A best practice is a technique or method that has reliably led to a desired result. Using best practices is a commitment to utilizing available knowledge and technology to achieve success.

A wealth of knowledge and experience related to safe use and handling of hydrogen exists as a result of an extensive history in a wide variety of industrial and aerospace settings. Hydrogen is gaining increasing attention worldwide as an energy storage medium, for later conversion to electricity through fuel cells or for use as a combustion fuel. This focus has introduced many new participants to research, development, demonstration, and deployment of hydrogen technologies (e.g., fuel cell vehicles and stationary fuel cells).

The purpose of the Hydrogen Safety Best Practices online manual is to share the benefits of extensive experience by providing recommendations pertaining to the safe use and handling of hydrogen. Best Practices have been compiled from a variety of resources, many of which are in the public domain and can be downloaded directly from web pages linked in the documents. 

The Best Practices are organized under hierarchical categories beginning with those displayed down the left-hand column. Because of the interdependence of the topical areas, individual pages are often accessible via internal links from other pages.

Definitions are compiled into a Glossary that can be accessed from the References section of every page. There is also an Acronyms list and a Bibliography that can be accessed from every page. Please contact us at helpdesk@h2tools.org if you notice any definitions, acronyms, or references that should be in these lists but aren’t.

Following the best practices represents a commitment to the safe use and handling of hydrogen. But no information resource can provide 100% assurance of safety. Personnel with applicable expertise should always be consulted in designing and implementing any system carrying a potential safety risk. Following these best practices does not guarantee compliance with local codes, standards, and regulations. Users should check with their local Authority Having Jurisdiction to ensure that local requirements are adequately addressed.

A companion topic that describes incidents involving hydrogen, Lessons Learned provides illustrations of the importance of following safe practices when working with and around hydrogen. As with any other energy form or fuel, hydrogen can be used safely when proper procedures and engineering techniques are followed. The importance of avoiding complacency in the safe design, construction, operation, and maintenance of projects involving hydrogen cannot be overstated.