Facilities should review their process systems to determine if they have valves installed that may be subject to this hazard. If so, facilities should conduct a detailed hazard analysis to determine the risk of valve failure. Detailed internal…

The above described events are an indication of a potential licensee/vendor interface problem. Based on the information received, the vendor was not completely informed via the purchase specifications regarding the service condition to which the…

1. Test safety system components even if they are new.
2. Do not rely on listening for valve movement as confirmation that a valve is closing; measure downstream pressure to determine if the valve is really sealing properly.
3. …

As demonstrated by the fire discussed above, lack of adequate maintenance, system monitoring and oversight of maintenance of these facilities can contribute to the ignition of a fire that is difficult to extinguish and poses an extreme danger to…

Proper installation of check valves and other equipment should be visually inspected prior to pressurization.

The site needs to implement a good Operational and Readiness Inspection procedure. System inspection deficiencies need to be identified, and (if possible) reviewed by a second party before future tests are conducted. This inspection could include…

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.

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…

• All tank trailers should have a safely accessible auxiliary shut off valve in case of spills.
• Emergency personnel need to have access to all of the appropriate protective clothing, including shoes. Liquid hydrogen is stored at 20…

Fail-safe position of control valves in supply lines must be set correctly to prevent damage to pressure vessels.

Recommendation

Set all valves for fail safe operation (open or closed) according to needs before installation…

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…

To prevent a similar flashback, the following measures have been taken:

1. The valve is opened slowly to avoid a major leading shock into the venting line.
2. A special nozzle (Laval or similar) is mounted directly after the…

Recommendations:

1. The using organization should define necessary activities in order to place hydrogen systems in long-term periods of inactivity. The defined activities should address requirements for rendering inert, isolation (i.…

• 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…

1. Follow the rules (e.g., using a torque-amplifying device requires supervisor approval).
2. Some valves are susceptible to disassembly, with potentially significant consequences, if excessive torque is applied to the handwheel.…

The following actions were proposed as a result of this incident:

•  The company in charge of valve calibration and maintenance will be subject to approval of the plant service inspection team.
•  Plant operating…

An important aspect of the reliability of a valve is the condition of the stem seal which tends to deteriorate with time and wear. Valves used in hydrogen service should be packed with the correct valve packing material and periodically checked…