Innovative & Customer-focused
Innovative & Customer-focused
Hydrogen, a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, consists of a single hydrogen atom. It is the lightest and most common element in the universe and is only found in small quantities in the Earth’s atmosphere because it quickly escapes into space.
Hydrogen poses a great risk in industrial environments due to its high flammability. Together with oxygen, it produces explosive mixtures that can explode in the event of sparks or heat. In addition, hydrogen can displace oxygen in large quantities, leading to a risk of asphyxiation.
Hydrogen is considered a promising energy carrier because it only produces water during combustion and does not release any greenhouse gases. Its importance extends to ammonia production, energy generation in fuel cells, oil refining and many chemical processes.
Important information on hydrogen
Lower explosion limit (LEL) 4 vol. – %
| Konzentration | Symptome/folgen |
|---|---|
| %gas-rep-concentration% | %gas-rep-consequences% |
| %gas-rep-concentration% | %gas-rep-consequences% |
| %gas-rep-concentration% | %gas-rep-consequences% |
| %gas-rep-concentration% | %gas-rep-consequences% |
Exposure to hydrogen (H2) can be life-threatening and requires immediate first aid measures. These first aid steps for hydrogen exposure should be followed:
Move to fresh air immediately: Take the affected person outside immediately. Hydrogen has the ability to replace oxygen, which can cause suffocation. Be careful and do not put yourself in danger.
Call the emergency services (112) and report suspected hydrogen exposure or a possible incident. Provide as many details as possible, for example whether it is an incident in an industrial plant.
Ensure that the person is conscious and breathing normally. If the person is not breathing, start resuscitation (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if you are trained to do so.
If possible, give the affected person oxygen via a face mask to improve the oxygen supply.
If the person is conscious but dazed, place them in the recovery position to prevent them from choking on their vomit or their airways becoming blocked.
Keep an eye on their breathing and consciousness until the emergency services arrive.
Communicate with the arriving emergency services and provide them with important information, such as the duration of exposure and the situation on site.
Never go back without adequate respiratory protection or safety precautions if you suspect you may return to an area with hydrogen. Without prompt treatment, hydrogen exposure can have serious consequences; therefore, quick action is critical.
In the event of an accidental hydrogen (H2) release, quick and coordinated actions are crucial to minimize danger to nearby people. The following steps are recommended:
Leave the affected area immediately, especially if hydrogen appliances or systems are being operated in the vicinity. Alert others in the vicinity and ensure that everyone leaves the area quickly and safely.
To remove hydrogen from the affected area and replace it with fresh air, open doors and windows as wide as possible. If available, activate ventilation systems to speed up ventilation.
If it is safe to do so, deactivate the hydrogen source (e.g. containers, pipelines). Be careful and do not take any risks, as hydrogen is highly flammable.
Contact the emergency services (112) immediately to obtain professional assistance, especially if people are affected or the danger cannot be eliminated quickly. Provide clear information about the situation and the type of hydrogen source.
Only attempt to remove people from the danger zone if it is safe to do so and you are not putting yourself in danger. Keep in mind that hydrogen in high concentrations can displace oxygen.
If people show symptoms of hydrogen exposure (e.g. in case of shortness of breath, dizziness or confusion, follow the first aid measures for oxygen deficiency:
– Take the person outside.
– Give oxygen if available.
– Observe breathing and state of consciousness.
7. Warning and cordoning off: Cordon off the danger area to prevent others from accidentally entering it until the danger has been removed.
You should not enter the area without suitable respiratory protection, especially if the hydrogen concentration is high or you are not aware of it. Releasing hydrogen can cause serious accidents; it is therefore crucial to always act with caution and foresight.
Ultricies mi eget mauris pharetra et. Sagittis eu volutpat odio facilisis mauris sit amet massa.
Etiam sit amet nisl purus in mollis nunc. Nulla aliquet enim tortor at. Tincidunt vitae semper quis lectus
Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint
Libero nunc consequat interdum varius sit amet. Mauris pharetra et ultrices neque ornare aenean euism
Ut lectus arcu bibendum at varius vel pharetra vel. Pharetra massa massa ultricies mi quis.
