Dangerous Goods Safety Guide
Storage, handling and production of
hydrogen
February 2023
Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................. 2
Background .................................................................................................................. 2
1 Hydrogen classification and properties ............................................................ 2
2 Hydrogen safety under dangerous goods legislation in Western Australia 3
2.1 Other legislation covering hydrogen ........................................................................... 4
3 Applying for a dangerous goods site licence ................................................... 4
3.1 Planning and liaising with the Department ................................................................. 5
4 Hydrogen equipment manufacturers, suppliers and installers ...................... 7
Appendix 1 Codes of practice and standards ...................................................... 8
Appendix 2 Information requirements for all dangerous goods site licence
applications involving hydrogen ............................................................................... 9
1 Facility and site information ............................................................................................ 9
2 Emergency management................................................................................................ 9
3 Plant layout, site access and security ............................................................................ 9
4 Design and engineering controls .................................................................................. 10
5 Site management .......................................................................................................... 10
Appendix 3 Hydrogen risk determination ........................................................... 11
Appendix 4 Supporting information requirements for hydrogen facilities ..... 12
Table glossary ...................................................................................................................... 17
Storage, handling and production of hydrogen: Guide (February 2023) |1
Introduction
This guide is designed to assist all persons who are proposing to store, handle or produce
hydrogen gas and liquid within Western Australia to understand what is required from a
dangerous goods safety perspective.
Hydrogen is a highly flammable gas that is often stored under high pressure. It is vital that
hydrogen facilities and installations are correctly designed, built, operated and maintained so
that risk is minimised to people, property and the environment. This will help to ensure the
longevity and future investment opportunities for this developing fuel source.
Background
The use of hydrogen as a fuel is an emerging industry. Western Australia is positioning itself
to be a significant global producer, exporter and user of renewable hydrogen. Significant
capital expenditure and infrastructure investment has been committed by industry and the
State and Commonwealth Governments, which has seen a number of major hydrogen
projects being proposed within Western Australia.
The Chief Dangerous Goods Officer considers the use of hydrogen as a fuel to be a new
and novel application. Therefore, the assessment of licence applications for hydrogen
production, storage and handling will be applied with a high level of rigour proportionate to
the complexity of the facility.
The safe storage, transport and handling of gaseous and liquefied hydrogen is controlled by
the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 and associated regulations.
1 Hydrogen classification and properties
Hydrogen is a colourless, odourless gas at atmospheric conditions. As a gas, hydrogen is
lighter than air and will dissipate easily if it is unconfined.
The physical size of the hydrogen molecule is very small and has a low viscosity making it
difficult to contain with threaded and flanged joints. It is so small that it can even slowly
disperse through the atomic matrix of solid metal and impact the integrity of the material
(causing embrittlement).
Liquid hydrogen has a density approximately 7% to that of water and a boiling point of
-253 °C, with a liquid to gas expansion ratio of about 1:850. Due to its low temperature,
liquid hydrogen will not disperse as readily as gaseous hydrogen if released to the
atmosphere.
When mixed with air, hydrogen has a wide flammability range of 4–75% volume per volume
(v/v) compared to liquefied petroleum (LP) gas, which is 2.1–9.5% (v/v), or petrol 1.2–7.4%
(v/v). Therefore, it is very important to keep air from mixing with hydrogen within confined
spaces.
Hydrogen has a low ignition energy, approximately 13 times lower than LP gas, meaning
that it is much easier to inadvertently ignite and requires specialist intrinsically safe electrical
equipment. Hydrogen will heat up when it is depressurised, which can be sufficient to ignite
vented hydrogen or inadvertent leaks.
Hydrogen will much more readily detonate with minimal confinement when compared to
other flammable gases. It burns with an almost invisible flame, so can be hard to detect.
Hydrogen is a Division 2.1 (flammable gas) dangerous good that can be identified under
different UN numbers.
Storage, handling and production of hydrogen: Guide (February 2023) |2
Table 1 Hydrogen UN numbers
UN no. Proper shipping name
1049 HYDROGEN, COMPRESSED
1966 HYDROGEN, REFRIGERATED LIQUID
For further information on hydrogen safety considerations, refer to SA TR 15916:2021 Basic
considerations for the safety of hydrogen systems.
