DOE Creates Open-Access Hydrogen Incident Database

17 May 2006

by Jack Rosebro

Servicing a DaimlerChrysler F-Cell vehicle

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has created a public Hydrogen Incidents Database that focuses on characterizing hydrogen-related incidents and near-misses, and the ensuing lessons learned from those events.

DOE is funding the website that hosts the database, which was built and is maintained by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The database currently lists 42 incidents, and another 60 are expected to be added within the next few months.

Names, addresses, companies, dates, and locations are excluded from each record in an effort to encourage contributions.

Proponents of hydrogen-fueled transportation often cite the need to educate the public as one of the cornerstones of the successful buildout of a hydrogen economy. Particular emphasis has been placed on educating the fire service about hydrogen fuels (earlier post), as well as seeking their input.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently changed its compressed natural gas safety standard to an overall gaseous fuel standard, reflecting the increased popularity of compressed hydrogen gas in the transportation industry. NFPA 52 now covers CNG, LNG, and hydrogen.

DOE has also opened a Hydrogen Safety Bibliographic Database, which currently stands at about 300 entries.

Resources:

• Hydrogen Incidents Database

• Hydrogen Safety Bibliographic Database

• National Fire Protection Association