Cylinders used within a laboratory can be used safely by meeting the requirements prescribed in NFPA 2,
Hydrogen Technologies Code, and NFPA 45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals.
Special consideration should be given to both safe handling and storage of cylinders. Regarding lecture
size cylinders, their small size can make them susceptible to damage and…

Nitrogen/helium blends are frequently used to leak test hydrogen systems.

Speed of detection, detection limit, location, and cross-sensitivity are some of many criteria that might be used for selecting a detector. A common setpoint for gaseous hydrogen detection is 25% of LFL, or 1% concentration in air. However, the detection limit also depends on the system and exposure. When specific hazards are likely, detectors may have detection limits in the low-ppm range.…

Leak detection system requirements depend on the system design and applicable codes. The
appropriateness of detection equipment depend on many factors, including the type of system,
application, location, and probability of leaks. For example, hydrogen refueling stations are required by
code to be equipped with leak detection systems.

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…

Training personnel and equipping them with portable gas detectors to properly identify the gas that is
leaking can play an important role in both troubleshooting and emergency response.

The manufacturer’s calibration requirements should be followed to ensure proper operation of the
detection system. The requirements will vary depending on the type of detector and the environment in
which they are installed. Calibration can usually be performed by the user/owner if properly trained and
supplied with calibration gas, etc.

Several organizations published a paper together on this topic in 2017 (see attached). Based on comparisons with tests and CFD simulations, the following conclusions were drawn:

1. The gas concentration for vapor cloud explosion blast load calculations for H2 jets can be limited to approximately 10% to 75%. Note that testing for H2-air VCEs in congested environments has been performed…

1.    As of January 2024, we are not aware of any public data on incidents or investigations where a hydrogen fired steam boiler exploded.

2.    The potential for detonations within a boiler tube would depend on both the equivalence ratio of the hydrogen present and the diameter of the boiler tube.
a.    At a minimum, if the circumference of the tube is…

Even if a small experiment is being run inside a fume hood, the best practice is to use a dedicated vent line for hydrogen which vents hydrogen to a safe location outside.  This is especially recommended for planned venting.   This practice avoids situations where flammable mixtures could develop. Each system is unique and should be evaluated and approved for  use independently…