Oxygen Track: Electrolysis, Gases and Pressure Systems · Module 3 of 4 · about 15 min
Hydrogen safety
Hydrogen is the smallest molecule, so it leaks through fittings and seals that hold other gases. It is much lighter than air and rises fast, which helps outdoors but means it collects under roofs indoors.
Hydrogen burns across a very wide range in air, from about 4 percent to 75 percent by volume, and needs very little energy to ignite. A static spark can do it.
A hydrogen flame is almost invisible in daylight and gives off little heat you can feel from a distance. Sites use flame detectors and train crews to approach suspected leaks carefully.
Good practice comes from DOE and the Hydrogen Safety Panel resources: ventilate, detect, eliminate ignition sources, use materials rated for hydrogen and train everyone who works around it. Hydrogen can also make some metals brittle over time, so material choice is a safety decision.
Sources
Module quiz
5 questions, 4 correct to pass. You'll see what you missed and why, and you can retake it.