Preface
Hydrogen Safety Precautions
Thermo Scientific
TRACE 1300 and TRACE 1310 Hardware Manual
xxvii
• Store spare hydrogen gas cylinders outside and away from doors, windows, building air
intake vents, structures, and vehicle routes. This precaution applies when the hydrogen is
or is not in use. Indoor storage of spare hydrogen cylinders has special requirements,
which are beyond the scope of this document. Documentation for each vessel should
include a description of the vessel, a list of available drawings or other documents, the
most recent inspection results, and the responsible person's name.
• Prevent spare cylinders from toppling by wrapping them with chains. The chains should
also be protected against corrosion and excessive heat.
• Separate spare hydrogen cylinders from oxidizing gases (such as oxygen) with a 5 ft.
(1.5 m) tall fire barrier with a half-hour fire rating or place the cylinders at least 20 ft.
(6 m) apart.
• When moving hydrogen cylinders:
−
Remove the regulator and replace the cylinder valve cap before moving.
−
Move cylinders on cylinder carts or with other appropriate transport devices.
−
Never roll or drop a cylinder and never lift a cylinder by its protective cap.
• Bulk hydrogen systems include either gaseous or liquid hydrogen in fixed installations; in
some gas systems a semi-permanent trailer (tube trailer) can be used. Storage vessels for
compressed hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen should be designed, constructed, tested, and
maintained in accordance with applicable codes and standards. Bulk hydrogen systems
represent a level of complexity again which is beyond the scope of this document;
however some general guidelines are provided.
• The bulk hydrogen storage system should not be located beneath electric power lines,
close to other flammable gases/liquids, or close to public areas. It should be readily
accessible to authorized personnel and delivery equipment, but protected from physical
damage or tampering.
• As liquid hydrogen systems also have a cryogenic hazard, additional safety considerations
for the use of cryogenic liquids might be necessary.
Hydrogen Safety Codes, Standards and References
The following list of safety codes, standards, and references is in no way an exhaustive list. In
fact, there may be federal, state, or local codes that apply to your specific location. Check with
all appropriate agencies with jurisdiction before installing or using a hydrogen system.
• Air Products Safetygram #4 Gaseous Hydrogen
• ANSI/AIAA standard for hydrogen safety guidelines is AIAA G-095-2004, Guide to
Safety of Hydrogen and Hydrogen Systems
• ASME B31.1, Power Piping Code
• ASME B31.3, Process Piping Code
