In the quest for sustainable energy sources, hydrogen is playing an increasingly significant role. It is regarded as a promising option for accelerating the transition to clean energy and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

Although hydrogen offers various advantages, it is essential to understand the risks it also brings. In this blog article, we explain what hydrogen is and what it will be used for as well as how you can protect yourself against the risks of working with hydrogen.

What is hydrogen and why is it used?

Hydrogen is the most commonly occurring element in the universe and can be found in abundance, in the earth’s atmosphere and in water. It is a light, colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that is made up of two hydrogen atoms (H2). These properties make hydrogen a versatile and promising source of energy. At room temperature, hydrogen is a gas but it can turn into a liquid or solid at lower temperatures. For example, at temperatures lower than -252.77 °C, hydrogen becomes a liquid and if it is cooled even further, to below -259.2 °C, it will take on a solid form.

The potential to use hydrogen as an emission-free fuel has piqued the interest of various sectors, including transport, energy production, and industrial processes. However, it is vital to recognise that working with hydrogen also comes with safety challenges due to its volatility and flammability.

Hydrogen is used for:

• Energy storage
• Fuel for vehicles
• Industrial processes
• Space travel
• Energy generation

Which risks are associated with hydrogen?

Despite the various advantages, you must not forget that hydrogen is a highly volatile and slightly flammable gas. This means it comes with certain risks.

1. Fire and explosion

In order to reduce the risk of fire and explosion, we must take the measures set out below:

• Ensure there is adequate ventilation in working areas where hydrogen is used or stored so that any leaks can dissipate quickly.
• Prevent build-ups of hydrogen by regularly inspecting and maintaining equipment and pipes.
• Limit sources of ignition, such as open fire, sparks, static electricity, electrical devices and smoking in the vicinity of stored hydrogen and areas where it is used.
• Use explosion-safe equipment and materials that are suitable for use in a hydrogen environment.

2. Leaks

Hydrogen can leak from tanks, pipes or equipment. Leaks could lead to fires or explosions and damage the health of employees. Even small leaks of hydrogen gas can build up and create an explosion risk. To manage leaks, you must take the following steps:

• Ensure regular inspections of equipment and pipes to detect any leaks early.
• Use leak detection systems such as gas detectors, to identify leaks and sound an alarm when the concentrations of hydrogen reach or exceed a certain level.
• Train employees to identify leaks, follow the appropriate procedures for reporting this, and take the necessary measures, such as shutting down the supply of hydrogen and evacuating the area.
• It is important to know that respiratory protection is not needed for regular work with hydrogen, only in the event of leaks. In this case, individuals must immediately use breathing apparatus or an autosaver.

3. Storage and handling

Hydrogen must be stored and processed in the correct way in order to minimise risks.

• Use suitable storage methods, such as pressure tanks or cryogenic storage, depending on the form of the hydrogen (gas or liquid) and the application requirements.
• Make sure there are safe distances between hydrogen storage and other facilities, particularly any sources of ignition.
• Train personnel in the correct handling of hydrogen and the use of personal protective equipment.

4. Electrolysis

When producing hydrogen using water electrolysis, there may be significant risks including the release of hydrogen and oxygen gas, as well as the use of electricity.

• Make sure you have a well-designed and maintained electrolysis system with the appropriate safeguards and emergency stop system.
• Avoid working with electrolysers in enclosed spaces.

How can you protect your employees when working with hydrogen?

We are happy to explain which PPE can protect your employees during the production, transport and storage processes for hydrogen:

• Wear flame-retardant clothing according to norm EN ISO 14116 norm.
• Protect your eyes with safety goggles with side protection.
• When you work with hydrogen in its liquid, cold form, cryogenic gloves are vital.
• Wear anti-static safety shoes when handling pressurised containers.
• No respiratory protection is needed during regular work with hydrogen. If there is a leak, it is important to immediately use breathing apparatus or an autosaver.

As well as Personal Protective Equipment, you should also:

• Use explosion-safe equipment and materials that are suitable for use in a hydrogen environment.
• Use leak detection systems such as gas detectors, to identify leaks and sound an alarm when the concentrations of hydrogen reach or exceed a certain level.

The advantages of hydrogen as an energy source

• Clean and environmentally-friendly: When hydrogen is burnt, it releases only water and this means that it does not produce any greenhouse gases or damaging emissions. So, it does not release CO2 during combustion. Other fuels, such as natural gas or petrol or the aviation fuel kerosene, do release CO2 and this is a significant greenhouse gas.
• Furthermore, hydrogen can be produced from renewable sources, such as wind and solar energy.  When hydrogen is referred to as a sustainable energy source, this concerns green hydrogen.
  Green hydrogen is produced via electrolysis, when water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy. This process uses sustainable energy sources (e.g. wind turbines and/or solar panels) and does not produce any CO2-emissions. These emissions are released, however, if you make hydrogen using electricity generated from coal or gas. Green hydrogen is the ultimate aim, but at the moment, less than 1% of all hydrogen is green. The other 99% is grey, blue or pink hydrogen.
• High energy density, good for storage: Hydrogen contains a great deal of energy relative to its weight which makes it ideal for storage and transport. On the on the other hand, hydrogen does have significant volume which may complicate the storage and transport processes.
  • For example, a passenger car will never be able to use just hydrogen, as the tank would have to be 5 times as large. A combination with other energy sources is much more realistic.

In short: hydrogen has the potential to play an important role in a transition to clean energy. However, the importance of using the right PPE remains crucial in order to minimise risk. With the right preparation, expertise and safety materials, we can safely create a sustainable future with hydrogen.