The UN ECE R134 regulation is a good requirement to follow as it copies the language in the UN GTR #13 regulation. The updated version of this UN document (UN GTR #13 Phase 2) is currently in approval review at the GRSP in Geneva and should be approved by the end of 2023. Nevertheless, since the US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is a contracting…

Researchers from Sandia National Laboratories have conducted extensive research on these topics. They have reviewed the current literature, identified knowledge gaps in alternate fuel vehicles and tunnel safety, and developed a generalizable framework to assess tunnel safety for a diverse range of alternate fuel vehicles. Supported by…

The Hydrogen Safety Panel is not aware of any detailed guidelines or requirements. There are general requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) in relevant codes and standards, but these often defer to the manufacturers requirements or a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for specifics. Ultimately, PPE selection is a matter between the employer and the employee and may need to…

Store flammable gas cylinders such as hydrogen, separated from oxidizing (e.g. oxygen), toxic, pyrophoric, corrosive, and reactive Class 2, 3, or 4 gases. Non-reactive gases, such as helium, may be co-located. See codes and standards such as NFPA 2 [7.2.1.1 Incompatible Materials] for further guidance.

Leakage/loss depends on the vessel design. Metallic or metallic lined vessels have extremely low permeability and losses through the vessel walls are typically imperceptible. Conversely, Type IV composite vessels which have non-metallic liners are subject to permeation. They are required to meet maximum permeation rates as part of their certification. Fugitive emissions from piping systems can…

Detection systems are nearly always installed but the system design and installation details of detection equipment are up to the manufacturer. Standards are being developed for this market.

All systems must be designed for the applicable operating parameters such as pressure, temperature,
and flow. The sub-cooled liquid hydrogen (sLH2) approach for fueling is comparable to other processes
commonly used to handle cryogenic liquids in the industrial gas industry where remaining gas is
condensed during the fill operation. These processes often operate above the critical…

Hydrogen has been used as a fuel to operate cars, buses, trucks, submarines, aircraft, forklifts, trains and virtually every type of mobile equipment. Each has special considerations which often drive specific requirements for that vehicle type. For example, higher g-loadings of rail operations and operations within tunnels are a couple considerations, but there are no significant barriers…

Composite cylinders can be manufactured to standards written by CSA, ASME, and ISO depending on the application and local requirements. Several ISO standards can serve as the basis for composite cylinder approvals within North America.

Liquid hydrogen is much less likely to pool than liquified natural gas (LNG) due to its low heat of vaporization. Very large facilities are often equipped with methods to enhance vaporization, such as crushed stone under tanks, as well as diversion systems to allow liquid hydrogen to spill and boil off in a safe area. Care needs to be taken that diversion systems do not create a hazardous…