California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 7 - General Industry Safety Orders
Group 3 - General Plant Equipment and Special Operations
Article 20 - Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Equipment
Section 3558 - Microtomes (Manual, Semiautomatic and Automatic)

(a) Microtomes shall be used, operated, and maintained by qualified persons in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and this section. The provisions of this section take precedence over manufacturer's recommendations wherever those recommendations are inconsistent with this section.

(b) During operation, a minimum clearance of 1 inch shall be maintained between the operator's hands and any moving parts or blade (point of operation) of the microtome, and the operator's hands shall only approach the blade with forceps and/or other appropriate tools.

(c) Tissue sections or sections of any other material sliced by the microtome shall be retrieved by the employee using forceps and/or other appropriate tool(s).

(d) When operating microtomes, the foot pedal shall be so positioned to avoid accidental activation.

(e) The adjustment, removal, replacement or maintenance activities of microtomes shall comply with the requirements of Section 3314 of these Orders.

(f) When not in use, the foot treadle of each electrically-powered microtome must be guarded by a cover or guard that will prevent unintended operation.

(g) At a minimum, microtome operators shall be trained in the requirements of this section consistent with Section 3203, Injury and Illness Prevention Program, of these Orders.