HYDROGEN – THE NEW FUEL FOR THE 21st CENTURY?

Hydrogen is quickly becoming the new fuel for 2022 and beyond, with uses in Transport, Home fuel and Industry.

Hydrogen – the new fuel, and ensuring your Team are wearing the correct PPE

Hydrogen – the new fuel for the 21st Century?

Most probably yes, and more so with the global challenges faced with over-reliance on gas from further afield. And for Hazchem Safety, we’re working with manufacturers and influencers in the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell field to develop a better understanding of the protective clothing and equipment required for workers in this sector.

UKHFCA – supporting the Hydrogen Transition

UKHFCA is the UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association and is dedicated to supporting stakeholders across the entire value chain of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell industry. A great leader in advocating the transition to Net Zero in the UK by promoting the deployment of solutions in the hydrogen and fuel cell industries. You can find out more about UKHFCA by visiting their website at http://www.ukhfca.co.uk/ and http://www.ukhfca.co.uk/about/

hazchem hydrogen fuel ppe supplier
Fig 1. Air Liquide Hydrogen production project, France

Where is Hydrogen Used?

Although it remains limited, Hydrogen Fuel is on the up in the UK. There are 11 hydrogen refueling stations, with 2 more under construction. You can also catch a ride to our new trade counter in Dyce thanks to the 10 double-decker hydrogen fuel cell buses in Aberdeen (and in other UK cities).  And now some boats, aircraft and trains are taking advantage of this alternative fuel, particularly where electric motors powered by batteries are often impractical in some of these applications.

What are the risks?

As with traditional fuels, the manufacture, storage, and transportation of hydrogen is a dangerous business.  It takes just 0.02mJ of energy to ignite a 2:1 mixture of hydrogen to oxygen – 10 times less than LPG, and low enough for even the smallest spark to cause an explosion. Hydrogen can be stored both as a compressed gas or as a liquid at less than -252°C. These low temperatures make handling dangerous. With both storage methods, if hydrogen was allowed to escape in an uncontrolled manner, this alone can cause ignition and flames of over 2,000°C.

How we can help reduce the risk

  1. HSE guidance to mitigate the high risk of ignition includes wearing antistatic clothing and footwear in hazardous areas – we have a range of products to meet these criteria. This clothing range is also Flame Retardant, reducing the risk of injury in the event of a fire or explosion.
  2. Cryogenic equipment is needed when working with liquid hydrogen – the Cryogenic PPE Safety Kit is an all-in-one solution for this.
  3. Having dangerous substances labelled is all part of reducing risk. Hydrogen comes under Class 2 Flammable Gas under ADR regulations. We can provide the necessary ADR signage for this too.

Hazchem Safety works with BOC, Air Liquide and Air Products, which are three large providers of Hydrogen in the UK, to whom we supply protective equipment which contributes to the safe handling of dangerous gases.

Hazchem supplier to the hydrogen energy industry

Contact one of our Trusted Advisors to discuss the range of PPE available from Hazchem Safety.

T: 01280 841400
E: sales@hazchemsafety.com

Distribution at Brackley and Aberdeen
Regional Offices at Middlesbrough, Hull and Londonderry

Although it is not strictly our responsibility to tell you what PPE is best, we have had over 40 years of experience when it comes to PPE for drivers and operators in the Gas Industry. So we have come up with some recommendations below for both ladies and men working in this industry.

We know that refineries/terminals are becoming more stringent on the correct PPE being worn when loading gas, so it is important you have suitable PPE.

To discuss further with us please call 01280 841400 or email sales@hazchemsafety.com .

PPE Recommendations Men

GET YOUR CRYOGENIC PPE TODAY!

For top-quality cryogenic gloves designed to offer maximum protection and comfort, explore our selection at Hazchem Safety’s Cryogenic Gloves today!

To discuss your requirements for ADR, PPE or workwear call us on 01280 841400 or email our sales department, who will be happy to have a chat!