As the world looks to hydrogen as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, its application in transportation is quickly gaining traction.
The infrastructure supporting hydrogen-powered transportation is growing faster than the development of safety standards and guidelines. This paper by Seyed Mojtaba Hoseyni, Mohamed Osman Mesbah Mostafa, and Joan Cordiner recognizes the gap and addresses the pressing need for a comprehensive risk assessment framework tailored specifically for this sector.
The authors employ the Structured What-If Technique (SWIFT) alongside Bowtie barrier analysis to evaluate potential hazards associated with hydrogen refuelling stations, vehicles, and garages. These methodologies allow for a systematic examination of what could go wrong (SWIFT) and provide a visual representation of risk pathways and preventive measures (Bowtie).
Pilot Project Findings
A hypothetical pilot project forms the basis for their assessment, offering insights into the risks inherent in the current stage of hydrogen technology adoption. The study discovers significant gaps in safety practices due to the industry’s limited operational experience and the quick entry of new players who may not be well-versed in hydrogen-specific risks.
The researchers propose 41 actionable steps and identify 5 key activities designed to help stakeholders manage these emerging risks more effectively. Some of these recommendations include developing clearer operational guidelines, enhancing training for personnel involved in hydrogen operations, and establishing more robust safety protocols.
