint style="danger" %} **Do not use liquids or cleaning products on the instrument.** If exposed to liquids or contaminants, immediately turn off, disconnect all cables, remove foreign substances, and wait until completely dry before turning on. See [Chapter 10: Calibration & Maintenance](/microaethalometer-tm-ma600/manual/calibration-maintenance.md) for authorized cleaning procedures. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} **Do not block air vents or air passageways.** Blockages will degrade measurement quality and may damage internal components. Ensure adequate airflow around the chassis in the rack. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} **Light sources.** The instrument contains UV light sources. Do not look directly at the optical assembly with the filter tape cartridge door open. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} **Do not expose to extreme temperatures.** Operating range: 5–40 °C. Storage and shipping: −20–60 °C. Exposure to temperatures outside these ranges may damage the instrument. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} The MA600 is designed for indoor, rack-mounted installation only. Protect the instrument and its sample ports from liquids and moisture. {% endhint %} ## 2.2 Important Safety Information {% hint style="danger" %} **WARNING:** Correct operation of the microAethalometer is imperative for safe functioning. Failure to follow these safety instructions could result in fire, electric shock, injury, or damage to the microAethalometer, accessories, or other property. Only AethLabs authorized service personnel should remove covers except the filter tape cartridge door. Never disassemble or make modifications to the microAethalometer as it may cause damage or hazard. Read all safety information and familiarize yourself with the contents of this user manual before using the microAethalometer. {% endhint %} ![Warning label — CAUTION: improper handling or use may cause injury or damage](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-7aab8a254d8a6d29ca3aff688f86a8eda0ceed7b%2Fsafety-caution-warning.png?alt=media) ![Warning label — UNAUTHORIZED: only AethLabs authorized personnel should remove covers except the filter tape cartridge door](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-456824f925d3f74d8e30b985fdd62ccebb7d6149%2Fsafety-unauthorized-warning.png?alt=media) ### 2.2.1 Handling Please handle the microAethalometer with care. The microAethalometer has sensitive electronic and mechanical components inside that if disturbed or damaged can cause measurement issues and possible hazard. The microAethalometer can be damaged if dropped, impacted, burned, punctured, crushed, or exposed to liquid. If damage is noticed or suspected, discontinue use of the microAethalometer and any accessories until the instrument has been inspected or repaired by AethLabs authorized service personnel. ### 2.2.2 Repair Only AethLabs authorized service personnel should repair or service the microAethalometer. Never disassemble the microAethalometer for any reason including repair. Never remove covers except for the filter tape cartridge door. Always make sure the filter tape cartridge door is reinstalled when the instrument is in use. Making modifications or repairs to the microAethalometer will void any warranty and may cause damage or hazard. ### 2.2.3 Light Sources The microAethalometer contains components with emissions in both the visible (red, green, and blue) and invisible spectrums (infrared and ultraviolet). These components are covered during operation and not directly accessible but can cause injury and damage if unauthorized disassembly or repair is made to these sources or any of their mating components. Do not look directly at the light sources as it may be hazardous to do so with the naked eye or with the aid of optical instruments. The microAethalometer contains a Class 1M LED light source product. Do not directly view the light sources with optical instruments. Only AethLabs authorized service personnel should move, modify, service, or repair the light sources and mating components. ![Warning label — UV LED RADIATION: do not view directly with optical instruments, Class 1M LED product](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-044e7d6d798efd9f5acd592188a7a26972d7a4b1%2Fsafety-uv-led-radiation-warning.png?alt=media) ### 2.2.4 Power Source The MA600 is powered by external 12V DC only and has no internal battery for system power. Connect the supplied 12V power adapter to the sealed M8 circular connector labeled **12V DC IN** on the rear panel. Only genuine cables and power supplies from AethLabs should be used. Do not use any cables, power supplies, or power sources with the microAethalometer that are not supplied by, or recommended by, AethLabs, as they may cause damage or a hazard. Always inspect ports and cables before making any connection to the instrument. Damaged cables or supplies, or connecting power when moisture is present, can cause fire, electrical shock, other injury, or damage. Follow all rack installation electrical safety guidelines for your facility and ensure proper grounding of the rack and connected equipment. ### 2.2.5 Heat Exposure Do not expose the microAethalometer to sources of excessive heat such as direct, high intensity sunshine or fire. Always provide adequate ventilation around the chassis. Ensure the rack has sufficient airflow and that the instrument's air passageways are not obstructed by adjacent equipment. ### 2.2.6 Electromagnetic Compatibility (FCC and IC Compliance Statements) The effect of electromagnetic fields from components contained in the microAethalometer on other electronic devices is dependent on various factors and is unpredictable. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. this device may not cause harmful interference, and 2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Do not use near life critical systems. The electromagnetic fields from the instrument may interfere with other electronic devices. **Important:** Changes or modifications to this product not authorized by AethLabs could void the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) compliance and negate your authority to operate the product. It is important that you use compliant peripheral devices and shielded cables between system components to reduce the possibility of causing interference to radios, televisions, and other electronic devices. ### 2.2.7 Medical Device Interference The effect of electromagnetic fields from components contained in the microAethalometer on medical devices is dependent on various factors and is unpredictable. The electromagnetic fields from the instrument may interfere with medical devices. ### 2.2.8 Explosive Atmospheres