Compliance with the operating instructions and operating rules of the plant is essential for the safe operation of the filling station. A diagram of the hydrogen filling station equipment, operating instructions, local operating regulations (fire regulations) must be available at the filling station site.

A sign prohibiting filling by unauthorised persons and instructions for filling shall be displayed in a prominent position in the vicinity of each compressed hydrogen dispenser. It is recommended that this prohibition be implemented in at least two world languages and, in border areas, in the languages of neighbouring countries. The engine of the mobile equipment must be switched off during filling and it must be secured against movement. Only the filled mobile device may be in the designated area of the dispensing device during the filling process. Smoking and open flames are prohibited in the area of the hydrogen filling station. This prohibition must be posted in a visible place. Safety signs and placards shall be used, their design and location being specified by the relevant legislation. These include warnings against the following types of hazards:

- areas where there may be an explosive atmosphere;

- flammable substances;

- compressed gases;

- risk of electric shock;

- blow-off of safety valves;

- hot or cold surfaces;

- mechanical hazards.

 

The dispensing equipment shall be secured against misuse during non-operating hours in the manner described in the local regulations.

Documentation of the hydrogen filling station in operation shall include an instruction manual detailing the proper procedures for the use of all parts of the hydrogen filling station. The instruction manual must identify the risks and hazards and specify safety precautions. The instruction manual must also contain a description and explanation of all warnings and markings used on the hydrogen filling station, particularly those relating to hazardous areas. The service manual shall be part of the technical documentation and shall contain instructions for the qualified maintenance of the process equipment, detailing the correct procedures for set-up, treatment, preventive checks and repairs. The service manual shall include recommendations for qualified maintenance, service intervals and records. Where methods of verifying correct operation are available (e.g. software testing programs), the use of these methods shall be described in detail. Qualified maintenance shall be performed by an authorised organisation. The provisions apply mutatis mutandis to the construction parts of hydrogen filling stations where the maintenance instructions are prepared by the construction contractor. [24] If there is a failure in the high-pressure section of the filling station, it is necessary to shut off the hydrogen supply, interrupting the hydrogen supply to the vehicle being filled, if connected. Subsequently, a controlled release of hydrogen from the pressurised parts into the surrounding atmosphere will occur.