CHECK OUT OUR MOST RELEVANT INCIDENT LISTINGS! 

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.

Personnel were focused on the AGES system test and results, not the compatibility of the test equipment. The manual valve was needed to successfully test the system, however the fact that this particular valve could not accommodate the full…

Upgrade the liquid hydrogen pump control system to shut down operation of the pump and protect the system when malfunctions like leaks, pump cavitation, or loss of purge gas occur.
Verify that maintenance procedures used for liquid…

Incorporate external operating experience lessons learned into site program controls. Other nuclear plants had similar strand failures and back-of-core issues that were not evaluated for impact on procedures or system/component health plans.…

Corrective actions included replacing the breakaway with a new one, which restored normal operation of the dispenser.Verify and periodically inspect the pull/separation force adjustment if the breakaway is so equipped.Additional information on…

Maintenance work scopes must be adhered to. If added work is approved, it must be tracked and reviewed to ensure that the equipment is inspected by operations personnel. Scheduled work and extra work should be listed and checked off for proper…

Maintenance on the low-pressure venting system was not occurring at regular intervals. Ventilation integrity is now checked before starting an experiment.

Routine maintenance activities on pressurized hydrogen systems should be conducted per written design specifications. The procedures should provide detailed oversight regarding bolt, nut and fitting replacements or repairs. A formal review…

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…

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…

Installation

Fittings need to be visually inspected to insure ferules are in place and correctly positioned prior to swageing.
Research staff are responsible for communicating system specifications [gas type, Maximum Allowable…

Although most of the hydrogen fluoride piping system was open to the atmosphere before the elbow was cut, the lines were not purged. Two plugs of residual material on either side of the elbow remained in place, thus allowing hydrogen to be…

When performing maintenance evolutions, proper work control processes must be in place to insure that process systems are adequately prepared, remain in a safe energy state during the maintenance evolution, and are properly restored afterwards.…

This event illustrates the importance of adequately planning and communicating work. Procedures should cover all types of equipment that will be utilized. Work packages should clearly describe the equipment that will be used and the surrounding…

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