Fuel Cells - Electrochemical Power

Hydrogen Safety

Today's fear of hydrogen can be explained by the limited experience and knowledge about hydrogen in the general public. No-one is concerned about handling petrol at a service station, despite the fact that it is both poisonous and explosive. Safe handling of hydrogen in the industry has already been achieved for decades. Enormous amounts of hydrogen are used, for instance in space rockets, but none of the serious accidents were caused or made worse by hydrogen. The "explosion" of the Hindenburg airship in 1937 can also not be blamed on hydrogen leakage as initially assumed (see History for more).

Hydrogen does not smell and burns with an almost invisible flame. The combustion (radiation) heat is much less than from the combustion of hydrocarbons. Hydrogen also burns much faster. Thus, the damage from a hydrogen fire should be less serious than from other fuels. Furthermore, hydrogen is mixed quickly with air to non-dangerous ratios. If a leak should occur, the chances of an explosion are small if proper ventilation is assured. No toxicological or ecological effects of hydrogen have been identified to date, but, the long-term effects on people and the environment are of course not yet known. Nevertheless, the change from today's use of fossil fuels to hydrogen can only be positive.

Hydrogen can be handled safely when guidelines for its safe storage, handling and use are observed. It is important to remember that hydrogen is a fuel. To be a fuel it must have combustible properties. Planned and/or already available hydrogen regulations demand the same caution as should be given to any fuel, and some precautions which are unique to hydrogen.

Link to safety data sheet for hydrogen (from Air Liquide).

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