Hydrogen is a highly flammable gas and must be handled with care to ensure safety. When stored or transported, hydrogen must be kept at high pressures or extremely low temperatures to reduce the risk of explosion. This can make storage and transport more challenging and expensive than for other types of fuel.

One of the key concerns with hydrogen storage is the potential for leaks. Hydrogen can leak from storage tanks and pipelines, which can lead to the formation of flammable or explosive mixtures. To minimize the risk of leaks, storage tanks and pipelines must be designed and constructed to strict safety standards. Regular inspections and maintenance are also crucial to ensure that these systems remain in good working order.

When transporting hydrogen, it is usually done by truck, rail, or ship. Truck and rail transport are typically done in large, specially-designed tanks or containers that can withstand the high pressures or low temperatures needed for hydrogen storage. Shipping hydrogen is usually done in cryogenic liquid form, which requires insulated containers that are designed to keep the hydrogen at extremely low temperatures.

Another key safety concern is the potential for hydrogen fires and explosions. Hydrogen is a highly flammable gas, and if it leaks and comes into contact with an ignition source, it can cause a fire or explosion. To minimize the risk of hydrogen fires and explosions, storage and transport facilities must be located away from populated areas, and must have fire suppression systems in place.

Overall, hydrogen storage and transport requires strict adherence to safety protocols, proper equipment design and maintenance, and emergency response plans are in place to minimize potential hazards. While hydrogen has the potential to be a way of storing energy, it's important that proper safety measures are taken to protect people and property.

Potential risks associated with the storage of compressed hydrogen gas:

·         Difficult to identify hydrogen release because the gas is odourless, colourless and tasteless.

·         Hydrogen can cause metals to embrittle. This can lead to a reduction in the strength of the material and subsequently to the rupture of the container, resulting in a hydrogen leak.

·         Accumulation of hydrogen for long periods of time in confined spaces such as a garage or mechanical workshop, vehicle passenger compartments. Suffocation may occur due to displacement of air by hydrogen.

·         Formation of flammable hydrogen-oxygen or hydrogen-air mixtures. Suction of flammable mixture into the ventilation system of a building may lead to detonation.

·         Explosion of the container accompanied by a pressure wave can lead to damage to the eardrum, rupture of the container, flying debris, breakage of glass, etc.

·         Hydrogen is easily ignited because its MIE is 0.017 mJ (which is 10 times lower compared to other fuels). A static spark can ignite the released hydrogen.

·         When pure hydrogen burns, its flames are invisible in daylight.

·         Hydrogen burns quickly and does not produce smoke.

·         External fire, heat or thermal radiation can cause mechanical rupture of the tank due to thermal decomposition of polymer and composite materials (Hy Responder Lecture 3: Hydrogen storage, 2021, s. 13-14).

General guidelines for working safely with hydrogen gas:

·         Follow all safety regulations and guidelines for handling hydrogen gas. This may include wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and flame-resistant clothing.

·         Use caution when handling hydrogen gas cylinders or other containers. These should be handled with care to avoid damage to the container, which could lead to a leak or release of hydrogen gas.

·         Keep hydrogen gas away from sources of ignition, such as open flames, sparks, and electrical equipment.

·         When transporting hydrogen gas, make sure that the gas is contained in a suitable container that is designed for hydrogen gas and is in good condition.

·         Store hydrogen gas in a well-ventilated area, away from sources of ignition.

·         Use caution when transferring hydrogen gas from one container to another. Make sure that the containers are properly secured and that the transfer is done slowly to avoid spills or leaks.

·         In case of a hydrogen gas leak or spill, evacuate the area immediately and ventilate the area to disperse the gas. Do not attempt to repair the leak or spill yourself; instead, call for professional help.

·         Regularly check the condition of hydrogen gas containers and equipment to ensure that they are in good working order and do not pose a safety risk.

·         Make sure that all workers handling hydrogen gas are properly trained and familiar with the hazards associated with the gas.