Disclaimer: The Lessons Learned Database includes the incidents that were voluntarily submitted. The database is not a comprehensive source for all incidents that have occurred.
Diligence needs to be practiced when performing assigned work tasks. To guard against complacency, it is necessary to emphasize adherence to established procedures, including appropriate reviews of preventive maintenance instructions (PMI) and…
The lessons learned in this situation center around basic conduct of operations principles. Policies and procedures related to operations performance, safety performance, and management oversight were in place. They were not employed…
On-site personnel performing treatment of reactive metals/chemicals must continue to exercise caution. Although there is an inherent risk in treating reactive metals/chemicals, personnel must adhere to conduct of operations principles to include…
Thoroughly plan and schedule work such that the correct tools are at the job site. If activities take place that take the job supervisor away from the job location while critical steps are to be performed, the work should be temporarily stopped.…
A flammable gas explosion is an analyzed hazard and gas detection/shut off is a safety significant control system that requires a limiting condition for operation (LCO). The rigor of the evaluation of flammable gas systems was inadequate. There…
This incident illustrates how difficult it is to completely purge hydrogen out of a large, complex piece of equipment. Uniform mixing and dilution is unlikely in all the partially enclosed spaces, crevices, etc. If a hazardous operation such as…
Personnel should be properly supervised, and supervisors should be aware of the activities of their personnel. Personnel must be motivated to adhere to established policies and procedures. All personnel associated with potentially hazardous work…
Standard procedure must be followed in all cases. Assumptions are made at great risk. Risk also increases with complacency.
Standard procedures must be followed at all times. The importance of doing so should be frequently reinforced through safety communications to all staff.
The use of inerting gas or other means of separation should be employed when conducting mechanical work where hydrogen gas could be present. More importantly, per CGA S1.3, the vessel should be equipped with a dual relief system that can isolate…
All valves and connectors should be clearly labeled to minimize chances for mis-connection. All technicians must be trained on proper procedures for both taking systems offline and bringing them back online.
Valves for compressed hydrogen…
First, it appears that the system may not have been vented properly. CGA G-5.5 should be used for determining safe locations based on the variables of the specific setup. Also, if the compressor was tied to a storage system, a backflow prevention…
Because of the near invisibility of a hydrogen flame in daylight and hydrogen's extremely low ignition coefficient, if a known leak is present (e.g., an audible hissing), ignition should always be presumed. The primary cause of this incident…
The tube was 403 stainless steel, which is subject to hydrogen embrittlement. It is requested that all gauges that have bourdon tubes be replaced with 303 stainless steel.
A web-based resource developed by Sandia National Laboratories to…
The charging characteristics of a battery vary with the condition of the battery and are proportional to the ampere-hour capacity of the battery. During charging, when a battery is close to being fully charged, hydrogen and oxygen both offgas in…
It is characteristic of silver/zinc batteries to outgas both hydrogen and oxygen for several hours after discharge. Also, in the future, the battery should be properly secured inside the container.
Refueling operations need to be conducted in a careful and attentive manner, and operators need to be aware of the potential consequences of their actions.
Proper bolt identification can prevent similar occurrences in the future. This can be achieved by simply painting the critical bolt heads a certain color (or by purchasing bolts with painted bolt heads). An explanation form should then be clearly…
Extra caution should be taken when working around elevated pressure storage tanks. Pressure relief valve settings should be checked and then verified by a second party if possible. Proper procedures need to be followed at all times.
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