First Name
Larry
Last Name
Moulthrop
Submitted by Larry Moulthrop on
Severity
Incident
Was Hydrogen Released?
Yes
Was There Ignition?
Yes
Ignition Source
Electrical switch
Incident Date
Mar 22, 2018
Setting
Commercial Facility
Equipment
  • Hydrogen Production/Use Systems
Damage and Injuries
Lost Time Injury
Probable Cause
Flammable Mixture in Confined Area
Contributing Factors
Abnormal Operations
Change in Procedures, Equipment, or Materials
Communication
Failure to Follow Procedure
Human Error
Inadequate Inspection
Incomplete O&M procedures
When Incident Was Discovered
During Operations
Lessons Learned

Do not interconnect hydrogen drain trap lines with other drain lines

Thoroughly inspect equipment installation to manufacturer’s installation instructions

Warn against unauthorized field modifications

Consult the manufacturer and listing agency before any field modifications are undertaken

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