While hydrogen gas detectors are less effective outdoors, they can be an important safeguard as part of an overall hydrogen system design. They have been used in many cases to automatically shut down equipment and isolate hydrogen supply. Location and type of detectors depend on the system design and siting, but when installed, should be in areas that are most likely to be exposed to hydrogen releases. Dispersion analysis can help with that assessment.

Dispersion and radiation analysis should be conducted to ensure that the hydrogen cloud will not interfere with the flight path of aircraft. In addition, there may be maximum height requirements due to airport requirements depending on the location of the stack.