Hydrogen: Three Process Safety Risks Not to Take Lightly

Hydrogen is often stored or processed in facilities that contain other hazardous materials such as flammable liquids, reactive chemicals, or combustible dust. This paper will cover three case studies where the risks presented by the hazardous material were compounded (presenting additional and often unexpected risks) when hydrogen was present. This presentation will provide:

1. Addressing Control of Ignition Sources (Electrical Classification and Hot Work) challenges when flammable vapors (heavier than air) and Hydrogen (lighter than air) are present
2. Ignition /explosive concerns presented by combustible dust in a hybrid environment that includes Hydrogen
3. Reactive Chemistry involving waste streams that generate hydrogen off-gasses

The presentation will focus on techniques for identifying the hazards introduced by hydrogen, establishing an appropriate Basis of Safety for similar operations, and providing references to applicable Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP) that provide guidance for these unique Process Safety situations. Case studies that have been investigated by the Chemical Safety Board or received enforcement by US-OSHA will be shared during the presentation.