The purpose of this guide is to provide basic background information on hydrogen technologies.It is not intended to be a comprehensive collection of hydrogen technologies safety information.

VIII.6  Hydrogen Safety Panel, Safety Knowledge Tools and First Responder Training Resources

Fuel Cell Basics and ApplicationsProperties of HydrogenPrimary Codes and StandardsFundamental Safety ConsiderationsHydrogen Safety ResourcesFirst Responder Training ResourcesConcluding Thoughts

It has been suggested that separation or safety distances for pressurised hydrogen storage can be reduced by the inclusion of walls or barriers between the hydrogen storage and vulnerable plant or other items. Various NFPA codes [1] suggest the use of 60
inclined fire barriers for protection against jet flames in preference to vertical ones. Work by Sandia National Laboratories [2] included experiments and modeling aimed at characterisation of the effectiveness of barrier walls at reducing hazards.

Quenching limits of hydrogen diffusion flames on small burners were observed. Four burner types,with diameters as small as 8 m, were considered: pinhole burners, curved-wall pinhole burners, tubeburners, and leaky fittings. In terms of mass flow rate, hydrogen had a lower quenching limit and a higherblowoff limit than either methane or propane. Hydrogen flames at their quenching limits were the weakest