Agilent Technologies 990 Micro GC User guide

Agilent 990 Micro GC and 990 Mobile Micro GC
Chromatograph
Safety Manual

Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2019
No part of this manual may be repro-
duced in any form or by any means
(including electronic storage and
retrieval or translation into a foreign lan-
guage) without prior agreement and
written consent from Agilent Technolo-
gies, Inc. as governed by United States
and international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
G3588-90000
Edition
First edition, October 2019
Printed in USA
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
2850 Centerville Road 
Wilmington, DE 19808-1610 USA
Warranty
The material contained in this docu-
ment is provided “as is,” and is subject
to being changed, without notice, in
future editions. Further, to the maxi-
mum extent permitted by applicable
law, Agilent disclaims all warranties,
either express or implied, with regard
to this manual and any information
contained herein, including but not lim-
ited to the implied warranties of mer-
chantability and fitness for a particular
purpose. Agilent shall not be liable for
errors or for incidental or consequen-
tial damages in connection with the
furnishing, use, or performance of this
document or of any information con-
tained herein. Should Agilent and the
user have a separate written agree-
ment with warranty terms covering the
material in this document that conflict
with these terms, the warranty terms in
the separate agreement shall control.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described
in this document are furnished under a
license and may be used or copied only
in accordance with the terms of such
license.
Restricted Rights Legend
U.S. Government Restricted Rights. Soft-
ware and technical data rights granted to
the federal government include only
those rights customarily provided to end
user customers. Agilent provides this
customary commercial license in Soft-
ware and technical data pursuant to FAR
12.211 (Technical Data) and 12.212
(Computer Software) and, for the Depart-
ment of Defense, DFARS 252.227-7015
(Technical Data -Commercial Items) and
DFARS 227.7202-3 (Rights in Commer-
cial Computer Software or Computer
Software Documentation).
Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a 
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice,
or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could
result in 
damage to the product or loss
of important data. Do not
proceed beyond a CAUTION
notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood
and met.
WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice,
or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could
result in personal injury or
death. Do not proceed beyond a
WARNING notice until the
indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.

Agilent 990 Micro GC and 990 Mobile Micro GC Chromatograph Safety Manual 3
Contents
Important Safety Warnings 5
Hydrogen Safety 9
Power 11
Safety and Regulatory Certifications 13
Safety Symbols 16
Electromagnetic compatibility 17
Intended Use 18
Cleaning 18
Recycling the Product 18

4 Agilent 990 Micro GC and 990 Mobile Micro GC Chromatograph Safety Manual

Agilent 990 Micro GC and 990 Mobile Micro GC Chromatograph Safety Manual 5
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
(PPE), 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.
Lifting
WARNING
The GC is heavy. To avoid injury, use a two–person lift.
CAUTION
Prior to moving, disconnect all electrical and gas connections and completely
close all covers and enclosures.
CAUTION
Make sure your GC has adequate distance from the wall and other instruments.
CAUTION
For the Mobile Micro GC, make sure lid is closed.
CAUTION
Prior to moving, toggle the battery switch off. See the Mobile Micro GC User
Manual (G3588-90015) for detailed information.

Important Safety Warnings
6 Agilent 990 Micro GC and 990 Mobile Micro GC Chromatograph Safety Manual
Electrostatic discharge is a threat to GC
electronics
The printed circuit (PC) boards in the GC can be damaged by electrostatic
discharge. Do not touch any of the boards unless it is absolutely necessary. If
you must handle them, wear a grounded wrist strap and take other antistatic
precautions. Wear a grounded wrist strap any time you must remove the GC
right side cover.
Many parts are dangerously hot
Many parts of the GC operate at temperatures high enough to cause serious
burns. These parts include but are not limited to:
•The inlet area
•The injector area
•The column area
•The sample line area
•The detector area
•The column nuts attaching the column to an inlet or detector
•The valve box
You should always cool these areas of the GC to room temperature before
working on them. If you must perform maintenance on hot parts, use a wrench
and wear thermally protective gloves.
Whenever possible, cool the instrument part that you will be maintaining before
you begin working on it.
WARNING
The insulation around the injector, sample line, and column heater is made of
refractory ceramic fibers. To avoid inhaling fiber particles, we recommend the
following safety procedures: ventilate your work area; wear long sleeves,
gloves, safety glasses, and a disposable dust/mist respirator; dispose of
insulation in a sealed plastic bag; wash your hands with mild soap and cold
water after handling the insulation.

Important Safety Warnings
Agilent 990 Micro GC and 990 Mobile Micro GC Chromatograph Safety Manual 7
General safety precautions
Follow the following safety practices to ensure safe equipment operation:
•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, or flammable, or both types of
materials.
•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 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 non-original power cord and plug, make sure
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. Make sure there is enough space around the instrument for it to
cool off sufficiently.
•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.
•Before plugging in your instrument, verify that the voltage of your local power
source is set appropriately.

