All you need to know about the dangers of hydrogen
Hydrogen widely used in industrial environments all over the country, but that’s not to say it’s devoid of danger. A lot of the risks that hydrogen presents are difficult to monitor, so it’s vital that you have some kind of hydrogen detection system in place to pick up on any leaks. We can help you with that. With more than 25 years of experience behind us here at Gas Alarm Systems, we use our extensive in-house expertise to deliver reliable, cost-effective solutions tailored to meet the specific hazards of your industry – including hydrogen leaks. So, here’s our brief guide to the dangers that hydrogen can pose.
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Key dangers of hydrogen
Hydrogen is an extremely flammable fuel, so when it leaks, the risk of a fire breaking out is quite high. Hydrogen fires are also notably different from fires caused by other fuel sources like petrol and diesel, which are much heavier. Hydrogen is one of the lightest elements in the world, so when it spills, it doesn’t pool on the ground like traditional fuel sources. Instead, it rapidly disperses upwards – that makes it less likely to ignite, but also means it burns a lot more easily than petrol or diesel. Even the smallest of static electricity from a person’s finger can cause an explosion if it comes into contact with hydrogen. Although the gas is non-toxic, and non-carcinogenic, it can still asphyxiate in high concentrations.
Features of hydrogen
Hydrogen flame is invisible, which makes it extremely difficult to spot where the fire originates from. It’s non-toxic on its own, but when it’s stored in mass within an indoor environment, the gas can displace the oxygen in the air, and asphyxiate anyone in proximity. Hydrogen that leaks indoors initially collects at ceiling level and fills up the room from there.
What’s more, hydrogen is completely colourless, odourless, and tasteless, so it’s nearly impossible to spot a leak using just your human senses. So, it’s vital that you have some sort of hydrogen gas detection system in place to ensure that you and your employees can pinpoint a hydrogen leak as quickly as possible. That’s where we can help you here at Gas Alarms Systems.
How hydrogen gas detectors can protect you from exposure
Our hydrogen gas detectors are one of the safest ways to prevent the likelihood of exposure. Depending on the size of your premises, you can install one, or multiple gas alarms in your workplace. – We’d always advise placing these detectors in key areas where the risk of leakage is at its highest, such as near containment tanks. Our detectors are designed to pick up on trace amounts of fumes, alerting your staff to the danger, and giving them plenty of time to vacate the area until it can be made safe.
Our gas detectors can be purchased as either fixed or portable devices. They provide comprehensive protection from the risks posed by asphyxiate, toxic and flammable gases, by giving you early warning of a potential leak.
Our in-house experts take care to provide reliable, cost-effective solutions tailored to meet the specific hazards of your industry. Feel free to take a look at our range of fixed gas detection systems or portable gas detection monitors, including carbon monoxide systems and carbon dioxide systems, or if you have any questions or need any advice, by all means call us on 01423 862240, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