2 Hydrogen safety under dangerous goods
legislation in Western Australia
Under section 8 of the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004, there is a duty placed on persons
involved in storing, handling or transporting dangerous goods to minimise risk to as low as
reasonably practicable to people, property and the environment.
Dependent upon the amount of hydrogen being stored or handled, and its use, the following
legislation is applicable.
Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004
• Applies to all uses and quantities of hydrogen unless otherwise specified.
For example if an operator is considering using hydrogen as a fuel source in quantities of
less than 5,000 litres (manifest quantity) the requirements to comply with the Act still
apply.
Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of Non-explosives) Regulations 2007
(the DGSH Regulations)
• Licensing is required for a storage and handling facility exceeding 5,000 litres of
hydrogen.
Note that this is the total volume (in litres) of all storage and pipework containing
hydrogen (i.e. the water capacity).
• A documented dangerous goods risk assessment is required. For information on what is
required for a risk assessment, send a blank email to ra@[Link] to receive
guidance information and refer to Appendix 3.
See Appendix 2 and Appendix 4 for detailed information requirements for hydrogen
storage and handling proposals.
• Hydrogen pipelines that leave a site (e.g. manufacturing or storage facility to an export or
import facility) may need to be registered under the DGSH Regulations.
Dangerous Goods Safety (Major Hazard Facilities) Regulations 2007 (the MHF
Regulations)
• Any facility with a capacity exceeding the critical quantity (5 tonnes of hydrogen) needs
to notify the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (the Department) by
completing the form Operator notification that critical quantity of Schedule 1 substances
will be exceeded.
• The Department will assess these facilities and determine if they will be classed as a
major hazard facility (MHF).
• An MHF must have a safety report, detailing the potential major incidents, safety critical
controls and safety management system, approved by the Chief Dangerous Goods
Storage, handling and production of hydrogen: Guide (February 2023) |3
Officer prior to operation, as outlined in Preparing a safety report for a major hazard
facility.
2.1 Other legislation covering hydrogen
While the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 (the DGS Act) and associated regulations
cover MHFs and dangerous goods sites, all workplaces in Western Australia, including those
under the DGS Act, are also covered by and must comply with the Work Health and Safety
Act 2020 (the WHS Act) and associated regulations, as well as other applicable legislation.
Table 2 Applicable legislation by hydrogen use
Hydrogen use Applicable safety legislation (including WHS Act)
Transport by road • DGS Act
• Dangerous Goods Safety (Road and Rail Transport of
Non-explosives) Regulations 2007
• Australian Dangerous Goods Code – Edition 7.7
Blended in a natural gas • Work Health and Safety (Petroleum and Geothermal
transmission pipeline Energy Operations) Regulations 2022
Fuel for gas appliances (e.g. fuel • Gas Standards Act 1972
cells)
Distribution/blending through gas • Gas Standards Act 1972
network
Export • International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
(Australian Marine Safety Authority)
Gas installations • Gas Standards Act 1972
3 Applying for a dangerous goods site licence
The chemical properties and the novel use of hydrogen as a fuel source requires industry
and regulators to scrutinise the appropriateness of safety controls and design standards
used to produce, manufacture, store and use hydrogen as well as the ongoing safety of
these facilities.
Therefore, the application for a dangerous goods site licence must demonstrate that
reasonably practical measures are in place to minimise the risk to people, property and the
environment in relation to dangerous goods. As a condition of the licence, the operator will
be required to develop and comply with a safety management system, which is acceptable
to the Chief Dangerous Goods Officer, to ensure the ongoing safe operations of the facility.
Supporting documentation must be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate that the operator has
met and will continue to meet their duties under the Act and associated regulations. This
must demonstrate how hazards associated with dangerous goods are identified and risk
assessed, including how the risk is reduced, and will continue to be reduced to so far as
reasonably practicable (SFARP).
The application process is often iterative, whereby it is likely that applicants will be asked to
provide additional information to clarify and develop application details. Sufficient time
should therefore be factored into timetabling for licence approval which is required prior to
commissioning.
It is important that applicants liaise with the Department early in the preparation and design
phase to understand this processes, potential turnaround times and the documentation
required. For further information, refer to section 3.1 Planning and liaising with the
Department.
Storage, handling and production of hydrogen: Guide (February 2023) |4
A consultant, accredited by the Chief Dangerous Goods Officer, may be engaged to assist in
the preparation and endorsement of an application for a site licence and can be used to
examine applications for compliance with the Act and DGSH Regulations. A list of
consultants that have been accredited to examine and endorse storage and handling
proposals can be found on the Department’s website.
