Best practices for dealing with a liquid hydrogen fire include:

  • The only sure way of handling a hydrogen fire is to let it burn under control until the hydrogen flow can be stopped.
  • Close the block or isolation valves close to the hydrogen container by remote operation from a safe distance.
  • Use water sprays to extinguish any secondary fire and keep the fire from spreading.
  • Keep the hydrogen-containing equipment cool, but be careful not to spray pressure-relief devices, as ice formation could prevent them from working properly.
  • Carbon dioxide may be used on a hydrogen fire, but dry chemicals are better because they make the flames visible.