Hydrogen: Safety Is Step One

Hydrogen is becoming more widely viewed as the fuel of choice for medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Installing hydrogen fueling infrastructure is often viewed by the affected public with concern or meets resistance due to a general perception that hydrogen is unsafe. Demonstrating that there is a well-developed framework of hydrogen safety standards reduces this level of concern and fosters wider acceptance.

The Compressed Gas Association (CGA) is focused on developing and communicating safety standards and information guiding the production, storage, transport, and use of hydrogen, particularly in the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) industry.

The standards we develop will be incorporated by policymakers into regulations and guidelines. We need the support and active participation of players across the industry to make sure the standards we write help advance the adoption of hydrogen as a fuel and energy source.

We will be developing standards to address critical gaps we’ve identified, including the following: (1) hydrogen system siting and personnel exposure distances, (2) hydrogen delivery to near-consumer use points, (3) noise mitigation of hydrogen venting and system operation, (4) updated first responder guidelines for hydrogen delivery vehicles and FCEVs, and (5) material suitability for hydrogen service.