Given the rigorous assessment of site licence applications for facilities storing and handling
hydrogen, this will likely result in additional processing times for applications, including those
prepared by an accredited consultant.
An application for a dangerous goods site licence must be made on the approved form,
which is available from the Department’s website.
Appendix 2, Appendix 3 and Appendix 4 provide an overview of the detailed information
required for submission.
3.1 Planning and liaising with the Department
For complex or novel projects, or for sites containing large quantities of dangerous goods, it
is recommended to engage with a dangerous goods officer (DGO) as early as possible to
discuss the proposal and application requirements.
By meeting with a DGO, operators will be able to review and discuss the proposed
operations to be conducted at the facility as well as the operator’s approach to managing
safety. Developing an interaction with the Department early in the application process
provides the basis for a good working relationship and an understanding of the regulatory
requirements.
If an accredited consultant is being used to apply for a site licence, they will have the contact
details of the Department’s DGOs. Otherwise, the Department can be contacted by emailing
HydrogenSafety@[Link] or dgsb@[Link].
The flow chart below (Figure 1) provides the recommended process for operators
considering applying for a dangerous goods site licence to produce, store and handle
hydrogen (as a fuel).
It is also the preferred approach when considering producing, storing and handling quantities
greater than 1,000 litres.
Storage, handling and production of hydrogen: Guide (February 2023) |5
Figure 1 Flowchart of the engagement process for hydrogen site licence applications
Storage, handling and production of hydrogen: Guide (February 2023) |6
4 Hydrogen equipment manufacturers, suppliers
and installers
The Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of non-explosives) Regulations 2007,
set out a duty of care for manufacturers or suppliers of hydrogen storage or handling
systems (e.g. electrolysers, cylinders or tank installations, dispensers and fuel cells) or
pipelines. This includes ensuring that the system or pipeline has been designed and built so
that, so far as is reasonably practicable, it can be operated with minimal risk to people,
property and the environment.
In practical terms, equipment manufacturers need to provide certification to demonstrate that
the supplied equipment complies with a relevant Australian Standard, Australian/New
Zealand or ISO Standard. In the absence of a relevant AS, AS/NZS or ISO Standard, an
equivalent International Standard may be used.
Installers of hydrogen storage or handling systems or pipelines must also ensure that the
system or pipeline has been installed and commissioned so that, so far as is reasonably
practicable, risk is minimised to people, property and the environment.
Storage, handling and production of hydrogen: Guide (February 2023) |7
Appendix 1 Codes of practice and standards
The development of new and novel advancements within the hydrogen fuel sector has been
at a rapid pace. Standards Australia is currently preparing documentation for use in Australia
covering all aspects of the emerging hydrogen industry. While this work is progressing, the
Department will accept the use of ISO 19880-1:2020 as a reference document for the design
and installation of hydrogen refuelling stations in Western Australia.
The following Australian Standards have been published, which may supplement other
suitable standards. However, these are not approved codes of practice.
No. Australian Standard and title
1 AS 16110.1:2020 Hydrogen generators using fuel processing technologies, Part 1: Safety
(ISO 16110-1:2007, MOD)
2 AS ISO 16110.2:2020 Hydrogen generators using fuel processing technologies, Part 2: Test
methods for performance
3 AS ISO 14687:2020 Hydrogen fuel quality – Product specification
4 AS 22734:2020 Hydrogen generators using water electrolysis – Industrial, commercial, and
residential applications (ISO 22734:2019, MOD)
5 SA TS 19883:2020 Safety of pressure swing adsorption systems for hydrogen separation and
purification (ISO/TS 19883:2017, MOD)
6 AS ISO 16111:2020 Transportable gas storage devices – Hydrogen absorbed in reversible
metal hydride
7 AS ISO 19881:2020 Gaseous hydrogen – Land vehicle fuel containers
8 AS 19880.3:2020 Gaseous hydrogen – Fuelling stations, Part 3: Valves (ISO 19880-3:2018,
MOD)
9 AS 26142:2020 Hydrogen detection apparatus – Stationary applications (ISO 26142:2010
(ED1.0) MOD)
10 AS ISO 19880.8:2021 Gaseous hydrogen – Fuelling stations, Part 8: Fuel quality control
11 AS ISO 19880.5:2021 Gaseous hydrogen – Fuelling stations, Part 5: Dispenser hoses and
hose assemblies
12 SA TR 15916:2021 Basic considerations for the safety of hydrogen systems
(ISO TR 15916:2015, MOD)
13 AS 62282.3.300:2021 Fuel cell technologies, Part 3.300: Stationary fuel cell power systems –
Installation (IEC 62282-3-300:2012 (ED.1.0), MOD)
14 AS 62282.3.100:2021 Fuel cell technologies, Part 3.100: Stationary fuel cell power systems –
Safety (IEC 62282-3-100:2019 (ED.2.0), MOD)
15 AS 62282.2.100:2022 Fuel cell technologies, Fuel cell modules – Safety (IEC 62282-2-2-
100:2020 (ED.1.0) MOD)
The following codes are considered supplementary guidance. They may inform assessments
on failure modes and may be useful when undertaking risk assessments and reviewing
separation distances from the hydrogen facility to protected places, such as dwellings or
offices.
