Law Enforcement

• The facility owner/operator should provide the police with detailed information regarding the incident, hazardous material (including hydrogen) inventories and locations, facility safety equipment and instrumentation, and any actions taken so far.
• Police who respond to a spill, fire, or vehicle collision should be familiar with the hazard information cards recommended by DOT or other safety documents.
• They should also know the recommended exclusion areas to protect the public if a spill or fire occurs.
• An additional factor for increased safety is evacuation distances as recommended by the senior fire officer. Police can then assist in implementing the proper actions to protect the public.
• A key acronym for hazardous materials awareness is SIN:
  • Safe approach
  • Identify the hazardous material
  • Notify the proper authorities

References

Fragment evacuation distance criteria can be found in the ANSI/AIAA Guide to Safety of Hydrogen and Hydrogen Systems (G-095A-2017).

Web-based training program Introduction to Hydrogen Safety for First Responders is available from the Hydrogen Tools portal.