Introduction

This chapter provides important information about using the Agilent 990 Micro Gas Chromatograph, Micro GC, safely. To prevent any injury to you or any damage to the instrument, it is essential that you read the information in this chapter.

Safety Information

Important safety warnings

There are several important safety notices that you should always keep in mind when using the Micro GC.

WARNING

When handling or using chemicals for preparation or use within the Micro GC, all applicable local and national laboratory safety practices must be followed. This includes, but is not limited to, correct use of Personal Protective Equipment, correct use of storage vials, and correct handling of chemicals, as defined in the laboratory’s internal safety analysis and standard operating procedures. Failure to adhere to laboratory safety practices could lead to injury or death.

Hydrogen safety

Hydrogen is a commonly used GC carrier gas. When mixed with air, hydrogen can form explosive mixtures and has other dangerous characteristics.

WARNING

When using hydrogen (H₂) as the carrier gas, be aware that hydrogen gas can create a fire or explosion hazard. Ensure that the supply is turned off until all connections are made.

Hydrogen is flammable. Leaks, when confined in an enclosed space, may create a fire or explosion hazard. In any application using hydrogen, leak test all connections, lines, and valves before operating the instrument. Always turn off the hydrogen supply at its source before working on the instrument.

• Hydrogen is combustible over a wide range of concentrations. At atmospheric pressure, hydrogen is combustible at concentrations from 4 % to 74.2 % by volume.
• Hydrogen has the highest burning velocity of any gas.
• Hydrogen has a very low ignition energy.
• Hydrogen that is allowed to expand rapidly from high pressure into the atmosphere can self-ignite.
• Hydrogen burns with a nonluminous flame which can be invisible under bright light.

Safety symbols

Warnings in the manual or on the instrument must be observed during all phases of operation, service, and repair of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions violates safety standards of design and the intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.

See accompanying instructions for more information.

Indicates a hot surface.

Indicates hazardous voltages.

Indicates earth (ground) terminal.

Indicates potential explosion hazard.

Indicates electrostatic discharge hazard.

Indicates a hazard. See the Agilent 990 GC user documentation for the item labeled.

Indicates that you must not discard this electrical/electronic product in domestic household waste

Safety and regulatory information

This instrument and its accompanying documentation comply with the CE specifications and the safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use (CEI/IEC 1010-1)CCSAUS and FCC-b.

This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

NOTE

This instrument has been tested per applicable requirements of EMC Directive as required to carry the European Union CE Mark. As such, this equipment may be susceptible to radiation/interference levels or frequencies, which are not within the tested limits.

General safety precautions

To ensure safe equipment operation, follow these safety practices:

• Perform periodic leak checks on all supply lines and pneumatic plumbing.
• Do not allow gas lines to become kinked or punctured.
• Place lines away from foot traffic and extreme heat or cold.
• Store organic solvents in fireproof, vented, and clearly labeled cabinets so they are easily identified as either toxic, flammable, or both.
• Do not accumulate waste solvents. Dispose of such materials through a regulated disposal program and not through municipal sewage lines.

WARNING

This instrument is designed for chromatographic analysis of appropriately prepared samples. It must be operated using appropriate gases or solvents and within specified maximum ranges for pressure, flows, and temperatures as described in this manual. If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.

WARNING

It is the responsibility of the customer to inform Agilent customer support representatives if the instrument has been used for the analysis of hazardous samples, prior to any instrument service being performed or when an instrument is being returned for repair.

• Avoid exposure to potentially dangerous voltages. Disconnect the instrument from all power sources before removing protective panels.
• When it is necessary to use a nonoriginal power cord and plug, ensure the replacement cord adheres to the color coding and polarity described in the manual and all local building safety codes.
• Replace faulty or frayed power cords immediately with the same type and rating.
• Place this instrument in a location with sufficient ventilation to remove gases and vapors.
• Ensure there is enough space around the instrument for it to cool off sufficiently.
• Before plugging the instrument in or turning the power on, always ensure that the voltage is set appropriately for your local power source.
• Do not turn on the instrument if there is a possibility of any kind of electrical damage. Instead, disconnect the power cord and contact your local Agilent sales office.
• The supplied power cord must be inserted into a power outlet with a protective ground connection. When using an extension cord, ensure that the cord is also properly grounded.
• Do not change any external or internal grounding connections, as this could endanger you or damage the instrument.
• The instrument is properly grounded when shipped. You do not need to make any changes to the electrical connections or to the instrument chassis to ensure safe operation.
• When working with this instrument, follow the regulations for Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). Wear safety glasses and appropriate clothing.
• Do not place containers with flammable liquids on this instrument. Spilling liquid over hot parts may cause fire.
• This instrument may use flammable or explosive gases, such as hydrogen gas under pressure. Before operating the instrument, know and follow prescribed operation procedures for the gases you use.
• Never try to repair or replace any component that is not described in this manual without the assistance of an Agilent service engineer. Unauthorized repairs or modifications will result in rejection of warranty claims.
• Always disconnect the AC power cord before attempting any type of maintenance.
• To prevent danger to you or damage to the instrument, use proper tools when working on the instrument.
• Do not attempt to replace any battery in this instrument, other than as specified in the manual.
• Damage can result if the instrument is stored under unfavorable conditions for prolonged periods. (For example, damage will occur if stored while subject to heat, water, or other conditions exceeding the allowable operating conditions).
• This unit has been designed and tested in accordance with recognized safety standards and is designed for use indoors.
• If the instrument is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the instrument may be impaired.
• Substituting parts or performing any unauthorized modification to the instrument may result in a safety hazard.
• Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the responsible party for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Shipping Instructions

If your Micro GC must be shipped for any reason, it is very important to always include the power supply.

Cleaning

To clean the surface of the Micro GC:

1. Switch the Micro GC off.
2. Remove the power cable.
3. Put protection plugs on the sample inlets.
4. Put protection plugs on the column vents.
5. Use a soft brush (not hard or abrasive) to carefully brush away all dust and dirt.
6. Use a soft, clean cloth dampened with mild detergent to clean the outside of the instrument.

• Never clean the inside of the instrument.
• Never use alcohol or thinners to clean the instrument; these chemicals can damage the case.
• Do not to get water on the electronic components.
• Do not use compressed air to clean the instrument.

Instrument Disposal

When the Micro GC or its parts have reached the end of their useful life, dispose of them in accordance with the environmental regulations that are applicable in your country.