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.