• The fuel cell vehicle that was involved in the accident has been retired. The fuel cell power plant from that vehicle has been removed and is being used in another fuel cell vehicle.
• The fuel cell vehicle accident reinforced the…

1. Provide additional retraining of operators. Curriculum should emphasize the proper response to high oxygen in the hydrogen gas.
2. Evaluate current knowledge of operators. Operators should know…

Manuals showing the correct connecting and disconnecting procedures were established for each fueling dispenser. Separate manuals were needed since the shape of the grip differs from dispenser to dispenser.

1. Consider periodic testing of breakaway device.
2. Consider determining shear force limit of vehicle receptacle adapter fittings.

Many accidents reported from paper mills have much in common with this incident. Microorganisms in the process water with pulp produce hydrogen gas that mixes with air to form an explosive atmosphere. The ignition source is typically sparks…

Several best practices resulted from this incident and will be implemented if similar circumstances present themselves in the future.

• Close bay door.
• Keep within proximity of bay.
• Be aware of other bays…

Although the preparation-for-transport procedures were done the same way they were done for previous outreach programs, this time it proved to be a different situation. It is not clear what caused the ignition of the first balloon, which then set…

Safe storage and transportation of balloons filled with a hydrogen-oxygen mixture is a very risky undertaking. There are few scenarios that do not involve enclosed spaces (e.g., a car) and the potential for static discharge. Perhaps a mesh bag…

The lessons learned from this incident are:

1. Verify the gas that you are using.
2. Avoid using "quick-disconnect" fittings in this type of situation. If they are absolutely needed, there are sets available that ensure that…

The investigation team concluded that hydrogen gas was released through a failed 19-inch diameter gasket and ignited under the roof of the compressor shed where it was partially confined. Some gas escaped from the shed prior to the explosion, but…

The investigation determined that hydrogen was formed by the reaction of hot aluminum and water, air was admitted via the inspection door, and the mixture was ignited by the hot clinker or sparks from the chisel. Aluminum should have been…

Procedures for safe handling of compressed gas cylinders, marking design of gas cylinders and connecting lines, and arrangement of cylinders were reviewed and modified as necessary. The spectrometer was returned to the manufacturer for a careful…

In addition to the probable causes listed above, the lack of a standard operating procedure for hydrogen leak detection was one of the probable causes of this incident. Additional contributing factors included the following:
- Severe pipe…