From an operational point of view, hydrogen safety is the key to ensure that hydrogen does not leak or explode in all aspects of storage, use, and transportation.
I. Safety of Hydrogen Storage
- storage Container Selection:
- pressure vessels or specially designed tanks that meet the requirements of standards and regulations should be selected to store hydrogen.
- Storage containers shall be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure their tightness and safety.
- Storage environment requirements:
- the hydrogen storage place should be well ventilated to avoid hydrogen accumulation in the room.
- The storage place shall be far away from fire source, heat source and inflammable and explosive materials.
- Storage containers shall be kept in isolation from oxygen, compressed air, halogen, oxidant and other combustion-supporting gas cylinders.
- Safety monitoring and alarm:
- hydrogen leak detection alarm shall be set at the hydrogen storage site to monitor the hydrogen concentration in real time.
- In case of leakage, alarm shall be given immediately and a warning area shall be set up. The personnel in the leakage area shall be evacuated to the upper wind and isolated.
Second, the use of hydrogen safety
- operator training:
- operators must be specially trained to master the nature of hydrogen, use methods and safe operation procedures.
- Operators should strictly abide by the operating procedures, master the operation skills, and have the knowledge of emergency disposal.
- Requirements for use site:
- places using hydrogen must be adequately ventilated or ventilated to avoid hydrogen accumulation in the room.
- In places where hydrogen is used, open flames are prohibited, and non-sparking tools and equipment are required.
- Avoid electrostatic discharges from power tools and equipment to prevent hydrogen explosions.
- Equipment safety inspection:
- regularly check the hydrogen pipeline and gas circuit valves to ensure that there is no leakage.
- Real-time monitoring of hydrogen concentration using a portable hydrogen probe.
- Use explosion-proof ventilation systems and equipment to ensure the safety of hydrogen use sites.
III. Safety of Hydrogen Transportation
- requirements for transport vehicles:
- transport vehicles shall be provided with dangerous goods transport signs and equipped with satellite positioning devices with driving record functions.
- When the tanker is transported, a special tanker shall be used, and the flame arrester and spark extinguisher installed on the tanker must be in good condition.
- Tank cars and transport trucks shall be equipped with electrostatic lead lines, and dry powder or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers and explosion-proof tools shall be provided on the tank cars.
- Transportation Process Management:
- in the process of transportation, should be light loading and unloading, to prevent the cylinder and accessories damage.
- Dangerous operations such as throwing, sliding, rolling and touching are strictly prohibited, and hoisting and handling by electromagnetic crane and chain rope are strictly prohibited.
- Transport vehicles should be far away from fire, heat source and inflammable and explosive materials.
IV. Emergency Response and Disposal
- formulation of emergency plan:
- formulate detailed emergency plan, including emergency treatment for leakage and fire and explosion.
- Regularly organize emergency drills to improve emergency response capabilities.
- Emergency Treatment of Leakage:
- once leakage occurs, the leakage source should be cut off immediately and ventilation replacement should be carried out.
- Use spray water, foam, carbon dioxide, dry powder and other fire extinguishing agents for fire extinguishing.
- Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus, wear anti-static clothing to enter the scene, pay attention to prevent exposed skin burns.
- Personnel evacuation and rescue:
- quickly evacuate personnel from the leakage area to the upper wind and isolate them.
- Ventilate the leak contaminated area to prevent hydrogen from accumulating to form explosive gas mixtures.
- If any person is injured, first aid and medical treatment should be carried out immediately.