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Clean Hydrogen Partnership

Release of LH2 during transfer

Event

Event ID
363
Quality
Description

While disconnecting the liquid hydrogen filling line from the tanker, hydrogen escaped burning the man who was holding the hose; he was burned on hands and stomach, despite the prescribed clothing was being worn.

Event Initiating system
Classification of the physical effects
Unignited Hydrogen Release
Nature of the consequences
leak no ignition
Macro-region
North America
Country
United States
Date
-
Component involved
valve (shut-off)
Failure mode
erroneous release & ignition
Initiating cause
wrong operation
Root CAUSE analysis

The LH2 shut off valve was partially open but both men assumed it was closed.

Root causes
Date entry in HIAD
16/11/2024

Facility

Application
Hydrogen transport and distribution
Sub-application
LH2 tanker
Hydrogen supply chain stage
All components affected

hose, shut-off valve

Process temperature range [C]
cryogenic temperature (below -50°C)
Process pressure range [MPa]
low to medium pressure (below 2 MPa)
Location type
Open
Location
industrial area
Operational condition

Emergency & Consequences

Number of fatalities
0
Number of injured persons
1

Lesson Learnt

Lesson Learnt

The liquid H2 shut off valve was partially open, but operators assumed it was closed. Assumptions are very dangerous, and should not replace procedures. H2TOOLS adds also that complacency increases risks.

In-depth data

Release type
liquid
Involved substances (% vol)
H2 100%
Probable IGNITION SOURCE

References

Sources categories
ORDIN
Reference & weblink

Mishap no 11 in
P. L. Ordin, Review of hydrogen accidents and incidents in NASA operations, 1974, NASA TM X-71565
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19740020344