Hydrogen Safety Training: Empowering Employees for Safer Work Environments

Hydrogen Safety Training: Empowering Employees for Safer Work Environments.

Last year saw the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the US Department of Energy Hydrogen Safety Panel, a body of experts brought together to consult on minimizing the risks of working with hydrogen. Composed of a range of specialists from engineers to safety professionals, it is still a highly valuable resource for best practices for the safe use of hydrogen energy in a wide range of industries. The panel is especially relevant now as the use of hydrogen cells becomes more widespread and public support is needed for initiatives such as the creation of regional hydrogen hubs throughout the US. As new industrial applications for hydrogen emerge, it is important that employees are property trained to handle this potentially hazardous material. From learning how to safely manage and operate hydrogen-fuelled heavy vehicles to minimizing the risks of explosions in industrial settings, there are a number of new safety protocols to empower employees working with hydrogen in the safe use of hazardous materials and help them to avoid accidents and injuries in any work environment.

Minimizing Hazards on Construction Sites

Although hydrogen has been handled safely in industry for over 100 years, its use is becoming more widespread and many more employees are now exposed to its potential hazards. One of the fastest growing aspects of the hydrogen industry is the use of fuel cells which are  increasingly being used to power vehicles for transportation. In an effort to reduce emissions on construction sites in the UK, the Department for Transport has put forward a proposal to retrofit heavy vehicles to use hydrogen fuel. The construction industry can be hazardous and strict health and safety protocols, up to date training and high levels of fitness are essential for workers in the construction industry to avoid injuries caused by demanding physical work. With the addition of hydrogen fuel cells to vehicles, working with hydrogen fuel presents new hazards that are now covered by new national safety regulations. Employers in the US must comply with OSHA requirements whenever hydrogen fuel cells are installed in a work environment to protect their workers from the risk of fire, freeze burns or electrical hazards. 

Robust Safety Protocols in Shipping

Another industry adapting to renewable energy is shipping, where green hydrogen can help to significantly reduce emissions in order to meet global environmental targets. However, the hydrogen must be managed carefully as its chemical properties present unique risks to workers in the shipping industry.  A low ignition level makes hydrogen highly flammable and because it is odorless, any leaks are harder to detect. Accidents can result in fires and explosions which are particularly hazardous in the closed environment of a ship, As well as implementing robust safety protocols and risk assessments, educating the crew on hydrogen properties and how to handle, store and use hydrogen fuel cells is crucial for the safe adoption of hydrogen in shipping. 

Explosion-Proof Lighting in Hydrogen Hubs

With huge investment and extensive plans for hydrogen hubs throughout the US, safety training and protection for workers in hydrogen production, transportation and storage must also be included. As hydrogen is highly flammable, it is important for workers to understand how to protect it from a range of ignition sources.  These can include heating systems, electrical sparks and even lighting. The installation of  explosion-proof bulbs and lighting systems in industrial settings is just one of many ways in which workers can be protected against potential fires in hydrogen-related work.  

Accessible Training For All Hydrogen Workers

While training is offered directly by employers to workers in a range of industrial work settings, it is also available through short in person courses and online conferences, accessible to anyone working with hydrogen. In the UK, the Fundamentals of Hydrogen, a safety course launched by the Health and Safety Executive, not only helps industry to safely realize the potential of hydrogen in achieving net zero emissions but also aims to keep employees and work environments safe from the hazards posed by hydrogen. More specific aspects of safety training including vent systems and the properties of hydrogen are offered by the American Center for Hydrogen Safety. These courses aim to empower anyone looking to enhance their career in hydrogen with the essential safety skills and practical strategies that can be applied to real-life scenarios in industry.

As the use of hydrogen becomes more widespread in a range of industries from construction to shipping, protecting workers from the unique hazards that it presents is essential. As it is highly flammable and difficult to detect if it escapes, the implementation of robust health and safety protocols together with specialist training in the use of protective equipment, dealing with fires and shutting down leaks can help to minimize the risk to workers.

READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central

Hydrogen Safety Training: Empowering Employees for Safer Work Environments.