Hydrogen is a key player in the energy revolution. However, the use of this lightweight, highly flammable gas also poses risks that are worth understanding, especially when it comes to safety in industrial environments. In this article, we will address how hydrogen can affect the human body, the specific risks associated with handling it, and how to maintain a safe environment under the banner Safety First.

How Does Hydrogen Affect the Human Body?

First, we clarify that hydrogen itself is not toxic, but breathing air with high concentrations of hydrogen can lead to respiratory problems due to lack of oxygen (hypoxia). In these environments, hydrogen displaces oxygen in the air, which can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headache, loss of coordination, and in severe situations, even loss of consciousness.

To avoid these risks, environments with the presence of hydrogen require oxygen monitoring systems and adequate ventilation measures. The priority, always, is Safety First, to protect both the health and the lives of the workers who handle this gas.

Main Risks of Hydrogen in Work Environments

Hydrogen presents specific challenges in terms of safety. Being colorless and odorless, detecting a leak can be difficult without specialized equipment. In addition, being highly flammable, any spark or ignition source could detonate the gas in concentrations above 4% in the air. Therefore, hydrogen leaks and the risk of explosions are two of the biggest concerns in the industry.

Main risks and precautions for CH2 and LH2:

• Explosiveness: The flammability range of hydrogen is wide. Any spark or ignition source can cause an explosion in an environment with an adequate concentration of hydrogen and air.
• Asphyxiation: Being lighter than air, hydrogen tends to accumulate in the upper parts of an enclosed area, displacing oxygen and causing asphyxiation.
• Cryogenic cooling: Liquid hydrogen is extremely cold and can cause cold burn if it comes into contact with the skin.
• Invisible flame: The hydrogen flame is almost invisible, making it difficult to detect leaks.

We now go on to talk in more detail:

Leaks and Monitoring

A hydrogen leak can occur without anyone noticing, so installing hydrogen detectors and ventilation systems is essential. These detectors, designed to alert workers of any buildup, are installed in key areas and act in real-time to ensure that the hydrogen level remains below the explosive limit.

Ignition Hazard

Hydrogen needs very little energy to ignite, which means that any spark from an electric shock to heat generated by a piece of work equipment can ignite it. Electrical equipment and devices should be prepared to operate in areas with a risk of explosion, and workers should avoid wearing clothing or tools that generate static electricity.

In this regard, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that hydrogen concentrations should not exceed 4% of the volume of air in work areas, since, from this concentration, the risk of explosion is high, although not necessarily harmful to health directly. However, the indirect effect of lack of oxygen is the main risk in these industrial environments.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE/EPI): An Essential Ally

Although hydrogen does not affect the body directly in terms of toxicity, in the event of leaks or in emergency situations it is vital to have the right equipment. Supplied-air respirators and oxygen masks are essential in situations where there is a risk of hypoxia, while in areas where the risk of explosion is greater, flame retardant protection is critical. This equipment not only protects health, but can also save lives in extreme situations.

International Regulations and Standards

To ensure safety in the handling of hydrogen, there are numerous international norms and standards, such as those established by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and the ISO (International Organization for Standardization). These standards cover aspects such as facility design, detection and alarm systems, and emergency procedures.

Emergency Protocols: Safety First in Action

In industrial environments with the presence of hydrogen, emergency protocols are as important as safety equipment. It is essential that each worker is trained to respond to a leak, know when to evacuate, and how to proceed to prevent a small leak from becoming a serious problem.

Drills and periodic training are key measures. By practicing these situations and knowing safety protocols, workers can act quickly and accurately in the event of an emergency. This is where the slogan “Safety First” makes its full sense: the priority should always be the safety and security of every person in the workplace.

Constant Risk Assessment

Safety in hydrogen environments does not end with the installation of monitoring systems and the use of personal protective equipment. Regular assessments are necessary to identify potential facility improvements and ensure that safety systems are up to date with industry best practices. Routine reviews of work areas allow for the identification of vulnerabilities in ventilation systems, detector calibration, and worker training.

