{{Short description|Procedures for safe production, handling and use of hydrogen}} [[Image:Hindenburg disaster.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Hindenburg disaster is an example of a large hydrogen explosion.]] '''Hydrogen safety''' covers the safe production, handling and use of hydrogen, particularly hydrogen gas fuel and liquid hydrogen. Hydrogen possesses the NFPA 704's highest rating of four on the flammability scale because it is flammable when mixed even in small amounts with ordinary air. Ignition can occur at a volumetric ratio of hydrogen to air as low as 4% due to the oxygen in the air and the simplicity and chemical properties of the reaction. However, hydrogen has no rating for innate hazard for reactivity or toxicity. The storage and use of hydrogen poses unique challenges due to its ease of leaking as a gaseous fuel, low-energy ignition, wide range of combustible fuel-air mixtures, buoyancy, and its ability to embrittle metals that must be accounted for to ensure safe operation.<ref name="primary" />
Liquid hydrogen poses additional challenges due to its increased density and the extremely low temperatures needed to keep it in liquid form. Moreover, its demand and use in industry—as rocket fuel, alternative energy storage source, coolant for electric generators in power stations, a feedstock in industrial and chemical processes including production of ammonia and methanol, etc.—has continued to increase, which has led to the increased importance of considerations of safety protocols in producing, storing, transferring, and using hydrogen.<ref name="primary">{{cite web |title=Hydrogen Safety |url=https://www1.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/pdfs/h2_safety_fsheet.pdf |publisher=Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy}}</ref>
Hydrogen has one of the widest explosive/ignition mix range with air of all the gases with few exceptions such as acetylene, silane, and ethylene oxide, and in terms of minimum necessary ignition energy and mixture ratios has extremely low requirements for an explosion to occur. This means that whatever the mix proportion between air and hydrogen, when ignited in an enclosed space a hydrogen leak will most likely lead to an explosion, not a mere flame.<ref name="Utgitar">{{cite journal |last1=Utgikar |first1=Vivek P |last2=Thiesen |first2=Todd |year=2005 |title=Safety of compressed hydrogen fuel tanks: Leakage from stationary vehicles |journal=Technology in Society |volume=27 |issue=3 |pages=315–320 |doi=10.1016/j.techsoc.2005.04.005}}</ref>
There are many codes and standards regarding hydrogen safety in storage, transport, and use. These range from federal regulations,<ref name="Cadwallader, L C, and Herring, J S 1999">{{cite tech report |url=https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/761801 |title=Safety Issues with Hydrogen as a Vehicle Fuel |last=Cadwallader |first= L. C. |last2=Herring |first2= J. S. |year=1999 |doi=10.2172/761801 |osti=761801}}</ref> ANSI/AIAA,<ref name="nasastandard">{{cite web |title=AIAA G-095-2004, Guide to Safety of Hydrogen and Hydrogen Systems |url=http://aero-defense.ihs.com/document/abstract/GFEIHBAAAAAAAAAA |access-date=2008-07-28 |publisher=AIAA |format=PDF}}</ref> NFPA,<ref name="NFPA standards2">{{cite web |title=List of NFPA Codes & Standards |url=https://www.nfpa.org/Codes-and-Standards/All-Codes-and-Standards/List-of-Codes-and-Standards |publisher=NFPA}}</ref> and ISO<ref>{{Cite web |title=ISO/TC 197 – Hydrogen technologies |url=https://www.iso.org/committee/54560/x/catalogue/p/1/u/1/w/0/d/0 |website=www.iso.org}}</ref> standards. The Canadian Hydrogen Safety Program concluded that hydrogen fueling is as safe as, or safer than, compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling,<ref>{{cite web |title=Canadian Hydrogen Safety Program testing H2/CNG |url=http://www.hydrogenandfuelcellsafety.info/2007/jun/h2cng.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721205150/http://www.hydrogenandfuelcellsafety.info/2007/jun/h2cng.asp |archive-date=2011-07-21 |access-date=2010-07-05 |work=Hydrogenandfuelcellsafety.info}}</ref>
== Prevention ==
{{NFPA 704|Health = 0|Flammability = 4|Reactivity = 0|S= SA |caption=The fire diamond hazard sign for both elemental hydrogen gas and its heavier isotope deuterium.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hydrogen |url=https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/8729 |access-date=Nov 29, 2020 |website=cameochemicals.noaa.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Deuterium |url=https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/3073 |access-date=Nov 29, 2020 |website=cameochemicals.noaa.gov}}</ref>}}
There are a number of items to consider to help design systems and procedures to avoid accidents when dealing with hydrogen, as one of the primary dangers of hydrogen is that it is extremely flammable.<ref name="piping">{{cite journal |last1=Utgikar |first1=Vivek P. |last2=Thiesen |first2=Todd |year=2005 |title=Safety of compressed hydrogen fuel tanks: Leakage from stationary vehicles |journal=Technology in Society |volume=27 |issue=3 |pages=315–320 |doi=10.1016/j.techsoc.2005.04.005}}</ref>
===Inerting and purging=== {{further|Inerting (gas)|Purging (gas)}}
Inerting chambers and purging gas lines are important standard safety procedures to take when transferring hydrogen. In order to properly inert or purge, the flammability limits must be taken into account, and hydrogen's are very different from other kinds of gases. At normal atmospheric pressure it is 4% to 75%, based on the volume percent of hydrogen in oxygen it is 4% to 94%, while the limits of the detonation potential of hydrogen in air are 18.3% to 59% by volume.<ref name="primary"/><ref name="hydrogenFlammability"/><ref name="flowrate">{{cite web |last1=Kalyanaraman |first1=M |date=4 September 2019 |title='Only a question of time' until large hydrogen systems are stable |url=https://www.rivieramm.com/videos/how-tonbsp-hydrogen-fuel-cell-uptake-56079 |website=Riviera Maritime Media |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Barbalace |first= Kenneth |title=Periodic Table of Elements - Hydrogen - H |url=http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/periodic/H.html#Physical}}</ref><ref name="NASA">{{cite web |last=Gregory |first=Frederick D. |date=February 12, 1997 |title=Safety Standard for Hydrogen and Hydrogen Systems |url=https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/03/f11/871916.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060227001252/http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/codeq/doctree/canceled/871916.pdf |archive-date=February 27, 2006 |access-date=2008-05-09 |publisher=NASA}}</ref> In fact, these flammability limits can often be more stringent than this, as the turbulence during a fire can cause a deflagration which can create detonation. For comparison the deflagration limit of gasoline in air is 1.4–7.6%, and of acetylene in air,<ref>{{Cite web |title=MSHA - Safety Hazard Information - Special Hazards of Acetylene |url=http://www.msha.gov/alerts/hazardsofacetylene.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122062046/http://www.msha.gov/alerts/hazardsofacetylene.htm |archive-date=2016-01-22 |access-date=2012-07-13 |website=www.msha.gov |language=en}}</ref> 2.5–82%.