No. Code and title
1 NFPA 2 Hydrogen Technologies Code 2020
2 NFPA 55 Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code 2023
Storage, handling and production of hydrogen: Guide (February 2023) |8
Appendix 2 Information requirements for all
dangerous goods site licence
applications involving hydrogen
The following information should be included for all dangerous goods site licence
applications for sites involving hydrogen (excluding hydrogen gas storage facilities that are
covered by Australian Standard AS 4332).
1 Facility and site information
Provide relevant information of the facility and site including an overarching explanation of
the operation, including:
• layout of the facility
• location of the facility – include maps, aerial photos and other useful information
• land use zoning for the surrounding area – including separation distances to residential
areas, such as schools, child and aged-care facilities
• plant and operation parameters, including design and safety controls.
2 Emergency management
Provide an emergency plan and an overview of any consultation with emergency services.
Early engagement with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) to
understand their response capabilities is strongly recommended.
For sites containing more than 10 times the manifest quantities of dangerous goods, a Fire
and Emergency Services Emergency Response Guide (FESERG) is required, and evidence
of registration with DFES will be need to be submitted as part of the licence application.
Contact feserg@[Link] for any assistance with the registration process.
Guidance on how to prepare a suitable emergency plan to mitigate dangerous goods
accidents is provided in AS 3745 Planning for emergencies in facilities.
3 Plant layout, site access and security
Detail plant layout at the site, including buildings and hazardous areas. The description
should be supported by diagrams showing the plant layout, and include separation distances
between buildings and storage areas.
Ensure the draft site plan and manifest is available for the proposed installation. Guidance is
available in Manifest and site plan requirements for dangerous goods sites.
Provide details of the site access and appropriate egress points in the event of an incident,
and describe the security provisions in place at the facility to prevent unauthorised access to
the site.
Storage, handling and production of hydrogen: Guide (February 2023) |9
4 Design and engineering controls
Include details of the design and engineering controls that will enable ongoing safe
operations. Details included should be a concise overview and not include a full list of the
individual controls in place.
Provide an indication of the content detail for design and control systems, including a
description of:
• design philosophy and technology selection – include a summary of key design
parameters cross-referencing key technical documents (e.g. approved dangerous goods
codes of practice, Australian Standards and ISO standards)
• a process overview of the facility – use diagrams to illustrate the process flow, including
a process and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID)
• define the physical, electrical, isolation and instrumentation controls in place for the
monitoring and management of the boundary point interfaces (e.g. site interconnections,
including where a pipeline links to another facility)
• details of management of possible upstream and downstream impacts (e.g. sudden
changes in pressure and the equipment in place to safely manage these changes)
including pressure control and relief systems
• the instrumentation and control systems installed
• any functional safety systems in place
• the systems in place for the detection of a fire or gas leak within the facility and the
response on detection of a leak or fire
• the emergency shutdown facilities installed.
5 Site management
Provide a summary of how the facility will be operated to ensure its commissioning and
ongoing safe operation. Include details of:
• competence and training of on and offsite personnel
• control and management of site activities (e.g. safe operating procedures, permit to work
systems)
• planned operation of the facility (e.g. remote operations, onsite personnel numbers and
hours)
• the commissioning plan to ensure the safe commissioning of storage and handling
systems and correct function of risk controls
• handover plan should the project managers not be the licence holder e.g. residual risk
register
• integrity management, planned and unplanned maintenance management
• response process during an emergency.