Important Safety Warnings
8 Agilent 990 Micro GC and 990 Mobile Micro GC Chromatograph Safety Manual
•The supplied power cord must be inserted into a power outlet with a
protective ground connection. When using an extension cord, make sure 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). Take care to 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 be sure to be familiar with and
to follow accurately the operation procedures prescribed for those gases.
•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.
•Use proper tools when working on the instrument to prevent danger to you or
damage to the instrument.
•Do not attempt to replace any battery or fuse 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 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.

Hydrogen Safety
Agilent 990 Micro GC and 990 Mobile Micro GC Chromatograph Safety Manual 9
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. Be sure 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.
•If hazardous gases are used, ensure there is proper exhaust ventilation.

Hydrogen Safety
10 Agilent 990 Micro GC and 990 Mobile Micro GC Chromatograph Safety Manual
Hydrogen shutdown
Hydrogen gas may be used as a carrier or as fuel for some applications. When
mixed with air, hydrogen can form explosive mixtures.
The GC monitors inlet, detector, and auxiliary gas streams. If a stream shuts
down because it is unable to reach its flow or pressure setpoint and if that
stream is configured to use hydrogen, the GC assumes that a leak has occurred
and declares a hydrogen safety shutdown. The effects are:
•The offending channel and any associated channels (such as septum purge)
are set off.
•The split valves in the inlets open.
•The small heated zones are turned off.
•An alarm tone sounds.
To recover from this state, fix the cause of the shutdown (tank valve closed,
serious leak, others). Turn the instrument off, then back on.
WARNING
The GC cannot always detect small leaks in inlet and/or detector gas streams.
For this reason, it is vital that column fittings should always be either connected
to a column, or have a cap or plug installed. The H2streams must be configured
for hydrogen so that the GC is aware of hydrogen use.
Measuring hydrogen gas flows
WARNING
Do not measure hydrogen together with air or oxygen. This can create explosive
mixtures that can be ignited by the hot surface or high temperature areas.

Power
Agilent 990 Micro GC and 990 Mobile Micro GC Chromatograph Safety Manual 11
Power
Many internal parts of the GC carry dangerous
voltages
If the GC is connected to a power source, even if the power switch is off,
potentially dangerous voltages exist on:
•The wiring between the GC power cord and the AC power supply, the AC
power supply itself, and the wiring from the AC power supply to the power
switch.
With the power switch on, potentially dangerous voltages also exist on:
•All electronics boards in the instrument.
•The internal wires and cables connected to these boards.
Do not use an Uninterruptable Power Supply
(UPS) with a GC
If the area where the GC is located suddenly loses power, an unsafe condition
can result if the GC remains powered on. Do not use the GC with a UPS.
WARNING
All these parts are shielded by covers. With the covers in place, it should be
difficult to accidentally make contact with dangerous voltages. Unless
specifically instructed to, never remove a cover unless the instrument is
unplugged.
WARNING
If the power cord insulation is frayed or worn, the cord must be replaced.
Contact your Agilent service representative.
WARNING
The appliance inlet coupler (main input power cord) is the power disconnect
device. Do not position the instrument such that access to the main power cord
is impaired.

Power
12 Agilent 990 Micro GC and 990 Mobile Micro GC Chromatograph Safety Manual
WARNING
The front power switch does not disconnect power for the instrument. Pressing
the disconnect switch places the instrument in a standby mode. To avoid an
electric shock hazard, disconnect the device by unplugging the power cord
before performing instrument service.
WARNING
If the enclosure of the external power supply is damaged or cracked, it must be
replaced. Contact your Agilent service representative.
WARNING
For the Mobile Micro GC, do not attempt to replace the rechargeable batteries.
WARNING
Read the Mobile Micro GC User Manual (G3588-90015) before charging or
discharging.

Safety and Regulatory Certifications
Agilent 990 Micro GC and 990 Mobile Micro GC Chromatograph Safety Manual 13
Safety and Regulatory Certifications
The Agilent GC conforms to the following safety standards:
•Canadian Standards Association (CSA): C22.2 No. 61010-1
•CSA/Nationally Recognized Test Laboratory (NRTL): ANSI/UL 61010-1
•International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC): 61010–1, 61010-2-010,
61010-2-081
•EuroNorm (EN): 61010–1
The Agilent Micro GC conforms to the following regulations on Electromagnetic
Compatibility (EMC) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI):
•CISPR 11/EN 55011: Group 1, Class A
•IEC/EN 61326
•AUS/NZ
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001. Cet appareil ISM est
conforme a la norme NMB—001 du Canada.
The Agilent GC is designed and manufactured under a quality system registered
to ISO 9001. Declaration of Conformity available.
Regulatory compliance identification numbers
For the purpose of regulatory compliance certifications and identification, your
product has been assigned a unique Agilent Regulatory Model Number (RMN).
The 990 Micro GC RMN3588A, and 990 Mobile GC RMN3588-F can be found on
the product nameplate label, along with all required approval markings and
information. When requesting compliance information for this product, always
refer to this RMN. The RMN should not be confused with the marketing name or
model number of the product.

