Hydrogen & ATEX: Safety as the key to a sustainable future
Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier for the energy transition. This is because it can be generated from multiple renewable energy sources and has widespread applications in industry, mobility, energy storage, and for general public use. However, hydrogen also presents unique safety risks. For this reason, safety isn’t an afterthought, it’s foundational. In this article, we’ll tell you more about hydrogen and ATEX.
Explosive safety starts with ATEX
How do we guarantee safety in practice, specifically within the context of hydrogen? The answer lies in strict adherence to the ATEX directives, which form the European framework for explosive safety.
- ATEX 114: For equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
- ATEX 153: For the health and safety of workers.
Together, they ensure a safe working environment and reliable installations. These directives are also critically important in the case of hydrogen, as its unique properties require extra attention.
Why does hydrogen deserve extra attention?
Hydrogen is different from other flammable gases. Hydrogen has:
- Extremely low ignition energy. Even a small static discharge can lead to ignition.
- A wide explosive range. Mixtures of 4% to 75% in air are flammable.
- Invisible flames. This makes detection and extinguishing complex.
- Rapid dispersion in the event of a leak. This requires fast detection and ventilation.
- Diffusion through materials, which necessitates gas-tight solutions for storage and transport.
Zone classification & risk analysis
Because hydrogen is different from other flammable gases, stricter zone classifications and higher requirements are often in place for equipment, installations, detection systems, ventilation concepts, and inspection and maintenance procedures.
A thorough risk analysis is essential for implementing appropriate measures. This analysis forms the basis for the correct application of relevant standards and legislation that go beyond ATEX alone.
Standards & legislation surrounding hydrogen & ATEX
In addition to ATEX, other standards also apply:
- PED (Pressure Equipment Directive)
- ISO 19880-1
- BS EN IEC 60079
An integrated approach to these directives and standards is essential to ensure both safety and legal compliance in hydrogen applications.
Future-focused safety in hydrogen applications
The use of hydrogen is growing rapidly in sectors such as mobility, energy storage, and decentralised production. This development brings new safety challenges, particularly when setting up hydrogen fuelling stations in urban areas.
To safely support this growth, new directives and best practices are expected in the coming years regarding detection systems, ventilation concepts, and remote monitoring.
Innovative technologies, such as optical detection of invisible flames, will play an increasingly important role in meeting, and even exceeding, ATEX requirements.
Safety as a prerequisite for sustainability
Hydrogen has the potential to play a key role in a sustainable energy supply. But this will only succeed if safety is integrated from the outset in its design, installation, and use. The hydrogen revolution presents complex safety challenges, and ATEX forms the foundation for a safe energy transition. By acting proactively and with the right expertise, we can turn these risks into opportunities for sustainable growth.
Find out more about hydrogen & ATEX
At 123ATEX.eu ®, we combine a deep knowledge of regulations with practical experience in hydrogen applications. We will professionally and safely guide your project, from design to installation and maintenance. Contact us and discover how we can make your hydrogen project safe and future-proof.
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