Never use or make connections to the microAethalometer in any area with a potentially explosive atmosphere or near fire or flammable substances. ### 2.2.9 High-consequence Activities The microAethalometer is not intended for use where the failure of the microAethalometer could lead to death, personal injury, or severe environmental damage. ### 2.2.10 Choking Hazard Some microAethalometer components and accessories may present a choking hazard to children. Keep these components and accessories away from children. ## 2.3 Important Handling Information ### 2.3.1 Moving Parts The microAethalometer contains motorized moving parts. Be careful of moving parts when the filter tape cartridge door is open and or interacting with the filter tape cartridge advance and analysis chamber mechanisms. ![Warning label — CRUSH HAZARD: keep hands clear of moving parts while operating](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-12260979de149d6d9213af9e3346e687f5889215%2Fsafety-crush-hazard-warning.png?alt=media) ### 2.3.2 Exposure to Liquid, Excessive Dust, or Foreign Objects Never expose the microAethalometer, ports, cables, or connections to the instrument to liquid or excessive dust. Never insert foreign objects into any opening or port. This instrument, ports, and air passageways should not be exposed to rain, moisture, objects filled with liquids, or any other sources or forms of liquid. Ensure the sample inlet draws from the intended measurement environment and that no liquid can be drawn into the ports. {% hint style="warning" %} **Do not block air vents or air passageways.** Blockages will degrade measurement quality and may damage internal components. {% endhint %} ### 2.3.3 Using Connectors, Ports, and Buttons Never force any connector, cable, or foreign object into any port or opening in the instrument. Do not apply excessive pressure when inserting the filter tape cartridge into the instrument, pressing a button, or inserting or threading a cable or tubing connector into a port. The aerosol ports are 1/4 inch push-to-connect fittings; seat tubing fully and squarely. Be careful to align connectors correctly and to assure correct orientation while inserting all connectors. If the cable or tubing connector and port do not join with reasonable ease, they may not be compatible or there may be an obstruction. Always inspect ports and cables before making any connection to the instrument. If a port is obstructed or a cable is damaged or frayed, contact AethLabs or an authorized representative immediately for support and genuine AethLabs replacement components. ### 2.3.4 Consumables Filter tape cartridges will require replacement on a regular basis depending on the measurement environment and the operating settings of the instrument. Only genuine AethLabs filter material and cartridges, supplied by AethLabs or authorized representative, should be used in the microAethalometer. ### 2.3.5 Cleaning If the microAethalometer is exposed to any liquids or other damaging contaminants, immediately turn off the instrument, disconnect all cables, and remove any foreign substances in contact with the instrument. Do not use liquids or other cleaning products on the instrument. Wait until the microAethalometer is completely dry before turning on the instrument. Only AethLabs authorized service personnel should clean the air passageways and internal components of the microAethalometer. Keeping the microAethalometer and its air passageways, internal components, and optical chambers clean is critical for maintaining the instrument and producing quality measurements. Contamination of the instrument can cause increased measurement noise, poor sealing of the analytical area and degraded operational lifetime of some components. AethLabs recommends sending your instrument for annual service, or more frequent service depending on use and operating conditions. See [Chapter 10: Calibration & Maintenance](/microaethalometer-tm-ma600/manual/calibration-maintenance.md) for authorized cleaning and service procedures. ### 2.3.6 Replacement Parts Only genuine AethLabs parts should be used in the microAethalometer. Only AethLabs authorized service personnel should make repairs, install replacement parts, or open the instrument except for the filter tape cartridge door. Always make sure the filter tape cartridge door is reinstalled when the instrument is in use. ### 2.3.7 Accessories Only use genuine accessories from AethLabs or recommended by AethLabs. Do not use any accessories with the microAethalometer that are not supplied by or recommended by AethLabs, as they may cause damage or hazard. ### 2.3.8 Servicing Only AethLabs authorized service personnel should service the microAethalometer. Never remove covers except for the filter tape cartridge door. Always make sure the filter tape cartridge door is reinstalled when the instrument is in use. ### 2.3.9 Disposal The microAethalometer must be recycled or disposed of properly and separately from general or household waste in compliance with local laws and regulations. When this product reaches its end of life, take it to a collection point designated by local authorities. The separate collection and recycling of your product at the time of disposal will help conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. ### 2.3.10 Shipping The microAethalometer MA600 contains only a CR2032 coin cell battery, which serves as the real-time clock (RTC) backup battery and provides no system power (the instrument runs on external 12V DC only). Package the instrument securely to protect it from impact and moisture during transport. Please contact your shipping carrier for more information and for packing instructions. ## 2.4 Operating Environment and Temperature The microAethalometer is designed to operate in ambient temperatures and conditions of 5–40 °C, non-condensing. The microAethalometer can be damaged if stored or operated outside of these conditions. Avoid exposing the microAethalometer, connections, and tubing to rapid and dramatic changes in temperature or humidity. Care must be taken to identify installation and use conditions that might cause condensation of the sample aerosol stream or of the instrument itself. Such condensation can cause instrument damage, electrical shock, or hazard. For high-humidity environments, the optional built-in Nafion sample dryer manages moisture in the sample stream. | Condition | Specification | | --------------------- | ------------------------- | | Operating temperature | 5–40 °C | | Storage temperature | −20–60 °C | | Humidity (operating) | Non-condensing | | Installation | Indoor, rack-mounted only | Do not operate in condensing environments. The MA600 is for indoor installation only — protect it from liquids and moisture.