Electrical Hazards

Hydrogen fuel cell workers are exposed to potential electrical hazards in their work environment, which makes them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution and arc flash hazards.

Workers in the stationary fuel cell industry are covered by OSHA's electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution standards. Typically, electric power generation systems (such as stationary fuel cells) are covered by OSHA Subpart S standards in part 1910 if fuel cells are not connected to distribution systems (which is a system that is supplying power to two or more buildings), or if they are only emergency or standby in nature. If a stationary fuel cell supplies power to a distribution system, then the provisions contained in 29 CFR 1910.269 (Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution) apply.

These provisions include the following:

• Power generation, transmission, and distribution installations, including related equipment for communication or metering that are accessible only to qualified employees
• Fuel and ash handling and processing installations
• Water and steam installations, such as penstocks, pipelines, and tanks, providing a source of energy for electric generators
• Chlorine and hydrogen systems
• Test sites where employees perform electrical testing involving temporary measurements associated with electric power generation, transmission, and distribution in laboratories, in the field, in substations, and on lines, as opposed to metering, relaying, and routine line work

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