Explosion Prevention

Any laboratory containing hydrogen has an explosion hazard and should rely on a combination of hydrogen containment, purging operations to isolate hydrogen from air or other oxidizers, ventilation, and ignition source control to prevent an explosion. The particulars depend on the amount of hydrogen present, the storage and operating pressures, and the nature and amounts of other flammable materials or oxidizers in the lab.

• Inspection of all protective construction devices and systems should be conducted at least annually.
• Required maintenance should be done to assure integrity and operability.
• Explosion shields and special explosion-containing hoods should be inspected prior to each use for deterioration, especially transparent shields and sight panels in special explosion-containing hoods.