The gas is also lighter than ambient air, meaning it may migrate to overhead areas where it is more difficult to detect. However, safety challenges become present because it can be difficult to detect if hydrogen is still lingering in the confined or enclosed space.Īs the American Industrial Hygiene Association noted, hydrogen is also a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, so it gives off no sensory clues to its presence. These steps include checking for oxygen concentration and the presence of flammable gases, such as hydrogen, in the workspace.
AUTOPURGE INCIDENT DEFINE GENERATOR
The document spells out the importance of ensuring the gas is properly purged from generator housings and bushing boxes before maintenance begins in order to minimize the risk of flash fires.Īccording to the bulletin, much of the work involved in maintaining or servicing electric generators, including work on the housings and bushing boxes, requires following permit-required confined space entry procedures. The new OSHA bulletin provides safety guidelines for when employees need to perform maintenance tasks on electric generators, and addresses the risks associated with the combustible nature of hydrogen. "Air with hydrogen concentrations as low as 4 percent can be highly flammable." Additionally, hydrogen has a low ignition energy, meaning even a small spark, such as an electrostatic charge from a worker's movements or plugging in an electrical device, can be enough to ignite a fire. According to OSHA guidelines, concentrations higher than 10 percent are considered immediately dangerous. For one, it has a wide flammability range, and air with hydrogen concentrations as low as 4 percent can be highly flammable. However, hydrogen presents unique safety challenges. Hydrogen has superior cooling properties and because the gas is so light, it is able to cool generators without the resistance created by wind cooling, which can reduce efficiency. As Energy Tech explained, hydrogen has been used to cool large electric generators in power plants since the 1930s. Hydrogen gas-cooled generators are common in electric power plants. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration released a new safety and health information bulletin on the hazards associated with hydrogen gas purging. Respiratory Protection Equipment Inspection, Testing and Maintenance.Respiratory Protection Equipment Rental and Sales.
AUTOPURGE INCIDENT DEFINE PORTABLE
Fixed Systems and Portable Fire Extinguisher Services and Sales.
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