Fire-Fighting Techniques

Hydrogen can be easily ignited by the following:

• Heat
• Open flames
• Electrical sparks
• Static electricity

All employees should be thoroughly trained in emergency procedures for fighting a hydrogen gas fire. First, there are several ways to detect a hydrogen leak:

• Listen for a high-pressure gas leak (loud hissing sound).
• Listen and watch for gas and flame detectors that may be installed in storage facilities and fueling stations.
• Use an air monitor that is equipped to detect hydrogen.

In addition, employees can use a portable flame detector, such as a thermal imaging camera, to detect a hydrogen flame.

If employees are concerned that there is a hydrogen leak, they should follow these safety guidelines:

• Look for recognizable signage, listen for escaping gas, and watch for thermal waves that signal the presence of a flame.
• Let a hydrogen fire burn, if safe to do so.
• Never cut through stainless steel hydrogen lines or high-voltage cables.
• Avoid cutting through the floor line of vehicles, because hydrogen lines and high-voltage electrical cables and devices are commonly located there.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away from the leak.
• Do not touch or walk through the product of the leak.
• Stay upwind of the leak.
• Never spray water into the pressure relief device.
• Eliminate ignition sources (electrical, mechanical, and thermal).

Most hydrogen fires will have the flame characteristic of a torch or jet and will originate at the point where the hydrogen is leaking. If a worker suspects a leak in any part of a hydrogen system, he or she should notify onsite emergency personnel immediately, in addition to calling 911.

The most effective way to fight a hydrogen fire is to shut off the flow of gas. If it is necessary to extinguish the flame to get to a place where the flow of hydrogen can be shut off, a dry powder extinguisher is recommended. However, if the fire is extinguished without stopping the flow of gas, an explosive mixture may form, creating a more serious hazard than the fire itself should re-ignition occur from the hot surfaces or other sources.

The usual fire-fighting practice is to prevent the fire from spreading and let it burn until the hydrogen is consumed. Dry powder fire extinguishers should be available in the area. A fire blanket should be conveniently located in the area, as well. An adequate water supply should be available to keep surrounding equipment cool in the event of a hydrogen fire. The employer should advise the local fire department that hydrogen products are located onsite, and the best-known methods for combating hydrogen fires.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has produced a web-based course, Introduction to Hydrogen Safety for First Responders, that provides an "awareness level" overview of hydrogen for fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical personnel. This multimedia tutorial acquaints first responders with hydrogen, its basic properties, and how it compares to other familiar fuels; hydrogen use in fuel cells for transportation and stationary power; potential hazards; initial protective actions should a responder witness an incident; and supplemental resources including videos, supporting documents, and links relevant to hydrogen safety.

To learn more about Hydrogen Fuel Cell Safety visit our Hydrogen Fuel Cell Safety Online Training web page.