Preface
Hydrogen Safety Precautions
Thermo Scientific
TRACE 1300 and TRACE 1310 Hardware Manual
xxiii
Before you begin using hydrogen, conduct a risk assessment based on the quantity of
hydrogen to be used and the conditions of your laboratory. Ask yourself:
“What hydrogen hazards associated with this project are most likely to occur?”
“What hydrogen hazards associated with this project have the potential to result in the
worst consequences?”
• Try to reduce or eliminate the higher risks by using the proper ventilation to remove
hydrogen gas before an ignitable concentration can accumulate. Also consider purging the
hydrogen to further reduce hazards and ensure that anyone working with hydrogen has
basic hydrogen safety training.
• As with laboratory safety in general, be sure to wear safety glasses, laboratory coats, gloves,
and so on. Typically there are no specific requirements for gaseous hydrogen, other than
eye protection when working with a compressed gas. If working with liquid (cryogenic)
hydrogen, wear insulated gloves and protective shoes in addition to eye protection.
• Post “No Smoking” and “No Open Flames” signs to identify hydrogen sources and
cylinders. Maintain, inspect, and leak-test all hydrogen sources regularly.
• Clearly mark all hydrogen shutoff valves and label permanent hydrogen piping as such at
the supply or discharge point, and at regular intervals along its length. Where hydrogen
gas piping passes through a wall, be sure to label both sides of the wall.
• Have contingency plans in place should an incident occur.
• Ensure that site emergency response team, as well as the local fire department, knows the
location of all hydrogen storage tanks.
Using Hydrogen with TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310
The use of hydrogen as a carrier gas, or as fuel gas for certain flame detectors, requires strict
attention and compliance with special precautions due to the hazards involved.
WARNING - EXPLOSION HAZARD
The use of hydrogen as a carrier gas is dangerous.
Hydrogen is potentially explosive and must be used with extreme care. Any use of
hydrogen gas must be reviewed by appropriate health and safety staff, and all installations
of hydrogen systems must be performed to applicable codes and standards. Thermo Fisher
Scientific assumes no liability for the improper use of hydrogen as a carrier gas.