Therefore, when equipment is open to air before or after a transfer of hydrogen, there are unique conditions to take into consideration that might have otherwise been safe with transferring other kinds of gases. Incidents have occurred because inerting or purging was not sufficient, or because the introduction of air in the equipment was underestimated (e.g., when adding powders), resulting in an explosion.<ref name="hydrogenSafetyFundamentals">{{cite journal |first=Sarah|last=Eck |first2= Michael D. |last2=Snyder |date=December 2021 |title=Hydrogen Safety Fundamentals |journal=Chemical Engineering Progress |pages=36–41}}</ref> For this reason, inerting or purging procedures and equipment are often unique to hydrogen, and often the fittings or marking on a hydrogen line should be completely different to ensure that this and other processes are properly followed, as many explosions have happened simply because a hydrogen line was accidentally plugged into a main line or because the hydrogen line was confused with another.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 2017 |title=Use of "Quick-Disconnect" Fittings Results in Laboratory Instrument Explosion |url=https://h2tools.org/lessons/use-quick-disconnect-fittings-results-laboratory-instrument-explosion |website=H2Tools |publisher=Pacific Northwest National Laboratory}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 2017 |title=Hydrogen Tube Trailer Explosion |url=https://h2tools.org/lessons/hydrogen-tube-trailer-explosion |website=H2Tools |publisher=Pacific Northwest National Laboratory}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 2017 |title=Hydrogen Lab Fire |url=https://h2tools.org/lessons/hydrogen-lab-fire |website=H2Tools |publisher=Pacific Northwest National Laboratory}}</ref>
===Ignition source management=== <!--Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster links here--> {{see also|Minimum ignition energy|Electrical equipment in hazardous areas}}
The minimum ignition energy of hydrogen in air is one of the lowest among known substances at 0.02 mJ, and hydrogen-air mixtures can ignite with 1/10 the effort of igniting gasoline-air mixtures.<ref name="primary"/><ref name="hydrogenFlammability">{{cite book |last1=Lewis |first1=Bernard |title=Combustion, Flames and Explosions of Gases |last2=Guenther |first2=von Elbe |publisher=Academic Press, Inc. |year=1961 |isbn=978-0124467507 |edition=2nd |location=New York |page=535}}</ref> Because of this, any possible ignition source has to be scrutinized. Any electrical device, bond, or ground should meet applicable hazardous area classification requirement.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 2017 |title=Fire at Hydrogen Fueling Station |url=https://h2tools.org/lessons/fire-hydrogen-fueling-station |website=H2Tools |publisher=Pacific Northwest National Laboratory |quote=The initial source of fire was likely a release of hydrogen from a failed weld on a pressure switch.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 2017 |title=Small Fire in Fule Cell Test Stand |url=https://h2tools.org/lessons/small-fire-fuel-cell-test-stand |website=H2Tools |publisher=Pacific Northwest National Laboratory |quote=An electrical short circuit occurred, causing a small electrical fire.}}</ref> Any potential sources (like some ventilation system designs<ref>{{cite web |date=September 2017 |title=Incorrect Relief Valve Set Point Leads to Explosion |url=https://h2tools.org/lessons/incorrect-relief-valve-set-point-leads-explosion |website=H2Tools |publisher=Pacific Northwest National Laboratory |quote=Contributing cause was poor design of the venting system, which was installed in a horizontal position, causing inadequate venting and buildup of static electricity.}}</ref>) for static electricity build-up should likewise be minimized, e.g. through antistatic devices.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 2017 |title=Fuel Cell Evaporation Pad Fire |url=https://h2tools.org/lessons/fuel-cell-evaporator-pad-fire |website=H2Tools |publisher=Pacific Northwest National Laboratory |quote=One theory presented the possibility of a spark (caused by static electricity) being the source of the ignition that caused the fire. Due to the proximity of the fuel cell unit to a shrink-wrap packaging machine at the time of the incident, this seemed to be a plausible hypothesis.}}</ref>
Hot-work procedures must be robust, comprehensive, and well-enforced; and they should purge and ventilate high-areas and sample the atmosphere before work. Ceiling-mounted equipment should likewise meet hazardous area requirements (NFPA 497).<ref name="hydrogenSafetyFundamentals"/> Finally, rupture discs should '''not''' be used as this has been a common ignition source for multiple explosions and fires. Instead other pressure relief systems such as a relief valve should be used.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 2017 |title=Hydrogen Explosion Due to Inadequate Maintenance |url=https://h2tools.org/lessons/hydrogen-explosion-due-inadequate-maintenance |website=H2Tools |publisher=Pacific Northwest National Laboratory |quote=As a corrective action, eliminate burst discs from hydrogen storage assembly. Redesign venting system for the pressure relief valves to prevent or inhibit moisture build up and allow moisture drainage.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 2017 |title=Hydrogen Explosion at Coal-Fired Power Plant |url=https://h2tools.org/lessons/hydrogen-explosion-coal-fired-power-plant |website=H2Tools |publisher=Pacific Northwest National Laboratory |quote=Explore elimination of rupture disk PRDs and substitution of spring-style relief valves.}}</ref>
=== Mechanical integrity and reactive chemistry === {{see also|hydrogen embrittlement|high temperature hydrogen attack|passive autocatalytic recombiner}}
There are four main chemical properties to account for when dealing with hydrogen that can come into contact with other materials even in normal atmospheric pressures and temperatures:
* The chemistry of hydrogen is very different from traditional chemicals. E.g., with oxidation in ambient environments. And neglecting this unique chemistry has caused issues at some chemical plants.<ref name="waukegan">{{Cite web |last=Abderholden |first=Frank S. |date=18 December 2019 |title=Waukegan plant explosion that killed four workers was preventable, federal officials say |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-waukegan-blast-safety-update-st-1219-20191218-2hp6o6hyxrc6df6b6lr6xwdjge-story.html |access-date=2020-01-06 |website=chicagotribune.com |quote=Engineering Systems, Inc. conducted an independent investigation into the root cause of the explosion, which determined the cause to be human error that resulted in the mistaken addition of an erroneous ingredient.}}</ref> Another aspect to be considered as well is the fact that hydrogen can be generated as a byproduct of a different reaction may have been overlooked, e.g. Zirconium and steam creating a source of hydrogen.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Maugh II |first=Thomas H. |date=March 14, 2011 |title=Japanese engineers work to contain nuclear reactor damage |url=https://www.latimes.com/science/la-sci-japan-quake-reactor-qa-20110314-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 2009 |title=Chernobyl Appendix 1: Sequence of Events |url=http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Safety-and-Security/Safety-of-Plants/Appendices/Chernobyl-Accident---Appendix-1--Sequence-of-Events/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114215108/http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Safety-and-Security/Safety-of-Plants/Appendices/Chernobyl-Accident---Appendix-1--Sequence-of-Events/ |archive-date=2016-01-14 |website=www.world-nuclear.org}}</ref><ref name="NASA"/> This danger can be circumvented somewhat via the use of passive autocatalytic recombiners. * Another major issue to consider is the chemical compatibility of hydrogen with other common building materials like steel.