Storage, handling and production of hydrogen: Guide (February 2023) | 10
Appendix 3 Hydrogen risk determination
The Chief Dangerous Goods Officer considers the use of hydrogen as a fuel to be a new
and novel application and the assessment of licence applications for hydrogen production,
storage and handling will be applied with rigour commensurate to the facility and its
installations.
The following summarises what the Chief Dangerous Goods Officer expects for hydrogen
risk assessments. This applies to all uses of hydrogen (e.g. refuelling or small storage) and
not just quantities at licensed levels.
1. Where the hydrogen storage and handling proposal is covered by an approved code of
practice:
a. conduct a clause by clause compliance check against the code of practice
b. check to ensure risk controls are adequate to minimise risk as required by the DGSH
Regulations – for further information, refer to the Dangerous goods risk assessment
template.
2. Where the hydrogen storage and handling is not covered by an approved code of
practice:
a. review if it is covered by an Australian or International Standard, such as an ISO
standard
i. if an AS or ISO standard is chosen, ensure the scope of the Standard covers
the hydrogen storage and handling proposal
ii. document reasons for adopting the Standard, then conduct a clause by
clause compliance check
iii. conduct a regulation check against the DGSH Regulations.
b. if no International Standard is available:
i. refer to Appendix 2 and 4 for information requirements for hydrogen
proposals.
ii. prepare a consequence analysis report based on credible scenarios involving
the hydrogen installation to ensure that potential fire and explosions risk to
people, property and environment is minimised. Acceptable criteria include:
• explosion overpressure (7 kPa max); and
• radiant heat (4.7 kW/m2 max)
iii. conduct a first principles risk assessment, to demonstrate that risk from a
proposed hydrogen installation can be minimised as required by section 8 of
the Act – the risk assessment needs to address the fire and explosion
hazards of hydrogen. Risk control measures need to adequately minimise
those hazards.
3. If the site has been classified as an MHF, operator needs to get the site safety report
approved by the Chief Dangerous Goods Officer. For further information, refer to the
Guide: Development and submission of safety report.
RSDOct21_1118
Storage, handling and production of hydrogen: Guide (February 2023) | 11
Appendix 4 Supporting information requirements
for hydrogen facilities
Hydrogen facility Power Gaseous Hydrogen Hydrogen
type generation hydrogen production and pipelines
(hydrogen fuel refuelling gas/liquid
cells) stations storage
Applicable WA DGSA2004 DGSA2004 DGSA2004 DGSA2004
laws DGSH2007 DGSH2007 DGSH2007 DGSH2007
(see Table glossary GSA1972 MHF2007 may MHF2007 may
below) apply apply
Technical Standards Australia Technical Report SA TR 15916 Basic considerations
guidance on for the safety of hydrogen system
hydrogen safety
Documentation 1. Provide information as detailed in Appendix 2.
2. Equipment vendors to demonstrate, provide evidence or formal
certification (dependent on the complexity), that supplied equipment
complies with a design standard, for example, electrolysers, fuel cells
etc.
Components (as applicable)
Electrolysers Demonstrate Demonstrate Demonstrate N/A
compliance with compliance with compliance with
AS 22734:2020. AS 22734:2020. AS 22734:2020.
Other than N/A N/A First principles N/A
electrolysers hazard
- Steam reforming identification
and other process and risk
plants assessment
(Note 1).
Compressors/pumps HAZID/HAZOP – demonstrate design is fit for hydrogen service and risk
control is adequate.
Hydrogen gas Facilities comply Demonstrate Facilities comply N/A
storage or process with relevant compliance with with relevant
vessels e.g. pressure vessel ISO-19880-1- pressure vessel
pressure tank, standard (Note 2). 2020. standard (Note
MEGC, tube-trailers Conduct 2).
consequence Conduct
analysis (Note 3). consequence
analysis (Note
3).
Pressure reduction HAZID/HAZOP – N/A HAZID/HAZOP N/A
demonstrate – demonstrate
design is fit for design is fit for
hydrogen service hydrogen
and risk control is service and risk
adequate. control is
adequate.
