Safety features of the Siemens Maxum Edition II gas chromatograph
- Safety Flash
- Published on 25 October 2017
- Generated on 18 September 2025
- IMCA SF 27/17
- 3 minute read
The UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a safety bulletin regarding the safety features of the Siemens Maxum Edition II gas chromatograph (GC), following an incident involving one of these instruments, in which an instrument technician was injured as a result of an explosion.
What happened?
The safety bulletin is aimed at those using the Siemens Maxum Edition II GC which is believed to be widely in use in the oil, gas and chemicals industries.
The purpose of the GC is to analyse samples of chemicals and determine the composition. The unit is Atmosphères Explosibles (ATEX)-certified for use in potentially hazardous areas.
What went wrong? What were the causes?
An incident occurred involving one of these instruments, in which an instrument technician was injured as a result of an explosion. The GC was being returned to service after being left in ‘hold’ status, during this ‘hold’ period flammable gas (hydrogen) had accumulated in the electronics enclosure of the GC. The main safety feature to prevent the potential build-up of gas, an automatic purge unit, was not re-engaged as part of the start-up operation. It is possible to bypass the automatic purge unit prior to start up by setting the GC mode from ‘operation’ to ‘maintenance’ using a key located behind the detector cabinet panel.
An issue was discovered after an incident when an instrument technician was injured as a result of an explosion. The GC was being returned to service after being left in ‘hold’ status; during this ‘hold’ period flammable gas (hydrogen) had accumulated in the electronics enclosure of the GC. The main safety feature to prevent the potential build-up of gas, an automatic purge unit, was not re-engaged as part of the start-up operation. It is possible to bypass the automatic purge unit prior to start up by setting the GC mode from ‘operation’ to ‘maintenance’ using a key located behind the detector cabinet panel.
The injuries sustained were life changing and could have been even more serious.
Although the incident occurred whilst operating the Siemens Maxum II GC unit there is the possibility that a similar set of circumstances may be replicated with GC equipment from other manufacturers.
Lessons learnt / Actions taken
- Users of Siemens Maxum Edition II GCs should review the operation of the units, specifically the automatic purge unit control, making specific reference to the latest version of the maintenance manual.
- Users of Siemens Maxum Edition II GCs should discuss the suitability of their current operating arrangements for the GCs with Siemens.
- Users of GCs produced by other manufacturers should discuss the suitability of their current operating arrangements for the GCs with the manufacturers.
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