Drager Apollo

Asset Type

Anesthesia Machine

Manufacturer

Drager

Model

Apollo

What This Guide Helps With

This guide helps troubleshoot the FAN FAIL alarm on a Drager Apollo anesthesia machine. This alarm indicates the fan for evacuating gases inside the device may be defective. If fan failure occurs with internal leakage, oxygen concentration inside the anesthesia machine may rise and create a fire risk.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Ensure Patient Safety First

• Treat FAN FAIL as a serious safety condition, not a minor cooling alarm.
• If the machine is in active use, notify anesthesia staff immediately.
• Support transition to another anesthesia machine or safe manual ventilation method as directed by clinical staff.
• Do not continue using the machine longer than clinically necessary.

Verify the Reported Alarm and Behavior

• Confirm the exact alarm displayed is FAN FAIL.
• Ask staff when the alarm appeared, such as during startup, during a case, after extended runtime, intermittently, or continuously.
• Observe whether the alarm clears, repeats, or remains active after the machine is removed from use.
• Document the alarm behavior clearly before moving to service escalation.

Do Not Attempt Continued Operation

• Do not silence the alarm and continue routine clinical use as a workaround.
• Do not rely on the anesthesia machine until the cause has been evaluated.
• Remember that this alarm is associated with internal gas evacuation and possible elevated oxygen concentration if internal leakage is present.

Power Down the Machine Safely

• Once the patient is safely off the machine and clinical staff confirm it is safe, switch the anesthesia machine off as quickly as possible.
• Follow the site’s normal shutdown process unless there is an immediate safety concern requiring urgent power removal.
• Do not continue running the machine unnecessarily with an active FAN FAIL alarm.

Check for Obvious External Conditions Only

• Perform a limited external inspection without opening the anesthesia machine.
• Check for blocked external vents or items stored against the machine.
• Look for visible contamination around air intake or exhaust areas.
• Check for signs of liquid spill, unusual smell, unusual heat, visible damage, recent movement, impact, or recent service activity.
• Do not treat a cleared obstruction as final repair unless the machine has been properly evaluated and cleared according to your facility process.

Verify Power Source and Environment

• Confirm the machine was connected to appropriate facility power.
• Check whether the alarm occurred during a power issue, room power interruption, or after moving the machine.
• Inspect the power cord and plug for obvious damage.
• Document any environmental concern that may have contributed to airflow or power issues.

Do Not Open the Machine for Internal Fan Troubleshooting

• Do not remove covers during clinical troubleshooting.
• Do not bypass fan circuits, operate the machine with covers removed, or defeat the alarm.
• Do not attempt internal fan repair unless you are following approved service procedures and are qualified to service the anesthesia machine.
• Escalate to DragerService or qualified anesthesia service support when internal repair is needed.

Remove From Service

• Label the anesthesia machine Out of Service.
• Include the alarm name clearly on the tag: FAN FAIL.
• Move the machine away from clinical use if possible.
• Notify the appropriate internal service pathway, vendor support, or qualified anesthesia service provider.

If the Problem Persists

If the FAN FAIL alarm remains active, repeats after restart, or cannot be clearly explained by an obvious external obstruction, external and simple causes have been ruled out.

A persistent FAN FAIL alarm may indicate an internal fan, fan control, wiring, sensing, or internal ventilation system problem.

The device should be removed from service, labeled Out of Service, and sent for repair or bench evaluation. Escalate to DragerService or qualified anesthesia service support. This is not an alarm to work around.

Clinical Use Tip

Never troubleshoot a FAN FAIL alarm on an active patient unless clinical staff determine it is necessary for immediate patient safety. Move the patient to a backup anesthesia machine or safe ventilation method before extended troubleshooting.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"Drager Apollo anesthesia machine displayed FAN FAIL alarm. Staff reported concern that the fan for evacuating gases inside the device may be defective."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Confirmed FAN FAIL alarm. External vents, power source, and visible machine condition were checked. No safe external correction was available. Alarm indicates possible internal fan or internal ventilation system fault requiring service evaluation."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Removed anesthesia machine from patient use, powered unit down after safe clinical transition, labeled Out of Service, and escalated for DragerService or qualified repair evaluation."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Alarm behavior
• Accessories swapped
• Power behavior
• Environmental factors
• Indicator lights
• Final device status

Final Thought

FAN FAIL on a Drager Apollo should be treated as a serious safety alarm because internal gas evacuation may be impaired and fire risk may increase if internal leakage is present. The safest approach is to protect the patient first, confirm the alarm, perform only safe external checks, power the unit down, remove it from service, and escalate appropriately.

That is successful troubleshooting.