First Name
Andy
Last Name
Piatt
Severity
Incident
Was Hydrogen Released?
Yes
Was There Ignition?
Yes
Incident Date
Jun 28, 2010
Setting
Equipment
  • Process Equipment
  • Microbiological Anaerobic Chamber
  • Hydrogen Storage Equipment
  • Gas cylinder
Damage and Injuries
Probable Cause
When Incident Was Discovered
Lessons Learned

Several procedural and design changes should be considered for the future:

Replace the use of pure hydrogen with a 95:5 mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen to reduce the possibility of an explosive atmosphere occurring. Laboratory personnel should check each tank that is delivered to ensure that the gases are present in the proper ratio.
Adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for operation of the anaerobic chamber.
Following the check of the lines to make sure all the connections are tight, all gas cylinders should be closed; then, only the desired gas cylinder should be opened for use.
Use of "T" connections between gases should be eliminated. If there is continued use of a "T" connection, only connections with a toggle switch to limit the introduction of gas from a single cylinder should be used. No exceptions, even on a temporary basis.
The laboratory should continue to investigate the availability of hydrogen and/or oxygen sensors with the hope of finding some that can withstand the corrosive atmospheric environment.
All laboratory personnel should receive refresher training that includes standard safety precautions as well as a more detailed review of the hazards of working with hydrogen. Hydrogen use in anaerobic chambers is discussed in the Lessons Learned Corner on this website.

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