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 2017 |title=Automated Hydrogen Ball Valve Fails to Open Due to Valve Stem Failure |url=https://h2tools.org/lessons/automated-hydrogen-ball-valve-fails-open-due-valve-stem-failure |website=H2Tools |publisher=Pacific Northwest National Laboratory |quote=valve stem material incompatibility with hydrogen (causing a material weakening) is suspected}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 2017 |title=Gaseous Hydrogen Leak and Explosion |url=https://h2tools.org/lessons/gaseous-hydrogen-leak-and-explosion |website=H2Tools |publisher=Pacific Northwest National Laboratory |quote=A GH2 leak occurred in an underground ASTM A106 Grade B, Schedule XX carbon steel pipe with a 3.5-inch diameter and a 0.6-inch wall thickness. The pipe was coated with coal tar primer and coal tar enamel, wrapped with asbestos felt impregnated with coal tar, coated with a second coat of coal tar enamel, and wrapped in Kraft paper, in accordance with American Water Works Association Standard G203. The source of the leak was an oval hole about 0.15 in x 0.20 in at the inner surface of the pipe and about 2-in in diameter at the outer surface of the pipe. Upon excavation of the pipe, it was noted that the coating was not present at the leak point. This resulted in galvanic corrosion over a 15-year period and the eventual rupture when high-pressure gas was applied to the thin pipe membrane. The pipe was 8 ft 9 in below the concrete pad.}}</ref> Because of hydrogen embrittlement, material compatibility with hydrogen is specially considered.<ref name="NASA"/> * These considerations can further change because of special reactions at high temperatures.<ref name="NASA"/> * The diffusivity of hydrogen is very different from ordinary gases, and therefore gasketing materials have to be chosen carefully.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 2021 |title=FM Global Hydrogen Datasheets (online): Hydrogen, Data Sheet ID# 7-91 |url=https://www.fmglobal.com/research-and-resources/fm-global-data-sheets |publisher=Factory Mutual}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 2017 |title=Leak on Compressor at Fueling Station |url=https://h2tools.org/lessons/leak-compressor-fueling-station |website=H2Tools |publisher=Pacific Northwest National Laboratory |quote=This allowed greater movement of the shaft, which led to a shaft seal leaking hydrogen.}}</ref> * The buoyant forces and stresses on mechanical bodies involved are often reversed from standard gases. For example, because of buoyancy, stresses are often pronounced near the '''top''' of a large storage tank.<ref name="tankRupture">{{cite journal |last=Schmidtchen |first= Ulrich |date=2002-10-02 |title=EIHP2 META Proceedings DVW |url=http://www.eihp.org/public/documents/EIHP2_MTA_Proceedings_Volume_1_DVW.pdf |journal=EIHP |location=Brussels |publisher=German Hydrogen Association}}</ref><ref name="NASA"/>
All four of these factors are considered during the initial design of a system using hydrogen, and is typically accomplished by limiting the contact between susceptible metals and hydrogen, either by spacing, electroplating, surface cleaning, material choice, and quality assurance during manufacturing, welding, and installation. Otherwise, hydrogen damage can be managed and detected by specialty monitoring equipment.<ref>{{Cite conference |last=Kot |first=R. |date=2001 |title=Hydrogen Attack, Detection, Assessment and Evaluation |url=https://www.ndt.net/article/apcndt01/papers/1154/1154.htm |conference=10th Asia-Pacific Conference on Non-Destructive Testing - 17–21 September 2001 - Brisbane, Australia}}</ref><ref name="hydrogenSafetyFundamentals"/>
===Leaks and flame detection systems=== {{see also|hydrogen piping|hydrogen leak testing|hydrogen odorant}}
Locations of hydrogen sources and piping have to be chosen with care. Since hydrogen is a lighter-than-air gas, it collects under roofs and overhangs (typically referred to as '''trapping sites'''), where it forms an explosion hazard.<ref name="NASA"/> Many individuals are familiar with protecting plants from heavier-than-air vapors, but are unfamiliar with "looking up", and is therefore of particular note.<ref name="tankRupture"/> It can also enter pipes and can follow them to their destinations. Because of this, hydrogen pipes should be well-labeled and located above other pipes to prevent this occurrence.<ref name="piping"/><ref name="hydrogenSafetyFundamentals"/>
Even with proper design, hydrogen leaks can support combustion at very low flow rates, as low as 4 micrograms/s.<ref name="primary"/><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Butler |first=M. S. |last2=Moran |first2=C. W. |last3=Sunderland |first3=P. B. |author-link3=Peter B. Sunderland |last4=Axelbaum |first4=R. L. |date=June 1, 2009 |title=Limits for hydrogen leaks that can support stable flames |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360319909005011 |journal=International Journal of Hydrogen Energy |series=UGHEK 2008 |volume=34 |issue=12 |pages=5174–5182 |doi=10.1016/j.ijhydene.2009.04.012 |issn=0360-3199|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref name="flowrate"/> To this end, detection is important. Hydrogen sensors or a katharometer allow for rapid detection of hydrogen leaks to ensure that the hydrogen can be vented and the source of the leak tracked down. Around certain pipes or locations special tapes can be added for hydrogen detection purposes. A traditional method is to add a hydrogen odorant with the gas as is common with natural gas. In fuel cell applications these odorants can contaminate the fuel cells, but researchers are investigating other methods that might be used for hydrogen detection: tracers, new odorant technology, advanced sensors, and others.<ref name="primary"/>
While hydrogen flames can be hard to see with the naked eye (it can have a so-called "invisible flame"), they show up readily on UV/IR flame detectors. More recently Multi IR detectors have been developed, which have even faster detection on hydrogen-flames.<ref>{{cite web |title=IR3 Flame Detector - FlameSpec-IR3-H2 |url=https://www.fg-detection.com/flamespec-ir3-h2 |publisher=Fire & Gas Technologies, Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |website=spectrex|title=40/40M Multi IR Flame Detector |url=https://www.spectrex.net/en-us/flame-gas-detectors/flame-detectors/40-40-series/40-40m-multi-ir-flame-detector}}</ref> This is quite important in fighting hydrogen fires, as the preferred method of fighting a fire is stopping the source of the leak, as in certain cases (namely, cryogenic hydrogen) dousing the source directly with water may cause icing, which in turn may cause a secondary rupture.<ref>{{cite web |year=2008 |title=Emergency Response Handbook |url=http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/staticfiles/PHMSA/DownloadableFiles/Files/erg2008_eng.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603214959/http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/staticfiles/PHMSA/DownloadableFiles/Files/erg2008_eng.pdf |archive-date=3 June 2009 |publisher=Piplines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration - Department of Transportation |page=115 |quote=Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur.}}</ref><ref name="tankRupture"/>
===Ventilation and flaring=== {{see also|flaring}}
Aside from flammability concerns, in enclosed spaces, hydrogen can also act as an asphyxiant gas.<ref name="primary"/> Therefore, one should make sure to have proper ventilation to deal with both issues should they arise, as it is generally safe to simply vent hydrogen into the atmosphere. However, when placing and designing such ventilation systems, one must keep in mind that hydrogen will tend to accumulate towards the ceilings and peaks of structures, rather than the floor. Many dangers may be mitigated by the fact that hydrogen rapidly rises and often disperses before ignition.<ref>{{cite journal |year=2008 |title=Emergency and Continuous Exposure Guidance Levels for Selected Submarine Contaminants |url=https://www.nap.edu/read/12032/chapter/9#154 |journal=National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine |location=Washington, DC |publisher=The National Academies Press |volume=2}}</ref><ref name="hydrogenSafetyFundamentals"/>
