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Navigating barriers and safety philosophies in hydrogen risk management
The safe deployment of hydrogen hinges on robust design philosophies that systematically address potential hazards . This approach , known as the safety hierarchy , ranges from eliminating risks to managing the consequences of incidents , ensuring that each stage of hydrogen use is controlled .
• Avoidance – eliminating hazards : The most effective safety strategy is to eliminate hazards altogether . However , as hydrogen becomes indispensable to the clean energy transition , small and contained volumes are not possible , and large quantities will have to be stored and transported . Instead , the focus shifts to minimizing the presence of hydrogen in vulnerable areas , such as reducing storage quantities in high-risk zones or relocating infrastructure away from populated regions .
• Prevention – reducing the likelihood of Loss of Containment ( LoC ): The next line of defense after minimizing volumes is prevention – reducing the likelihood of hydrogen escaping its containment . This involves rigorous engineering practices , high-quality materials , and adherence to stringent industry standards to ensure hydrogen remains securely contained , thereby reducing the risk of leaks .
• Control – limiting the scale and duration of LoC events : Despite the best preventive efforts , the possibility of a hydrogen leak cannot be entirely ruled out . Control measures are therefore critical , involving strategies like gas detection systems and emergency shutdown procedures that rapidly isolate the affected area , preventing a small leak from escalating into a catastrophic event .
• Mitigation – protecting people and assets : Mitigation focuses on reducing the impact of incidents when they occur . This includes installing protective barriers , implementing ventilation systems to disperse hydrogen , and using fire-resistant materials to shield assets . Effective emergency response protocols are also crucial , ensuring swift evacuation and coordinated efforts to contain any damage .
• Emergency response – preparing for LoC : The final layer in the safety hierarchy is emergency response , which is activated when all other measures have failed . Comprehensive emergency plans , including evacuation procedures and coordination with first responders , are essential to minimize harm and contain the situation quickly and effectively .
The practical application of this safety philosophy can be visualized through the Swiss cheese model of layered barriers , where each layer aims to block hazards from leading to an incident . However , much like in Swiss cheese , each barrier has its inherent ‘ holes ’ or vulnerabilities . The cumulative effect of multiple barriers significantly reduces the likelihood of a catastrophic failure .
The Swiss cheese model illustrates how layered barriers block hazards , with each layer having vulnerabilities . Together , these barriers reduce the risk of catastrophic failure . Image by BenAveling , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Source : Wikimedia Commons
22 Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 18 | October 2024