Properly Storing Hydrogen - Thermo Scientific TRACE 1600 Hardware Manual

Preface
Hydrogen Safety Precautions

Properly Storing Hydrogen

xxviii TRACE 1600/1610 Hardware Manual
• Hydrogen Cylinder—Hydrogen can be delivered in standard laboratory gas bottles or
cylinders. These cylinders have a limited amount of hydrogen in them and are a safe way
to transport and store hydrogen. Always secure, compressed hydrogen gas cylinders, like
all compressed gas cylinders, in an upright position, ideally with a non-combustible chain
or cable. If the cylinder falls over, the valve can fall off, causing the pressurized cylinder to
take off like a rocket, leading to the release of hydrogen and possibly an explosion, severe
injury, or death. Never crack a hydrogen cylinder valve to remove dust or dirt from
fittings prior to attaching a regulator, as there is a risk of self-ignition.
Storing and handling compressed hydrogen gas and cryogenic liquid hydrogen present
potential health and safety hazards. Using proper storage and handling techniques is essential
to maintaining a safe work environment.
Use the following guidelines when storing hydrogen:
• 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.
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