Storage, handling and production of hydrogen: Guide (February 2023) | 12
Hydrogen facility Power Gaseous Hydrogen Hydrogen
type generation hydrogen production and pipelines
(hydrogen fuel refuelling gas/liquid
cells) stations storage
Hydrogen fuel cell – Demonstrate fuel N/A N/A N/A
typically housed in cell unit(s) comply
an enclosed with AS
container structure 62282.3.100:2021.
Demonstrate
installation
complies with AS
62282.3.300:2021
Liaise with
Building and
Energy.
Refrigeration N/A First principles First principles N/A
equipment for hazard hazard
hydrogen refuelling identification identification
stations and risk and risk
assessment assessment
(Note 1). (Note 1).
Hydrogen vehicle N/A Demonstrate N/A N/A
dispensers compliance with
ISO-19880-1-
2020.
Conduct
consequence
analysis (Note
3).
Hydrogen N/A N/A First principles
liquefaction hazard
equipment, identification
regasification and and risk
cryogenic storage assessment
(Note 1).
Facilities comply
with relevant
pressure vessel
standard (Note
2).
Conduct
consequence
analysis (Note
3).
Storage, handling and production of hydrogen: Guide (February 2023) | 13
Hydrogen facility Power Gaseous Hydrogen Hydrogen
type generation hydrogen production and pipelines
(hydrogen fuel refuelling gas/liquid
cells) stations storage
Product transfer – to N/A N/A First principles N/A
tankers, tube trailers hazard
identification
and risk
assessment.
(Note 1).
Demonstrate
compliance with
ADG Code
transport
requirements,
including vehicle
parking areas.
Conduct
consequence
analysis (Note
3).
Pipeline N/A N/A N/A First principles
(pipe external to a hazard
facility) identification
and risk
assessment
(Note 1).
Demonstrate
suitability for
hydrogen
service (Note 5).
Conduct
consequence
analysis (Note
3).
Pipework Demonstrate Demonstrate Demonstrate N/A
(Piping within a suitability for compliance with suitability for
facility) hydrogen service ISO-19880-1- hydrogen
(Note 5). 2020. service (Note 5).
Expected controls
Hazardous areas Compliance with Demonstrate Compliance with Compliance with
relevant sections compliance with relevant relevant
of AS/NZS ISO ISO-19880-1- sections of sections of
60079 series 2020. AS/NZS ISO AS/NZS ISO
relating to 60079 series 60079 series
hazardous areas. relating to relating to
hazardous hazardous
areas. areas.
Pressure control, Pressure control Pressure control Pressure control Pressure control
Pressure relief and and relief as per and relief as per and relief as per and relief as per
Emergency venting the relevant the relevant the relevant the relevant
standards standards standards standards
(Note 2). (Note 2). (Note 2). (Note 2).
Venting must Venting must Venting must Venting must
consider issues consider issues consider issues consider issues
(Note 6). (Note 6). (Note 6). (Note 6).
Storage, handling and production of hydrogen: Guide (February 2023) | 14
Hydrogen facility Power Gaseous Hydrogen Hydrogen
type generation hydrogen production and pipelines
(hydrogen fuel refuelling gas/liquid
cells) stations storage
Fire, gas and leak Provide details Demonstrate Provide details Provide details
detection and and describe compliance with and describe and describe
associated controls function/controls in ISO-19880- function/controls function/controls
place to ensure 1:2020 in place to in place to
safety (Note 4). ensure safety ensure safety
(Note 4). (Note 4).
Spill management N/A N/A Demonstrate N/A
where liquid
leaks will flow to
and how they
are controlled.
Explosion Describe controls Demonstrate Describe Describe
prevention and in place to prevent compliance with controls in place controls in place
control explosion (Note ISO-19880- to prevent to prevent
7). 1:2020 explosion (Note explosion (Note
7). 7).
Safety management Summarise the management systems in place which ensure the continued
system safe operation of the site.
The complexity of the system should be appropriate for the complexity of
the process.
The following elements should be considered:
• Leadership responsibility
• Hazard identification and management
• Record management and document control
• Safe operating procedures
• Work control and permit to work
• Training and competence
• Contractor management
• Management of change
• Procurement
• Operational readiness and start up
• Inspection and maintenance systems
• Incident management
• Emergency response
• Site security.
Facilities located in WA bushfire prone areas
Provide evidence that consultation with DFES has occurred to ensure that controls are in place so
that the impact of a potential bushfire on the hydrogen installation will not increase the risk to
people, property and environment.