In certain emergency or maintenance situations, hydrogen can also be flared.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 February 2011 |title=Explosive Lessons in Hydrogen Safety | APPEL Knowledge Services |url=https://appel.nasa.gov/2011/02/02/explosive-lessons-in-hydrogen-safety/ |website=appel.nasa.gov}}</ref><ref name="NASA"/> For example, a safety feature in some hydrogen-powered vehicles is that they can flare the fuel if the tank is on fire, burning out completely with little damage to the vehicle, in contrast to the expected result in a gasoline-fueled vehicle.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hydrogen Car Safety Test- Fuel Leak H2 vs. Petrol |url=https://vimeo.com/302628955 |access-date=2020-05-07 |website=Vimeo |language=en}}</ref>
===Inventory management and facility spacing===
Ideally, no fire or explosion will occur, but the facility should be designed so that if accidental ignition occurs, it will minimize additional damage. Minimum separation distances between hydrogen storage units should be considered, together with the pressure of said storage units (cf., NFPA 2 and 55). Explosion venting should be laid out so that other parts of the facility will not be harmed. In certain situations, this translates to a roof that can be safely blown away from the rest of the structure in an explosion.<ref name="hydrogenSafetyFundamentals"/>
===Cryogenics=== {{see also|BLEVE}}
Liquid hydrogen has a slightly different chemistry compared to other cryogenic chemicals, as trace accumulated air can easily contaminate liquid hydrogen and form an unstable mixture with detonative capabilities similar to TNT and other highly explosive materials. Because of this, liquid hydrogen requires complex storage technology such as the special thermally insulated containers and requires special handling common to all cryogenic substances. This is similar to, but more severe than liquid oxygen. Even with thermally insulated containers it is difficult to keep such a low temperature, and the hydrogen will gradually leak away. Typically it will evaporate at a rate of 1% per day.<ref name="primary"/><ref>Peter Kushnir. [http://www.almc.army.mil/alog/issues/MayJun00/MS492.htm Hydrogen As an Alternative Fuel ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808053811/http://www.almc.army.mil/alog/issues/MayJun00/MS492.htm |date=2008-08-08 }}. PB 700-00-3. Vol. 32, Issue 3, May–June 2000. almc.army.mil.</ref>
The main danger with cryogenic hydrogen is what is known as BLEVE (boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion). Because hydrogen is gaseous in atmospheric conditions, the rapid phase change together with the detonation energy combine to create a more hazardous situation.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 2017 |title=Liquid Hydrogen Tank Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (Bleve) Due to Water-Plugged Vent Stack |url=https://h2tools.org/lessons/liquid-hydrogen-tank-boiling-liquid-expanding-vapor-explosion-bleve-due-water-plugged-vent |website=H2Tools |publisher=Pacific Northwest National Laboratory |quote=Place signs on all liquid hydrogen tanks indicating that no water is to be put on the vent stack.}}</ref> A secondary danger is the fact that many materials change from being to ductile to brittle at extremely cold temperatures, allowing new places for leaks to form.<ref name="NASA"/>
===Human factors===
Along with traditional job safety training, checklists to help prevent commonly skipped steps (e.g., testing high points in the work area) are often implemented, along with instructions on the situational dangers that come inherent to working with hydrogen.<ref name="hydrogenSafetyFundamentals"/><ref>{{cite web |date=September 2017 |title=Liquid Hydrogen Delivery Truck Offloading Valve Failure |url=https://h2tools.org/lessons/liquid-hydrogen-delivery-truck-offloading-valve-failure |website=H2Tools |publisher=Pacific Northwest National Laboratory}}</ref>
== Incidents == {| class=wikitable |- ! Date ! Location ! Description ! Suspected cause |- | 6 May 1937 | Naval Air Station Lakehurst | As the zeppelin Hindenburg was approaching landing, a fire detonated one of the aft hydrogen cells, thereby rupturing neighboring cells and causing the airship to fall to the ground aft-first. The inferno then travelled towards the stern, bursting and igniting the remaining cells. | Despite four news stations recording the disaster on film and surviving eyewitness testimonies from crew and people on the ground, the cause of the initial fire was never conclusively determined.{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}} |- | 5 April 1975 | Ilford, UK | An oxygen separator exploded due to hydrogen ingress. The resulting abrupt release of lye exposed one person who later died of lye burn injuries. | Mixing of oxygen and hydrogen due to breakdown of the electrolyser cells.<ref>{{cite web |title=The explosion at Laporte Industries Ltd Ilford, 5 April 1975 |url=https://www.icheme.org/media/13690/the-explosion-at-laporte-industries-ilford.pdf}}</ref> |- | 28 January 1986 | Over the Atlantic Ocean just east of Kennedy Space Center | A large LH2 tank ruptured and exploded, killing all 7 astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle ''Challenger'' | A faulty O-ring on the solid rocket booster allowed hot gases and flames to impinge upon the external LH2 tank, causing the tank wall to weaken and then burst. The thrust generated from the contents of the tank caused the LOX tank above to also rupture, and this mixture of LH2/LOX then detonated, destroying the orbiter in the explosion. |- | 1999 | Hanau, Germany | A large chemical tank used to store hydrogen for manufacturing processes exploded. | The tank was designed to lie on its side, but instead was laid upright. The forces towards the top of the tank caused it to rupture and then explode.<ref name="tankRupture"/> |- | January 2007 | Muskingum River Coal Plant (owned and operated by AEP) | An explosion of compressed hydrogen during delivery at the Muskingum River Coal Plant caused significant damage and killed one person.<ref>{{cite news |last=Williams |first=Mark |date=January 8, 2007 |title=Ohio Power Plant Blast Kills 1, Hurts 9 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/08/AR2007010800350.html |access-date=2008-05-09 |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=November 11, 2006 |title=Muskingum River Plant Hydrogen Explosion January 8, 2007 |url=http://www.eei.org/meetings/nonav_2007-04-29-cs/Citations_Accident_Review.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409155509/http://www.eei.org/meetings/nonav_2007-04-29-cs/Citations_Accident_Review.pdf |archive-date=2008-04-09 |access-date=2008-05-09 |publisher=American Electric Power}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Hydrogen Incident Reporting and Lessons Learned |url=http://www.h2incidents.org/ |work=h2incidents.org}}</ref> | A premature rupture of a pressure relief disc used for the compressed hydrogen cooling system.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 2017 |title=Hydrogen Explosion at Coal-Fired Power Plant |url=https://h2tools.org/lessons/hydrogen-explosion-coal-fired-power-plant |website=H2Tools |publisher=Pacific Northwest National Laboratory}}</ref> |- | 2011 | Fukushima, Japan | Three reactor buildings were damaged by hydrogen explosions. | Exposed Zircaloy cladded fuel rods became very hot and reacted with steam, releasing hydrogen.