A Commitment to Safety in the Hydrogen Industry

The hydrogen industry is growing rapidly, but with this expansion comes the responsibility to set and follow strict safety standards. The implementation of the “Safety First” motto not only means that worker safety is a priority, but also that an organizational culture committed to a safe and sustainable future is being built.

Handling hydrogen and creating safe environments are essential to the long-term success of this industry. Every preventative measure and safety protocol implemented not only protects the individual worker, but also supports the sustainability and viability of the industry globally.

Hydrogen Safety Success Stories

• Toyota and its Hydrogen Vehicles:

Toyota is a pioneer in hydrogen fuel cell technology. Its Mirai model has gone through strict safety tests before going on the market. This vehicle is equipped with hydrogen tanks that can withstand severe impacts and extreme temperatures, ensuring that hydrogen is stored and used safely. Toyota’s technology is not only focused on energy efficiency, but also on robustness and safety, making the Mirai a benchmark in the industry.

• Air Products Hydrogen Refueling Stations:

Air Products, a global leader in the hydrogen industry, has developed fueling stations that meet the highest safety standards. These stations are designed to minimize the risks associated with hydrogen storage and dispensing. They use advanced sensors to detect leaks and automatic cutting systems in case of emergency. Air Products has demonstrated that it is possible to create a safe and reliable hydrogen infrastructure that can be used by the general public.

• Hydrogen Infrastructure in Japan

Japan has been one of the most proactive countries in adopting hydrogen as an energy source. Hydrogen infrastructure in Japan includes refueling stations, hydrogen production and storage plants, all built under strict safety regulations. A notable example is the Kansai region, where a network of hydrogen stations provides clean and safe energy to thousands of vehicles. This initiative not only reduces carbon emissions, but also sets a safety standard that other countries can follow.

• Shell and the Hydrogen Stations Network in Europe

Shell has been investing heavily in the creation of a network of hydrogen stations in Europe. These facilities are designed with multiple layers of security, including reinforced tanks, continuous monitoring systems, and well-established emergency procedures. Shell has worked closely with regulatory authorities to ensure that its hydrogen stations are not only efficient, but also safe for users.

• NASA and its rocket propulsion in the USA

NASA has been using hydrogen for decades, primarily in the realm of space rocket propulsion. Through its Safety Standard for Hydrogen and Hydrogen Systems, NASA established a series of regulations and safety practices in hydrogen work environments that have been adopted in the aerospace industry and beyond. These practices include continuous monitoring of possible leaks and the use of advanced hydrogen detection systems.

One of the most important aspects of NASA’s expertise is the use of redundancies and emergency protocols, which have allowed the agency to minimize risks in a highly hazardous environment. NASA continues to share these safety standards through partnerships and publications, helping other industries improve their safety protocols. This comprehensive approach is an example of how an entity can take hydrogen safety to extreme levels of precision.

Conclusion: Safety First, Always

Hydrogen, with its potential to drive the shift to a low-carbon economy, is undoubtedly one of the energy sources of the future. However, with their use also come great responsibilities. Safety must always be at the forefront of any hydrogen-related initiative. Safety First is not just a slogan, but an active commitment to protecting lives and building an industry that prioritizes safety and sustainability every step of the way.

To build a future where hydrogen is successfully integrated into the economy and daily life, safety must be at the forefront of every effort. Whether in vehicles, aerospace transport or charging stations, good safety practices inspire confidence and advance the adoption of this technology. Success stories from Toyota, NASA and Air Liquide show that hydrogen can be safe if given the attention it deserves, thus reinforcing the commitment to sustainability without compromising safety.

Sources:

1. Departamento de Energía de los EE. UU. (DOE), Hydrogen Safety Best Practices Manual. Disponible en: https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/safety-codes-and-standards
2. NASA, Safety Standard for Hydrogen and Hydrogen Systems. Disponible en: https://standards.nasa.gov/.
3. Air Liquide, Hydrogen Safety Innovations.
4. Toyota Mirai Safety Features – Toyota Official Site.
5. Air Products Hydrogen Fueling Stations – Air Products Official Site.
6. Hydrogen Infrastructure in Japan – Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI).
7. Shell Hydrogen Stations in Europe – Shell Official Site.