Note 1
First principles hazard identification and risk assessment to demonstrate risk controls are
adequate. Various techniques are available. For further information, refer to the MHF Guide:
Development and submission of a safety report.
Note 2
Demonstrate gas storage facilities comply with the relevant pressure vessel standard. This
will typically be AS 1210, AS 2030 but may include those approved under ADG Code if
applicable.
Note 3
Storage, handling and production of hydrogen: Guide (February 2023) | 15
Conduct consequence analysis to confirm that the proposed location of these facilities is
safe from worst case credible hydrogen incidents. The principle is to ensure there is
sufficient separation distance to minimise the risks. A worst case credible scenario is one
that assumes all active controls fail and they rely on passive inherent controls.
The consequence modelling should consider the following HIPAP 4 criteria (refer to
Appendix 1 Table, Standards no. 6 and 7):
• explosion overpressure (7 kPa max); and
• radiant heat (4.7 kW/m2 max).
The modelling should be done on recognised impact modelling software to the agreed
impact criteria. The results should demonstrate:
• the impact to people on and off the site (e.g. distance to protected places)
• impact on dangerous goods and materials a hydrogen leak can interact dangerously with
• knock on potential (escalation, pipeline and pipework in particular)
• land use zoning (including residential, sensitive use areas e.g. aged care, schools).
The modelling should focus on the jet flame length as the radiant heat from the hydrogen
flame is minimal.
For small compressed gas cylinder/small storage applications, Australian Standards AS4332
or AS1596 or AS3961 can provide information on comparative separation distances.
For pipelines, demonstrate adequate external interference protection, that it is correctly
located to minimise risk, particularly important if the pipeline is to be co-located in existing
pipeline easement with other dangerous goods.
Note 4
Detailed description of hydrogen fire/gas/leak detection equipment and how these leaks will
be controlled. This should include information detailing how leaks will be stopped – describe
if it hydrogen system will be shut down manually/or remotely or automatically.
Note 5
Demonstrate pipeline/pipework/hose design, construction, integrity and maintenance of the
pipeline(s) are adequate to minimise risk. Demonstrate the design is suitable for hydrogen
service – material compatibility, operating temperature and pressure.
Note 6
Design of any venting to assume that the gas ignites and the flame or explosion impact is
considered in the risk assessment. Vents utilised should be designed to cope with ignition
and associated consequences. Release into any area must consider minimising confinement
but if this is not practicable, the risk assessment should include other controls to mitigate.
Note 7
Describe controls in place to prevent explosive gas mixtures (including post maintenance
activities). Describe how confinement is minimised and if this is not practicable the risk
assessment should include other controls to mitigate confinement (which may include forced
ventilation or explosion relief).
For fuel cells NFPA 55, has recommended a dilution to 25% of the lower flammable limit as
an adequate control.
Storage, handling and production of hydrogen: Guide (February 2023) | 16
Table glossary
Term Description
HAZID Hazard identification study
HAZOP Hazard and operability study
AS 22734:2020 Hydrogen generators using water electrolysis – Industrial, commercial, and
residential applications (ISO 22734:2019, MOD)
ISO 19880-1:2020 Gaseous hydrogen — Fuelling stations — Part 1: General requirements
AS 62282.2.100:2022 Fuel cell technologies, Part 2.100: Fuel cell modules – Safety (IEC 62282-
2-2-100-2020 (ED.1.0) MOD)
AS 62282.3.100:2021 Fuel cell technologies, Part 3.100: Stationary fuel cell power systems –
Safety
AS 62282.3.300:2021 Fuel cell technologies, Part 3.300: Stationary fuel cell power systems –
Installation
SA TR 15916:2021 Basic considerations for the safety of hydrogen system
DGSA2004 Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004
DGSH2007 Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of non-explosives)
Regulations 2007
MHF2007 Dangerous Goods Safety (Major Hazard Facilities) Regulations 2007
GSA1972 Gas Standards Act 1972
AS4332:1995 The storage and handling of gases in cylinders
AS/NZS1596:2014 The storage and handling of LP Gas
AS/NZS3961:2005 The storage and handling of liquefied natural gas
AS1210:2010 Pressure Vessels
AS 2030.1:2009 Gas cylinders – General requirements
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