Process Safety Management for the Hydrogen Industry

As the hydrogen industry builds out, it will need to maintain the highest of safety standards to justify the validity of the industry for its many applications. Process Safety Management (PSM) is a proven approach to managing risks of facilities handling highly hazardous chemicals and is the global benchmark for managing catastrophic risks of chemical-related operations. All in the hydrogen supply chain would benefit from an enterprise approach to PSM voluntarily applied even if not required by regulation, in addition to industry codes and standards.

Experience of 30 years of PSM has shown that it has changed the way business is managed and is deeply integrated into day-to-day operations. This paper will explain the application of PSM to hydrogen operations in manufacturing, production, and its use as a fuel. Lessons learned will be explained to show the value and benefits.

This paper will be particularly useful for companies who are producers or users of hydrogen, making them aware of the advantages of a formal management system for PSM. It will also benefit organizations practicing PSM looking for improved performance.

Note: This was presented at the Washington DC Hydrogen Safety Panel (HSP) meeting and it was agreed that this is a necessity to manage risks, especially in operation of hydrogen facilities. The DOE HSP’s Safety Planning process may be appended to include consideration of PSM guidance in future. A committee was formed to work on this. As such, this is an important message for the audience at the CHS Americas meeting.