Handling Compressed Gas Cylinders; Hydrogen Leakage - Horizon Fitness T-2.5KW Manual

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1.3 Handling Compressed Gas Cylinders

WARNING

Do not handle compressed hydrogen gas cylinders without training or experience.

 Use a pressure regulator to control the fuel inlet pressure to the system.

 Do not alter the fitting on a regulator. Ask experienced personnel for help.

 Do not attempt to force gas cylinder threads.

 Never transport a gas cylinder with regulators attached. Ensure cylinder caps are in place.

Always use a cylinder cart with a safety strap or chain.

 Secure a high‐pressure cylinder to a bench, post, or fixed object to avoid accidental contact.

 Avoid unnecessary contact with On/Off valves. They can easily move to "On" by accident.

Hydrogen is colourless, odourless and tasteless. Hydrogen is non‐toxic but can act as a simple

asphyxiant by displacing the oxygen in the air. There are no warning symptoms before

unconsciousness results.

WARNING

Inhaling hydrogen can lead to unconsciousness and asphyxiation. Hydrogen molecules are smaller

than any other gas, making hydrogen more difficult to contain. It can diffuse through many

materials considered airtight. Fuel lines, non‐welded connections, and non‐metal seals such as

gaskets, O‐rings, pipe thread compounds and packings present potential leakage or permeation

sites. Furthermore, hydrogen's small molecule size results in high buoyancy and diffusivity, so

leaked hydrogen will rise and become diluted quickly.

Constant exposure to hydrogen causes hydrogen embrittlement in many materials. The

mechanisms that cause hydrogen embrittlement effects are not well defined. Factors known to

influence the rate and severity of hydrogen embrittlement include hydrogen concentration,

hydrogen pressure, temperature, hydrogen purity, type of impurity, stress level, stress rate, metal

composition, metal tensile strength, grain size, microstructure and heat treatment history.

Moisture content in the hydrogen gas may lead to metal embrittlement through the acceleration

of the formation of fatigue cracks. Hydrogen embrittlement can lead to leakage or catastrophic

failures in metal and non‐metallic components.

As a preventative measure, the stack must be operated in a well‐ventilated area in order to inhibit

potential hydrogen accumulation.

WARNING

Always operate the stack in a well‐ventilated area and ensure that ventilation slots are

unobstructed.

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