Can't remember if the instructions say, but I was told not to touch the copper-looking strip.
Also if you have a long-dried cartridge, it might or might not work properly if you refill it. I found it best to keep using them at least every once in awhile and refill as necessary. It really is easy to do and has saved me a LOT of money. I was spending $30 a month on black ink with my business, and while I use much less now, I have two $10 refill kits and have nowhere near gone through them in a couple of years.