Hydrogen Characteristics
Hydrogen is a carbon-free, non-toxic fuel that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Hydrogen is flammable and burns with an invisible/ near invisible flame that radiates less heat than a typical hydrocarbon flame. When hydrogen burns, it produces heat and water vapor. ​
​Hydrogen is 14 times lighter than air and when released, diffuses rapidly, elevating at approximately 65 feet per second. Due to this very low density, hydrogen stored on vehicles as a gas, is at very high pressure, 5,000 psi or 10,000 psi, which can be more than double the storage pressure of natural gas. Hydrogen can be stored as a liquid; however, it is cryogenic, -423°F (- 253°C). ​
Hydrogen Safety
Codes and standards for vehicles and hydrogen dispensing into automobiles are mature and are currently being adapted for heavy-duty truck applications because heavy-duty specific codes and standards are actively in development. The application of appropriate codes and standards make hydrogen fuel as safe as gasoline or other commonly used fuels, such as compressed natural gas (CNG). ​
​Retail and fleet hydrogen stations are designed to be operated safely by new hydrogen users with minimal training. However, a general understanding of the physical properties of hydrogen can be beneficial. To date, widespread commercial and government fleet CNG stations have provided valuable experience as equipment for hydrogen fueling becomes more readily available. CNG stations have a safe operating record and, similarly, hydrogen stations have not exhibited safety concerns when applying appropriate codes and standards during the development process.​
​The National Fire Protection Association has adopted NFPA2, Hydrogen Technologies Code, which provides fundamental safeguards for the generation, installation, storage, piping, use, and handling of hydrogen in compressed gas (GH2) form or cryogenic liquid (LH2) form.
Resources
National Fire Protection Association, NFPA2, Hydrogen Technologies Code​
NFPA 2: Hydrogen Technologies Code​
​AIChE Center for Hydrogen Safety, H2Tools​
Home | Hydrogen Tools (h2tools.org)​
​GoBiz, Hydrogen Station Permitting Handbook (California specific)​
Hydrogen Station Permitting Guidebook (ca.gov)​
​Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership, Hydrogen Refueling Station Buyers Guide​
Hydrogen_Station_Buyers_Guide.pdf (h2fcp.org)​
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