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.oecd-nea.org/nsd/reports/2009/nea6846_LOCA.pdf |title=Nuclear Fuel Behaviour in Loss-of-coolant Accident (LOCA) Conditions |publisher=Nuclear Energy Agency, OECD |year=2009 |isbn=978-92-64-99091-3 |page=140}}</ref><ref>[http://www.hyer.eu/news/regional-news/hydrogen-in-nuclear-accidents-what-is-the-role-of-the-gas-in-fukushima Hydrogen explosions Fukushima nuclear plant: what happened?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202235552/http://www.hyer.eu/news/regional-news/hydrogen-in-nuclear-accidents-what-is-the-role-of-the-gas-in-fukushima |date=2013-12-02 }}. Hyer.eu. Retrieved on 2012-07-13.</ref> The containments were filled with inert nitrogen, which prevented hydrogen from burning in the containment. However, the hydrogen leaked from the containment into the reactor building, where it mixed with air and exploded.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015 |title=The Fukushima Daiichi Accident. Report by the Director General |url=https://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/Publications/PDF/Pub1710-ReportByTheDG-Web.pdf |access-date=2 March 2018 |publisher=International Atomic Energy Agency |page=54}}</ref> To prevent further explosions, vent holes were opened in the top of the remaining reactor buildings. |- | 2015 | The Formosa Plastics Group refinery in Taiwan | Chemical plant explosion | Due to hydrogen leaking from a pipe<ref>{{Cite web |last=Charlier |first=Phillip |date=2019-04-07 |title=Chemical plant explosion rocks southern Taiwan, heard more than 30 kilometers away |url=https://taiwanenglishnews.com/chemical-plant-explosion-rocks-southern-taiwan-heard-more-than-30-kilometers-away/ |access-date=2020-11-26 |website=Taiwan English News |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | 12 February 2018 13:20 | Diamond Bar, a suburb of Los Angeles, CA | On the way to an FCV hydrogen station, a truck carrying about 24 compressed hydrogen tanks caught fire. This caused the evacuation initially of a one-mile radius area of Diamond Bar. The fire broke out on the truck at about 1:20 p.m. at the intersection of South Brea Canyon Road and Golden Springs Drive, according to a Los Angeles County Fire Department dispatcher.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 February 2018 |title=Truck Carrying Hydrogen Tanks Catches Fire, Forces Evacs |url=http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Truck-Carrying-Hydrogen-Tanks-Catches-Fire-Causes-Evacuations-in-Diamond-Bar-473746073.html |access-date=2019-06-18 |website=NBC Southern California |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 February 2018 |title=Diamond Bar Evacs Lifted After Hydrogen Fire |url=http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Diamond-Bar-Evacuations-Lifted-After-Hydrogen-Fire-473802103.html |access-date=2019-06-18 |website=NBC Southern California |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Diamond Bar Truck Explosion |date=2018-02-12 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kSEVlyAPIc&t=30 |access-date=2019-06-18 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/0kSEVlyAPIc |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Tractor Trailer Fire Evacuations In Diamond Bar |date=2018-02-11 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lE4RmMvlIVw |access-date=2019-06-18 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/lE4RmMvlIVw |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hydrogen truck explodes on way to FCV refueling site [Video] |url=https://leftlanenews.com/2018/05/10/hydrogen-fcv-refueling-truck-goes-up-in-flames-video-100489/ |access-date=2019-06-18 |website=LeftLaneNews}}</ref> |- | August 2018 | Veridam El Cajon, CA | A delivery truck carrying liquid hydrogen caught fire at Veridiam manufacturing plant.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Veridiam, Inc. |url=https://www.veridiam.com/ |access-date=Nov 29, 2020 |website=Strategic Manufacturing Partner > Veridiam}}</ref> in El Cajon, California.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-08-29 |title=Truck carrying liquid hydrogen catches fire |url=https://www.10news.com/news/emergency-crews-respond-to-explosion-report-in-el-cajon-neighborhood |access-date=2019-06-26 |website=KGTV |language=en}}</ref> | It is not known what caused the explosion.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tanker Filled With Liquid Hydrogen Catches Fire at El Cajon Business Park |url=https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/hydrogen-explosion-at-el-cajon-business-park-2/173072/}}</ref> |- | May 2019 | AB Specialty Silicones in Waukegan, Illinois | An explosion killed four workers and seriously injured a fifth. | Operator error adding an incorrect ingredient<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hydrogen blast led to deaths at US silicones plant |url=https://cen.acs.org/safety/industrial-safety/Hydrogen-blast-led-deaths-US/97/web/2019/12 |access-date=2020-01-06 |website=Chemical & Engineering News |language=en}}</ref><ref name="waukegan"/> |- | 23 May 2019 | Gangwon Technopark in Gangneung, South Korea | A hydrogen tank exploded, killing two and injuring six.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-05-23 |title=Hydrogen tank explosion kills 2 in Gangneung |url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20190523000739 |access-date=2019-06-14 |newspaper=The Korea Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Tank explosion poses setback for Seoul's push for hydrogen economy |url=https://pulsenews.co.kr/view.php?year=2019&no=346776 |access-date=2019-06-14 |work=Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea |language=ko}}</ref> | Oxygen seeped into the hydrogen storage tanks.<ref>{{cite web |author=S.I. Kim & Y. Kim |year=2019 |title=Review: Hydrogen Tank Explosion in Gangneung, South Korea |url=https://www.aiche.org/chs/conferences/international-center-hydrogen-safety-conference/2019/proceeding/paper/review-hydrogen-tank-explosion-gangneung-south-korea |publisher=Center for Hydrogen Safety Conference}}</ref> |- | June 2019 | Air Products and Chemicals facility in Santa Clara, California | Tanker truck explosion damaging surrounding hydrogen transfill facility | Leak in transfer hose.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-02 |title=Hydrogen explosion shakes Santa Clara neighborhood |url=https://abc7news.com/5326601/ |access-date=2019-06-12 |website=ABC7 San Francisco |language=en}}</ref> This resulted in the temporary shutdown of multiple hydrogen fueling stations in the San Francisco area.<ref>{{cite news |last=Woodrow |first=Melanie |date=June 3, 2019 |title=Bay Area experiences hydrogen shortage after explosion |url=https://abc7news.com/bay-area-hydrogen-shortage-after-explosion/5328775 |work=ABC news}}</ref> |- | June 2019 | Norway | A Uno-X fueling station experienced an explosion,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Huang |first=Echo |date=12 June 2019 |title=A hydrogen fueling station explosion in Norway has left fuel-cell cars nowhere to charge |url=https://qz.com/1641276/a-hydrogen-fueling-station-explodes-in-norways-baerum/ |access-date=2019-06-12 |website=Quartz |language=en}}</ref> resulting in the shutdown of all Uno-X hydrogen fueling stations and a temporary halt in sales of fuel cell vehicles in the country.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dobson |first=Geoff |date=12 June 2019 |title=Exploding hydrogen station leads to FCV halt |url=http://evtalk.co.nz/exploding-hydrogen-station-leads-to-fcv-halt/ |publisher=EV Talk}}</ref> | Investigations determined that neither the electrolyzer nor the dispenser used by customers had anything to do with this incident.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sampson |first=Joanna |date=2019-06-13 |title=Preliminary findings from H2 station investigation |url=https://www.gasworld.com/preliminary-findings-from-h2-station-investigation/2017360.article |access-date=2019-06-14 |website=gasworld |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-13 |title=Moon's 'hydrogen diplomacy' tarnished by charging station explosion |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2019/06/419_270577.html |access-date=2019-06-14 |website=koreatimes |language=en}}</ref> Instead, Nel ASA announced the root cause of the incident had been identified as an assembly error of the use of a specific plug in a hydrogen tank in the high-pressure storage unit.