ABB PGC5000 Series Process Gas Chromatographs

On October 1, 2017, the Chemicals, Explosives and

Microbiological Hazards Division of Health and

Safety Executive in the United Kingdom issued

Safety Alert Bulletin Number CE MHD 1 2017.

A safety issue was discovered with another

manufacturer’s Gas Chromatograph that uses the

“PX” protection concept in the upper Electronics

Enclosure. This design is based on a purge flow of

air being used to dilute any flammable gasses

present below the flammable limits. This issue was

unfortunately discovered after an instrument

technician was injured as a result of an explosion.

The general concern presented in Safety Alert

Bulletin Number CE MHD 1 2017 is the possibility that

a similar set of circumstances may be replicated

with GC equipment supplied by other

manufacturers.

In line with the duties required by

UK health and safety law and in particular the

Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres

Regulations (2002) Regulation 6 and the Provision

and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998)

Regulation 12, HSE is stating that Users of GC’s

produced by other manufacturers should discuss

the suitability of their current operating

arrangements for other manufacturers’ GC’s.

The specific intent of this communication is to

formally respond to users of ABB’s GC equipment

manufactured in Lewisburg, WV regarding the

suitability of said equipment relative to the specific

issue that is the subject of the HSE Safety Alert

Bulletin Number CE MHD 1 2017. The document

attached to this communication represents ABB’s

relevant response to its end users.