User Notice: SMC 4501 and SMC 5100 Series Gas Detectors

Please review the User Notice from MSA Safety about the SMC 4501 and SMC 5100 series gas detectors.

From MSA Safety –

MSA is issuing this User Notice to inform you that MSA has identified a hazardous location labeling error on SMC 4501 and SMC 5100 series gas detectors. MSA is advising all customers that use SMC 4501 and SMC 5100 series gas detectors to review this User Notice and take the appropriate actions based on the specific gas detector in use and the hazardous location classification of the installed location.

The part numbers listed in Appendix 1 of the user notice have markings for Class 1 Division 1 hazardous location use without independent third-party testing to validate the marking.

MSA has determined that these part numbers would not be expected to pass the testing necessary for use in Class 1 Division 1 or Class 1 Division 2.

MSA has not received any reports of injuries or incidents associated with this condition. However, we are requesting that you perform the actions outlined in this notice.

MSA has developed solutions based on the specific gas detector and installation location. The solutions are detailed in the “Addressing Affected Gas Detectors” section of the user notice. Please read this section and click the link to fill out the webform to provide the details of your installation.

Due to the number of unlikely circumstances involving your detector that would be necessary to create a potential hazard, MSA has deemed it appropriate to continue usage of your existing detector(s) until delivery and commissioning of your replacement equipment.

Note: Sensors for combustible gases and hydrogen sulfide are not affected by this User Notice. These have been independently verified to Class 1 Division 1 hazardous locations and do not require any action.

We recognize that this is an inconvenience and, in an effort, to minimize any disruption, we pledge to take corrective actions as expeditiously as possible.

If you have any questions regarding this User Notice, please contact MSA Customer Service as follows:

Thank you,
Nate Andrulonis - Director, Product Safety

Information and image courtesy of MSA.