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 June 2019 |title=Nel ASA: Status update #5 regarding incident at Kjørbo |url=https://news.cision.com/nel-asa/r/nel-asa--status-update--5-regarding-incident-at-kjorbo,c2852275 |access-date=2019-07-01 |website=News Powered by Cision |language=en}}</ref> |- | December 2019 | An Airgas facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin | A gas explosion injured one worker and caused 2 hydrogen storage tanks to leak.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-12-13 |title=Video: 1 injured after explosion at Waukesha gas company |url=https://abc7chicago.com/5751671/ |access-date=2019-12-15 |website=ABC7 Chicago |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gas explosion injures 1 worker in Waukesha |url=http://www.startribune.com/gas-explosion-injures-1-worker-in-waukesha/566167141/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215010655/http://www.startribune.com/gas-explosion-injures-1-worker-in-waukesha/566167141/ |archive-date=2019-12-15 |access-date=2019-12-15 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref> | Unknown.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Riccioli |first=Jim |title='A massive boom': Explosion at Waukesha gas company reverberated through the city and left one injured |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/waukesha/news/waukesha/2019/12/12/explosion-rocks-airgas-waukesha-cause-unclear/4412254002/ |access-date=2019-12-15 |website=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |language=en}}</ref> |- | 7 April 2020 | OneH2 Hydrogen Fuel plant in Long View, North Carolina | An explosion caused significant damage to surrounding buildings. The blast was felt several miles away, damaging about 60 homes. No injuries from the explosion were reported. | The incident remains under investigation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explosion at hydrogen fuel plant in US damages around 60 buildings |url=http://www.hazardexonthenet.net/article/177803/Explosion-at-hydrogen-fuel-plant-in-US-damages-around-60-buildings.aspx |access-date=2020-05-07 |website=www.hazardexonthenet.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burgess |first=Molly |date=8 April 2020 |title=60 homes damaged after hydrogen plant explosion |url=https://www.gasworld.com/60-homes-damaged-after-hydrogen-plant-explosion/2018832.article |access-date=2020-05-07 |website=gasworld |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burgess |first=Molly |date=14 April 2020 |title=OneH2: Hydrogen plant explosion update |url=https://www.gasworld.com/oneh2-hydrogen-plant-explosion-update/2018846.article |access-date=2020-05-07 |website=gasworld |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=2020-04-07 |title=One of the Country's Only Hydrogen Fuel Cell Plants Suffers Huge Explosion |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/one-of-the-countrys-only-hydrogen-fuel-cell-plants-suffers-huge-explosion/ |access-date=2020-05-07 |website=Vice |language=en}}</ref> The company published a press release: Hydrogen Safety Systems Operated Effectively, Prevented Injury at Plant Explosion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 10, 2020 |title=Hydrogen Safety Systems Operated Effectively, Prevented Injury at Plant Explosion |url=https://www.oneh2.com/Final%20OneH2%20news%20release_2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027023524/https://oneh2.com/Final%20OneH2%20news%20release_2.pdf |archive-date=27 October 2020 |access-date=29 November 2020 |website=oneh2.com}}</ref> |- | 11 June 2020 | Praxair Inc., 703 6th St. Texas City, Texas | An explosion occurred at the hydrogen production plant. | No further details<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lacombe |first=James |date=2020-06-11 |title=Small industrial explosion rattles Texas City |url=https://www.galvnews.com/news/free/article_7bae9935-83d3-56d9-b467-f13f938f01ff.html |access-date=2020-06-20 |website=Galveston County-The Daily News |language=en}}</ref> |- | 30 September 2020 | Changhua City, Taiwan | A hydrogen tanker crashed and exploded, killing the driver. | Vehicle crash<ref>{{Cite web |last=Charlier |first=Phillip |date=2020-09-30 |title=Hydrogen tanker crashes and explodes on freeway in Changhua City |url=https://taiwanenglishnews.com/hydrogen-tanker-crashes-and-explodes-on-freeway-in-changhua-city/ |access-date=2020-11-26 |website=Taiwan English News |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | 9 August 2021 | Medupi Power Station in South Africa | An explosion in Unit 4 of the plant | Improper operator procedure while the generator was being purged of hydrogen<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parkinson |first=Giles |date=2021-08-11 |title=World's newest and most expensive coal plant explodes after hydrogen leak |url=https://reneweconomy.com.au/worlds-newest-and-most-expensive-coal-plant-explodes-after-hydrogen-leak/ |access-date=2021-10-11 |website=RenewEconomy |language=en-AU}}</ref> |- | 25 February 2022 | Detroit, Michigan | A hydrogen tank for a balloon in a pick-up truck bed exploded, injuring 2. | The Detroit Fire Department believes a leak in the hydrogen tank caused the explosion. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Wimbley |first=Randy |date=2022-02-25 |title=2 injured in hydrogen tank explosion at Henry Ford Hospital parking deck |url=https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/2-injured-in-hydrogen-tank-explosion-at-henry-ford-hospital-parking-deck |access-date=2022-02-25 |website=Fox2Detroit.com |language=en}}</ref> |- | 22 April 2022 | Towanda, Pennsylvania | A hydrogen tank at Global Tungsten & Powders Corp. exploded. A spokesperson for the company said five employees were taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. | OSHA and company officials are investigating the incident. <ref>{{Cite web |date=April 21, 2022 |title=Explosion at Bradford County plant |url=https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/bradford-county/explosion-at-bradford-county-plant-global-tungsten-powders-blast-towanda/523-6698e207-2331-405e-ab39-63b0c0cfb490 |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=wnep.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-21 |title=Explosion at plant sends multiple people to hospital |url=https://www.mytwintiers.com/news-cat/breaking-news/explosion-at-plant-sends-multiple-people-to-hospital/ |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=WETM - MyTwinTiers.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | 28 September 2022 | Vasai, India | 3 people killed, 8 injured in hydrogen cylinder explosion in at a Maharashtra Industrial unit. | Faulty tank.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-28 |title=Vasai: 3 people killed, 8 injured in hydrogen cylinder blast |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/vasai-3-people-killed-8-injured-in-hydrogen-cylinder-blast-8178715/ |access-date=2023-10-10 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Three Workers Killed, 8 Injured In Explosion At Maharashtra Industrial Unit |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/three-workers-killed-8-injured-in-explosion-at-maharashtra-industrial-unit-3385609 |access-date=2023-10-10 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> |- | 6 February 2023 | Delaware County, Ohio | A pickup truck towing a trailer carrying full hydrogen tanks on US-23 in Delaware County Ohio explodes after crash. Three people were transported to a hospital with minor injuries. |Vehicular crash<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 6, 2023 |title=Truck carrying hydrogen fuel on US-23 in Delaware County explodes after crash |url=https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/vehicle-carrying-hydrogen-fuel-explodes-crash-us-23-delaware-county/530-cc78396e-489c-4926-bbb9-66c50558d17a |website=www.10tv.com |language=en}}</ref> |- | 28 April 2023 | Troutman, North Carolina | A Plug Power liquid hydrogen tanker venting and flaring caused an evacuation at a Pilot Travel Center in Troutman, North Carolina along the Charlotte Highway, Interstate 77. | Safety flare and vent due to excess pressure.