Safety and Regulatory Certifications
14 Agilent 990 Micro GC and 990 Mobile Micro GC Chromatograph Safety Manual
Instructions for Disposal of Waste Equipment by Users in the European Union.
This symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that this product must not
be disposed of with other waste. Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose of
your waste equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for the
recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The separate collection
and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help conserve
natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human
health and the environment. For more information about where you can drop off
your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city recycling office
or the dealer from whom you originally purchased the product.
EMC declaration for South Korea
사용자안내문
이기기는 업무용 환경에서 사용할 목적으로 적합성평가를 받은 기기로서
가정용 환경에서 사용하는 경우 전파간섭의 우려가 있습니다 .
This equipment has been evaluated for its suitability for use in a commercial
environment. When used in a domestic environment, there is a risk of radio
interference.
Detachable Power Cord Declaration for Japan
（弊社提供の電源コードセットが汎用性がない旨を示す）
電源コードセットの取扱いについて（日本国内向け）
製品には、同梱された電源コードセットをお使いください。同梱された電源
コードセットは、他の製品では使用できません。
WARNING
Your product must only use the power cord and power supply adapter that was
shipped with this product. Do not use this power cord with any other product.

Safety and Regulatory Certifications
Agilent 990 Micro GC and 990 Mobile Micro GC Chromatograph Safety Manual 15
Classifications
The Agilent Gas Chromatograph meets the following IEC (International
Electro-technical Commission) classifications: Safety Class 1, Transient
Overvoltage Category II, Pollution Degree 2.
This unit has been designed and tested in accordance with recognized safety
standards and is designed for use indoors in non-classified locations. If the
instrument is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection
provided by the instrument may be impaired. Whenever the safety protection of
the Agilent Gas Chromatograph has been compromised, disconnect the unit
from all power sources and secure the unit against unintended operation.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel. Substituting parts or performing
any unauthorized modification to the instrument may result in a safety hazard.

Safety Symbols
16 Agilent 990 Micro GC and 990 Mobile Micro GC Chromatograph Safety Manual
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 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
To avoid injury, use a two-person lift

Electromagnetic compatibility
Agilent 990 Micro GC and 990 Mobile Micro GC Chromatograph Safety Manual 17
Electromagnetic compatibility
EN55011/CISPR11
Group 1 ISM equipment: Group 1 contains all ISM equipment in which there is
intentionally generated and/or used conductively coupled radio- frequency
energy which is necessary for the internal functioning of the equipment itself.
Class A equipment: Equipment suitable for use in all establishments other than
domestic and those directly connected to a low voltage power supply network
which supplies buildings used for domestic purposes.
This device complies with the requirements of CISPR11, Group 1, Class A as
radiation professional equipment. Therefore, there may be potential difficulties in
ensuring electromagnetic compatibility in other environments, due to conducted
as well as radiated disturbances.
This device complies with the requirements of CISPR 11. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference.
•This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try one or more of the following measures:
1Relocate the radio or antenna.
2Move the device away from the radio or television.
3Plug the device into a different electrical outlet, so that the device and the
radio or television are on separate electrical circuits.
4Make sure that all peripheral devices are also certified.
5Make sure that appropriate cables are used to connect the device to
peripheral equipment.
6Consult your equipment dealer, Agilent Technologies, or an experienced
technician for assistance.
7Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Agilent Technologies
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Electromagnetic compatibility
18 Agilent 990 Micro GC and 990 Mobile Micro GC Chromatograph Safety Manual
Sound emission certification for Federal
Republic of Germany
Sound pressure
Sound pressure Lp < 70 dB(A) according to DIN-EN 27779.
Schalldruckpegel
Schalldruckpegel LP < 70 dB(A) nach DIN-EN 27779.
Intended Use
Agilent products must only be used in the manner described in the Agilent
product user guides. Any other use may result in damage to the product or
personal injury. Agilent is not responsible for any damages caused, in whole or in
part, by improper use of the products, unauthorized alterations, adjustments or
modifications to the products, failure to comply with procedures in Agilent
product user guides, or use of the products in violation of applicable laws, rules
or regulations.
Cleaning
To clean the unit, disconnect the power and wipe down with a damp, lint-free
cloth.
Recycling the Product
For recycling, contact your local Agilent sales office.

Electromagnetic compatibility
Agilent 990 Micro GC and 990 Mobile Micro GC Chromatograph Safety Manual 19

www.agilent.com
Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2019
First edition, October 2019
*G3588-90000*
G3588-90000