The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) should be prepared for any facility or location in which a hydrogen fuel cell is to be installed. This plan should be prepared and updated regularly as codes or site changes are recognized that may impact the system’s continued safe operation. The emergency response plan should be made available at the site location and may be subject to inspection by the local authority having jurisdiction
(AHJ) upon request. A standard ERP should include the following information:
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A definite plan to deal with major emergencies is an important element of a hydrogen fuel cell deployment programs.
Besides the major benefit of providing guidance during an emergency, developing the plan has other advantages. You may discover unrecognized hazardous conditions that would aggravate an emergency situation and you can work to eliminate them. The planning process may bring to light deficiencies, such as the lack of resources (equipment, trained personnel, supplies), or items that can be rectified before an emergency occurs. In addition an emergency plan promotes safety awareness and shows the organization's commitment to the safety of workers.
The lack of an emergency plan could lead to severe losses such as multiple casualties and possible financial liability to the organization. Since emergencies will occur, preplanning is necessary. An urgent need for rapid decisions, shortage of time, and lack of resources and trained personnel can lead to chaos during an emergency. Time and circumstances in an emergency mean that normal channels of authority and communication cannot be relied upon to function routinely. An emergency plan specifies procedures for handling sudden or unexpected situations. Below is an example ERP that could be used for AHJ notification and onsite placement.
Emergency Response Plan – Hydrogen Fuel Cell System
Site (name or identification number – address)
These specifications are intended to promote in-depth analysis of emergency response policies and procedures for your facility and may not be sufficient to meet all of the needs of your business. You shall consult state and federal regulations for any hazardous materials activities on site as appropriate. This plan shall be available at the site. Placards shall be permanently located on the hydrogen storage cabinet and along all access routes to the storage site.
Emergency Contacts
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In the event that the fuel cell is on fire or a fire is approaching, contact 911 for local fire emergency services.
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As needed follow your corporate safety procedures and contact the corporate operations / safety department at the following number (xxx-xxx-xxxx) reference (name or identification number – address) .
Mandatory Notifications!
Notification of any spill / release or threatened release of a hazardous material or hazardous waste shall be made to: (1)
Authority having Jurisdiction (AHJ) Department of Resource Management xxx-xxx-xxxx , (2) State Office of Emergency
Services xxx -xxx-xxxx . After hours, call the Police or County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch xxx-xxx-xxxx . Reporting is not required if the release or threatened release clearly presents no danger to human health and safety or to the environment.

The fuel cell system uses gaseous hydrogen fuel to operate. Very little hydrogen resides in the fuel cell and piping. The hydrogen fuel supply is stored in cylinders which are located in a separate storage cabinet. The flow of fuel to the fuel cell power generating equipment only takes place when the system is operating and there are no abnormal conditions present.
Approximately 8,000 scf of hydrogen may be stored in the cabinet. The fuel cell is a low voltage DC power source operating at 12V, 24V, or 48V nominal.
Basic Characteristics of Hydrogen Gas
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Colorless, Odorless, and Tasteless
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Non-toxic
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Flammable
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Buoyant (14 times lighter than air)
Fuel Cell On-Board Safety Features
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Normally-closed fuel control solenoid valve only supplies fuel when system is operating
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Internal hydrogen sensors interlocked to the normally-closed fuel control solenoid valve and shut down circuit
 Additional ¼ turn manual ball valve on manifold in fuel supply cabinet(s) per code requirements
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Robust metal piping system
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Emergency stop switches on each fuel cell chassis and TSCB control hub
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Over-current/short circuit protection provided by circuit breaker on each chassis I/O card
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System operates autonomously in scheduled intervals for exercise and self-assessment
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Fuel cabinet(s) are labeled with code-required NFPA704 hazard diamond for hydrogen gas and placards indicating
“Hydrogen – Flammable Gas, No Smoking, No Open Flames”
The Hydrogen Fuel Cell is equipped with safety features that will 1.) Not allow the fuel cell to start and 2.) Shut down the fuel cell when abnormal ambient and/or operating conditions are detected. The system performs continual self-assessment and will neither start nor continue to operate if any safety issues are detected or if the safety circuitry is non-functional. The system is equipped with status alarm contacts intended for connection to the end-user’s control and monitoring system.
The equipment is completely checked for fuel leaks during the final installation, commissioning process and fueling operations.
Emergency Response Procedure
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Contact the corporate operations / safety department at the following number (xxx-xxx-xxxx) reference (name or identification number – address) .
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Only approach the system if safe to do so.
In case of fire, retreat from the site and contact local authorities (911).
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In most cases the system should be left undisturbed since its purpose is to provide backup power during emergencies.
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In case of impending fire or major catastrophe, the system can be deactivated quickly by opening the front door of the equipment cabinet and activating the large, red “Emergency Stop” pushbutton(s) which de-energize the system and automatically stop the flow of fuel from the fuel storage cabinet to the equipment cabinet.
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For sites where an external DC disconnect switch has been installed, this switch will also deactivate the system.
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If fuel is leaking from the piping system, tighten/repair leak if safe to do so, otherwise retreat from the site until the fuel supply has been exhausted and vented to the atmosphere.
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Note: Hydrogen is typically stored at high pressures up to 3000 psi; do not place fingers or hands directly around leaks coming from the hydrogen cylinders or the fuel hoses connected to the hydrogen cylinders.
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Note: Use only aluminum, brass, or other non-sparking tools when working around any flammable gas.
 If it can be done safely, manually turn off the ¼ turn ball valve on manifold in the fuel storage cabinet(s).
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If it can be done safely, manually close the hydrogen cylinders within the fuel storage cabinet(s).