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-29 |title=Tanker carrying refrigerated liquid hydrogen catches fire off I-77 exit |url=https://www.qcnews.com/news/u-s/north-carolina/iredell-county/troutman/tanker-carrying-refrigerated-liquid-hydrogen-catches-fire-off-i-77-exit/ |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=Queen City News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Hydrogen Tanker Catches Fire |url=https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5fGXJYeHeYU |access-date=2023-05-15 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Tanker carrying refrigerated liquid hydrogen catches fire off I-77 exit |date=29 April 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRKkqb32v2o |access-date=2023-05-15 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 29, 2023 |title=Hydrogen tanker fire prompts evacuation in Troutman, firefighters say |url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/businesses-evacuated-hydrogen-tanker-fire-troutman-firefighters-pilot-center/275-f92fcfa0-328d-4b70-95a2-91b4eaa1a57b |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=wcnc.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | 18 July 2023 | Kern County, California | A Golden Empire Transit Bus was destroyed during fueling at their maintenance facility. |Leaking fuel tank.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Max |first=John |date=2023-07-31 |title=Hydrogen bus destroyed during fiery refueling disaster - H2 News |url=https://www.hydrogenfuelnews.com/hydrogen-bus-get-fire/8559911/ |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=www.hydrogenfuelnews.com |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-26 |title=New possible cause of million dollar Bakersfield GET bus fire identified |url=https://www.kget.com/news/local-news/new-possible-cause-of-million-dollar-bakersfield-get-bus-fire-identified/ |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=KGET 17 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Fire engulfs Golden Empire Transit hydrogen bus and fueling station |date=19 July 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-toRJseb_o0 |access-date=2023-08-20 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-19 |title=GET Bus hydrogen fueling station damaged, 1 bus destroyed in early morning fire |url=https://www.turnto23.com/news/local-news/get-bus-hydrogen-fueling-station-damaged-1-bus-destroyed-in-early-morning-fire |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=KERO 23 ABC News Bakersfield |language=en}}</ref> |- | 8 August 2023 | Lebring, Styria, Austria | An outdoor hydrogen tank exploded at the premises of HypTec in Austria, causing massive damage due to the pressure wave which could be felt 3 km away. The personnel at the site was indoor and only minor injuries to an employee occurred. |Leaky tank<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 8, 2023 |title=Hydrogen explosion in Austria |url=https://www.hydrogeninsight.com/industrial/hydrogen-explosion-in-austria-i-live-more-than-3km-away-and-the-blast-made-my-windows-shake/2-1-1498784 |access-date=2023-11-25 |website=www.hydrogenfuelnews.com |language=en |quote=I live more than 3km away... and the blast made my windows shake}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-08 |title=Massive Hydrogen Tank Blast Rattles Austria's Lebring Industrial Area |url=https://fuelcellsworks.com/news/massive-hydrogen-tank-blast-rattles-austrias-lebring-industrial-area/ |access-date=2023-11-25 |website=www.fuelcellsworks.com |language=en-us}}</ref> |- |17 September 2023 | North West Queensland, Australia | Release of pressurised hydrogen gas at a chemical plant in North West Queensland resulted in an explosion and fire. Three workers were injured and damage caused to plant. The incident occurred during the recommissioning of equipment after routine scheduled maintenance. The injured workers did not require hospitalisation. | Failure of a butterfly valve, under hydrogen header-pressure of approximately 2000kPa. The bearing bush bolts of the butterfly valve may not have been correctly installed at the time of overhaul.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 1, 2023 |title=Hydrogen explosion and fire during the recommissioning of plant equipment post maintenance |url=https://www.rshq.qld.gov.au/safety-notices/mines/hydrogen-explosion-and-fire-during-the-recommissioning-of-plant-equipment-post-maintenance |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=www.rshq.qld.gov.au/ |language=en}}{{Creative Commons text attribution notice|cc=by4|from this source=yes}}</ref> |- |26 June 2024 | Gersthofen, Germany | A fire broke out after an apparent explosion at a newly opened hydrogen filling station in the freight transport center in Gersthofen in Augsburg. No one was injured. The station remained closed after the incident. |Probably an explosion in a compressor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 26, 2024 |title=Fire brigade responds to fire at hydrogen filling station in Gersthofen – Germany |url=https://hydrogen-central.com/fire-brigade-responds-to-fire-at-hydrogen-filling-station-in-gersthofen-germany/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=hydrogen-central.com |language=en}}</ref> |- | 19 September 2024 | Geismar, Louisiana |A hydrogen gas explosion and fire occurred at Chevron Renewable Energy Group's renewable diesel plant. Two workers were seriously injured. |Under investigation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2024 |title=Two workers airlifted to hospital after reported hydrogen gas explosion at Chevron plant in Louisiana |url=https://www.hydrogeninsight.com/industrial/two-workers-airlifted-to-hospital-after-reported-hydrogen-gas-explosion-at-chevron-plant-in-louisiana/2-1-1713112 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=www.hydrogeninsight.com |language=en}}</ref> |- | 23 December 2024 | Chungju, South Korea |A hydrogen gas explosion occurred in a bus after being refueled at a hydrogen filling station. Three persons were injured, one of them seriously. |Under investigation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 24, 2024 |title=Safety investigation underway on hydrogen bus explosion |url=https://news.kbs.co.kr/news/pc/view/view.do?ncd=8136888 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=news.kbs.co.kr/ |language=en}}</ref> |- | 17 October 2025 | Ulsan, South Korea |Two of five at plant fire die from burns at SK Energy's fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) factory in Yongyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Ulsan. |SK Energy stated "Hydrogen gas remaining inside the pipeline exploded during the process of opening it." <ref>{{Cite web |last=Daily |first=The Chosun |date=2025-10-18 |title=Worker Dies in SK Energy Hydrogen Plant Explosion |url=https://www.chosun.com/english/national-en/2025/10/18/UQOP7OIV65BSFBDFSZUQBKYXOE/ |access-date=2025-11-17 |website=The Chosun Daily |language=ko}}</ref> |}
==Hydrogen codes and standards== There exist many hydrogen codes and standards for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, stationary fuel cell applications and portable fuel cell applications. Additional to the codes and standards for hydrogen technology products, there are codes and standards for hydrogen safety, for the safe handling of hydrogen<ref>{{cite web |title=Initial Guidance for Using Hydrogen in Confined Spaces |url=http://www.hysafe.org/download/1710/HYSAFE_D113_version_1.1.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314192656/http://www.hysafe.org/download/1710/HYSAFE_D113_version_1.1.pdf |archive-date=2012-03-14 |access-date=2012-07-13 |website=HySafe}}</ref> and the storage of hydrogen. What follows is a list of some of the major codes and standards regulating hydrogen:
{| class=wikitable |- ! Name of standard ! Short title |- | 29CFR1910.103 | Gaseous and cryogenic hydrogen handling and storage |- | 29CFR1910.119 | Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals |- | 40CFR68 | Chemical accident prevention provisions |- | 49CFR | Regulations on shipping and handling hydrogen gas and cryogenic hydrogen<ref name="Cadwallader, L C, and Herring, J S 1999"/> |- | ISO 13984:1999 | Liquid hydrogen — Land vehicle fuelling system interface |- | ISO/AWI 13984 | Liquid Hydrogen Land Vehicle Fueling Protocol |- | ISO/AWI 13985 | Liquid hydrogen — Land vehicle fuel tanks |- | ISO/CD 14687 | Hydrogen fuel quality — Product specification |- | ISO/AWI TR 15916 | Basic considerations for the safety of hydrogen systems |- | ISO 16110 | Hydrogen generators using fuel processing technologies |- | ISO 16111 | Transportable gas storage devices — Hydrogen absorbed in reversible metal hydride |- | ISO/AWI 17268 | Gaseous hydrogen land vehicle refuelling connection devices |- | ISO 19880 | Gaseous hydrogen — Fuelling stations |- | ISO/AWI 19881 | Gaseous hydrogen — Land vehicle fuel containers |- | ISO 19882 | Gaseous hydrogen — Thermally activated pressure relief devices for compressed hydrogen vehicle fuel containers |- | ISO/TS 19883 | Safety of pressure swing adsorption systems for hydrogen separation and purification |- | ISO/WD 19884 | Gaseous hydrogen — Cylinders and tubes for stationary storage |- | ISO/CD 19885 | Gaseous hydrogen — Fuelling protocols for hydrogen-fueled vehicles — Part 1: Design and development process for fueling protocols |- | ISO/CD 19887 | Gaseous Hydrogen — Fuel system components for hydrogen fuelled vehicles |- | ISO/AWI 22734 | Hydrogen generators using water electrolysis — Industrial, commercial, and residential applications |- | ISO/AWI 24078 | Hydrogen in energy systems — Vocabulary |- | ISO 26142:2010 | Hydrogen detection apparatus — Stationary applications<ref>{{cite web |title=Standards and/or projects under the direct responsibility of ISO/TC 197 Secretariat of the International Organization for Standardization |url=https://www.iso.org/committee/54560/x/catalogue/p/1/u/1/w/0/d/0}}</ref> |- | NFPA 2 | Hydrogen technologies code |- | NFPA 30A | Rules for design of refueling stations |- | NFPA 50A | Standard for gaseous hydrogen systems at consumer sites |- | NFPA 50B | Standard for liquefied hydrogen systems at consumer sites |- | NFPA 52 | Compressed Natural Gas Vehicular Fuel Systems Code |- | NFPA 57 | Liquefied natural gas vehicular fuel systems standard<ref name="NFPA standards2"/> |- |CGA C-6.4 |Methods for External Visual Inspection of Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) and Hydrogen Gas Vehicle (HGV) Fuel Containers and Their Installations |- |CGA G-5 |Hydrogen |- |CGA G-5.3 |Commodity Specification for Hydrogen |- |CGA G-5.4 |Standard for Hydrogen Piping Systems at User Locations |- |CGA G-5.5 |Hydrogen Vent Systems |- |CGA G-5.6 |Hydrogen Pipeline Systems |- |CGA G-5.7 |Carbon Monoxide and Syngas Pipeline Systems |- |CGA H-3 |Standard for Cryogenic Hydrogen Storage |- |CGA H-4 |Terminology Associated with Hydrogen Fuel Technologies |- |CGA H-5 |Standard for Bulk Hydrogen Supply Systems (an American National Standard) |- |CGA H-7 |Standard Procedures for Hydrogen Supply Systems |- |CGA H-10 |Combustion Safety for Steam Reformer Operation |- |CGA H-11 |Safe Startup and Shutdown Practices for Steam Reformers |- |CGA H-12 |Mechanical Integrity of Syngas Outlet Systems |- |CGA H-13 |Hydrogen Pressure Swing Adsorber (PSA) Mechanical Integrity Requirements |- |CGA H-14 |HYCO Plant Gas Leak Detection and Response Practices |- |CGA H-15 |Safe Catalyst Handling in HYCO Plants |- |CGA H-16 |Guideline on Remedial Actions for HYCO Plant Components Subject to High Temperature Hydrogen Attack |- |CGA P-6 |Standard Density Data, Atmospheric Gases and Hydrogen |- |CGA P-28 |OSHA Process Safety Management and EPA Risk Management Plan Guidance Document for Bulk Liquid Hydrogen Supply Systems |- |CGA P-74 |Standard for Tube Trailer Supply Systems at Customer Sites |- |CGA PS-31 |CGA Position Statement on Cleanliness for Proton Exchange Membranes Hydrogen Piping/Components |- |CGA PS-33 |CGA Position Statement on Use of LPG or Propane Tank as Compressed Hydrogen Storage Buffers |- |CGA PS-46 |CGA Position Statement on Roofs Over Hydrogen Storage Systems |- |CGA PS-48 |CGA Position Statement on Clarification of Existing Hydrogen Setback Distances and Development of New Hydrogen Setback Distances in NFPA 55 |- |CGA PS-69 |CGA Position Statement on Liquefied Hydrogen Supply System Separation Distances |}
=== Guidelines ===
The current ANSI/AIAA standard for hydrogen safety guidelines is AIAA G-095-2004, Guide to Safety of Hydrogen and Hydrogen Systems.<ref>{{cite web |title=AIAA G-095-2004, Guide to Safety of Hydrogen and Hydrogen Systems |url=http://aero-defense.ihs.com/document/abstract/GFEIHBAAAAAAAAAA |access-date=2008-07-28 |publisher=AIAA |format=PDF}}</ref> As NASA has been one of the world's largest users of hydrogen, this evolved from NASA's earlier guidelines, NSS 1740.16 (8719.16).<ref name="NASA"/> These documents cover both the risks posed by hydrogen in its different forms and how to ameliorate them. NASA also references Safety Standard for Hydrogen and Hydrogen Systems <ref>{{cite book |title=Safety Standard for Hydrogen and Hydrogen Systems: Guidelines for Hydrogen System Design, Materials Selection, Operations, Storage, and Transportation |date=1997-10-29 |publisher=Office of Safety and Mission Assurance, National Aeronautics and Space Administration |location=Washington, DC |id=NASA TM-112540, NSS 1740.16}}</ref> and the Sourcebook for Hydrogen Applications.<ref>{{cite book |title=Sourcebook for Hydrogen Applications |publisher=Hydrogen Research Institute and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory |year=1998 |location=Quebec, CA}}</ref><ref name="Cadwallader, L C, and Herring, J S 1999"/>
Another organization responsible for hydrogen safety guidelines is the [https://www.cganet.com/ Compressed Gas Association (CGA)], which has a number of references of their own covering general hydrogen storage,<ref>{{cite book |title=ANSI/CGA G-5: Hydrogen (an American National Standard)|publisher=Compressed Gas Association, Inc. |year=1991 |edition=4th |location=Arlington, VA}}</ref> piping,<ref>{{cite book |title=CGA G-5.4: Standard for Hydrogen Piping Systems at User Locations |publisher=Compressed Gas Association, Inc. |year=1992 |edition=1st |location=Arlington, VA}}</ref> and venting.<ref>{{cite book |title=CGA G-5.5: Standard for Hydrogen Vent Systems |publisher=Compressed Gas Association, Inc. |year=1996 |edition=1st |location=Arlington, VA}}</ref><ref name="Cadwallader, L C, and Herring, J S 1999"/>
In 2023 CGA launched the [https://safehydrogenproject.org/about/ Safe Hydrogen Project] which is a collaborative global effort to develop and distribute safety information for the production, storage, transport, and use of hydrogen.
==See also== *Dissolved gas analysis *Electrical equipment in hazardous areas *Hydrogen economy *Metallic hydrogen *Oxyhydrogen *Passive autocatalytic recombiner *Slush hydrogen
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *[http://www.hydrogenandfuelcellsafety.info Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Safety Report] *[http://hysafe.org/IAHySafe The International Association for Hydrogen Safety] *[http://www.explosionsolutions.org/MScHSE/ Higher Educational Programme in Hydrogen Safety Engineering] *[http://www.explosionsolutions.org/kcehs/ Knowledge Center for Explosion and Hydrogen Safety]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hydrogen Safety}} Category:Hydrogen Category:Safety Category:Process safety