Use of Detectors
Hydrogen is colorless and odorless, so human senses can't detect it. Personnel should use extreme caution when approaching an area where there is the potential for a hydrogen leak. Best practices include the following:
- Listen for the sound of high-pressure gas escaping.
- Gas and flame detectors should be permanently installed in indoor storage facilities where leaks may occur or where hydrogen may accumulate.
- Listen and watch for alarms.
- Use a portable hydrogen detector.
Hydrogen burns with a pale blue flame that is nearly invisible in daylight. The flame may appear yellow if there are impurities in the air (e.g., dust, sodium from the ocean spray). A pure hydrogen flame will not produce any smoke. Hydrogen flames also emit low radiant heat, so a person may not feel heat until they are very close to the flame. Best practices include the following:
- A portable flame detector (e.g., thermal imaging camera) should be used if possible.
- Otherwise, listen for venting hydrogen and watch for thermal waves that signal the presence of a flame.
- Use a combustible probe (e.g., broom)
Always allow enough time for troubleshooting/debugging a monitoring system before it's used.
