Hydrogen

Scope

Specific requirements from OSHA’s standard are as follows:

• 1910.103(b) — applies to the installation of gaseous hydrogen systems on consumer premises where the hydrogen supply to the consumer premises originates outside the consumer premises and is delivered by mobile equipment.
• 1910.103(b) — does not apply to gaseous hydrogen systems having a total hydrogen content of less than 400 cubic feet, nor to hydrogen manufacturing plants or other establishments operated by the hydrogen supplier or his agent for the purpose of storing hydrogen and refilling portable containers, trailers, mobile supply trucks, or tank cars.
• 1910.103(c) — applies to the installation of liquefied hydrogen systems on consumer premises.
• 1910.103(c) — does not apply to liquefied hydrogen portable containers of less than 150 liters (39.63 gallons) capacity; nor to liquefied hydrogen manufacturing plants or other establishments operated by the hydrogen supplier or his agent for the sole purpose of storing liquefied hydrogen and refilling portable containers, trailers, mobile supply trucks, or tank cars.

Regulatory citations

• 29 CFR 1910.103 — Hydrogen

Key definitions

• Approved or Listed: Unless otherwise indicated, listed or approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Refer to 1910.7 for definition of nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• ASME: American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
• DOT Specifications: Regulations of the Department of Transportation published in 49 CFR Chapter I.
• Gaseous hydrogen system: A system in which the hydrogen is delivered, stored and discharged in the gaseous form to consumer’s piping. The system includes stationary or movable containers, pressure regulators, safety relief devices, manifolds, interconnecting piping and controls. The system terminates at the point where hydrogen at service pressure first enters the consumer’s distribution piping.

Summary of requirements

Employers must:

• Ensure gaseous system containers are designed, constructed, tested, and maintained in accordance with DOT specifications. They should also be provided with substantial noncombustible supports.
• Ensure gas containers are marked.
• Ensure contains are equipped with safety relief devices. See ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII.
• Only use suitable piping, tubing, fittings, and gauges.
• Mark the storage location as “HYDROGEN - FLAMMABLE GAS - NO SMOKING - NO OPEN FLAMES.”
• Locate systems per Table H-1 and H-2.
• Ensure liquefied hydrogen storage is maintained per 1910.103(c)(2), including Table H-3.