First Name
Andy
Last Name
Piatt
Severity
Incident
Was Hydrogen Released?
Yes
Was There Ignition?
Yes
Ignition Source
an electrical arc from a sump pump
Incident Date
Oct 31, 1980
Equipment
  • Piping/Fittings/Valves
  • Piping
  • Piping/Fittings/Valves
  • Valve
Damage and Injuries
Probable Cause
Characteristics
When Incident Was Discovered
Lessons Learned

Active GH2 sensors should be installed and continuously monitored in all enclosed buildings near GH2 sources. All buildings near areas where hydrogen is used should be designed to preclude GH2 entrapment (e.g., sloping roof with ventilation at the highest point).
Underground carbon steel lines beneath concrete pad areas should not be used for GH2 transmission. All GH2 lines are now stainless steel and above ground. - Any GH2 transmission lines buried underground should be proof-tested and leak-checked on a periodic basis.
Any below-grade piping installation should be in open trenches covered by grating.
Facilities should be protected from GH2, at a safe distance, by manual isolation valves. If remote-operated valves (ROVs) are required for operational isolation purposes, the ROVs should be in series with and downstream of the manual isolation valve.
The pressure between isolation valves and stand shut-off valves should be routinely monitored on a daily basis.
Field repair of mechanically severable valves in high-pressure systems should be eliminated.
Valves repaired in the field should be subjected to functional and leak checks, including actuator and valve seals at simulated operating conditions. A written procedure should be prepared and used.
Valves utilizing pneumatic actuators should have actuator piston and piston nut staked (or locked by other positive means) in the installed condition.
All high-pressure gas lines scheduled to be inactive for periods greater than 6 months should be physically isolated by blind flanges from active systems.
Supply system status of pressure vessels and lines (pressure and/or quantity) should be recorded at the start and completion of operations each day. All reservoirs should be isolated at close of business each day, and before weekends and holidays.
Corrosion protection systems for underground lines should be reviewed and tested to confirm the adequacy of the systems.
Operational and support buildings at hazardous sites should be isolated (i.e., interconnecting air conditioning systems should be avoided). Buildings connected to hazardous sites by tunnels and/or conduits should be physically isolated by seals. If physical isolation is not practical, then positive air flow should be maintained in tunnels and conduits.
Explosive gas detection meters should be included in the equipment carried by firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
Fire alarm transmitters should be located at all hazardous locations.
Emergency instructions for isolating GH2 and utilities for hazardous locations should be permanently posted with names and telephone numbers of key individuals to be contacted.

Key:

  • = No Ignition
  • = Explosion
  • = Fire
Hydrogen Incident Summaries by Equipment and Primary Cause/Issue
Equipment / Cause Equipment Design or Selection Component Failure Operational Error Installation or Maintenance Inadequate Gas or Flame Detection Emergency Shutdown Response Other or Unknown
Hydrogen Gas Metal Cylinder or Regulator   3/31/2012
4/30/1995
2/6/2013
4/26/2010 12/31/1969     3/17/1999
11/1/2001
12/23/2003
Piping/Valves 4/4/2002
2/2/2008
5/11/1999
4/20/1987
11/4/1997
12/31/1969
8/19/1986
7/27/1991
12/19/2004
2/6/2008
10/3/2008
4/5/2006
5/1/2007
9/19/2007
10/31/1980
2/7/2009 1/24/1999
2/24/2006
6/8/1998
12/31/1969
2/7/2009

9/1/1992
10/31/1980

10/3/2008  
Tubing/Fittings/Hose   9/23/1999
8/2/2004
8/6/2008
9/19/2007
1/1/1982 9/30/2004
10/7/2005
  10/7/2005  
Compressor   10/5/2009
6/10/2007
8/21/2008
1/15/2019
    10/5/2009 8/21/2008  
Liquid Hydrogen Tank or Delivery Truck 4/27/1989 12/19/2004
1/19/2009
8/6/2004 12/31/1969   1/1/1974 12/17/2004
Pressure Relief Device 7/25/2013
5/4/2012
1/15/2002
1/08/2007
12/31/1969        
Instrument 1/15/2019 3/17/1999
12/31/1969
2/6/2013
    11/13/73    
Hydrogen Generation Equipment 7/27/1999     10/23/2001      
Vehicle or Lift Truck   7/21/2011         2/8/2011
12/9/2010
Fuel Dispenser   8/2/2004
5/1/2007
6/11/2007
9/19/2007
  2/24/2006
1/22/2009
     
Fuel Cell Stack            

5/3/2004
12/9/2010
2/8/2011

Hydrogen Cooled Generator       12/31/1969
2/7/2009
     
Other (floor drain, lab
anaerobic chamber,
heated glassware,
test chamber,
gaseous hydrogen
composite cylinder,
delivery truck)
  11/14/1994
7/21/2011
7/27/1999
6/28/2010
8/21/2008
12/31/1969
3/22/2018
    6/10/2019
  • = No Ignition
  • = Explosion
  • = Fire