Air Products has an unsurpassed safety record in the safe production, storage, handling, and distribution
of hydrogen and other gases. We have earned more safety-related awards than any other industrial gas company.
MSDS
Safetygram for Gaseous Hydrogen
Safetygram for Liquid Hydrogen
Safety Issues and Concerns
The hazards of handling this gas must be kept in perspective, despite incidents such as the Hindenburg disaster. Unknown to many, this incident was not directly attributable to hydrogen, but to extreme flammability of the outer varnish containing aluminum particles when the vessel was struck by lightning.
When hydrogen burns, it has a pale blue, almost invisible flame. Contrary to what some people may believe, it is not inherently explosive. It must be mixed with air or oxygen before detonation can occur. Since it has such a high dispersion coefficient, it dissipates rapidly. Because of this, it is almost impossible for a hydrogen explosion in an open area, and a hydrogen fire will burn out faster than a petrol fire.
The Hindenburg Disaster – What happened in Lakehurst?
This site includes a short description of the disaster and its cause, along with pictures and a video.
http://www.vidicom-tv.com/tohiburg.htm
Hydrogen Exonerated in Hindenburg Disaster, Hydrogen Newsletter NHA
This is an article written by Jacquelyn Cochran Bokow, Manager of Publications for the National Hydrogen Association. It explains the cause along with the theory of Addison Bain, retired NASA engineer.
http://www.hydrogenus.com/advocate/ad22zepp.htm
Hydrogen Didn't Cause Hindenburg Fire, UCLA Engineer, Former NASA Researcher Find. UCLA News.
This paper explains the cause of the Hindenburg disaster. It contains quotes from William D. Van Vorst, professor emeritus of chemical engineering at UCLA and Addison Bain, former manager, Hydrogen Programs Kennedy Space Center, NASA—the men who discovered the actual cause of the fire.
http://engineer.ea.ucla.edu/releases/blimp.htm
Myth: Hindenburg Fire In 1937 Proves That Hydrogen Is Too Dangerous For The Public To Use.
Excerpted from "The Philosopher Mechanic" by Roy McAlister.
Notes that an investigator in 1937 realized the cause was not hydrogen, and then explains the recent verification by Dr. Bain.
http://www.clean-air.org/hindenberg.htm
Hydrogen plays an important role in many industrial processes. But for all its benefits, special care must be taken to reduce the risk of accidents and reap the full benefit of hydrogen's properties. Let Air Products deliver attention-getting safety programs to you and your fellow employees. We offer a suite of programs tailored to meet the depth and breadth of knowledge needed for different industrial applications.
Ask about our Hydrogen Product Safety Training
In a thorough one-day session, an Air Products Safety Training Specialist or Senior Engineer will address hydrogen safety, including the properties and hazards, safety and handling precautions, personal protection, first aid and construction and design of your storage installation on-site.
Hydrogen Safety Services
Serving our customers with OSHA-Process Safety Management and EPA- Risk Management Program obligations, we offer document support, training and process hazard assessment services.
Some of these documents are in PDF format. You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these documents.
For those using hydrogen as a fuel
KnowH2owSM Hydrogen Safety Services—Using KnowH2ow hydrogen safety services offers you an opportunity to consult with Air Products' safety experts at any time. (PDF, 355 K)
KnowH2owSM Hydrogen safety training for handling, design and operation—Our team of hydrogen safety experts gives you access to decades of design and operating experience in virtually every application for hydrogen, including fuel cells. (PDF, 150 K) |
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