ANSWERS: 1
  • <h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: All Flammable Gasses are Dangerous

    The question of safety with flammable gasses is dubious. No flammable gas is safe. Hydrogen has a relatively low-ignition energy, requiring only a small spark to ignite. It produces a hot, almost invisible flame, making it difficult to see or detect. Finally, hydrogen's ability to corrode creates challenging handling and storage issues.

    On the Other: Fewer Incidents of Accident or Injury

    The relative safety of hydrogen gas compared to other hydrocarbon-based fuels has been carefully studied and is well documented. Although hydrogen initially burns quite hot, it dissipates quickly, being less dense than oxygen. When injuries or fatalities involving other sources of energy (natural gas, petroleum and electricity) are compared to injuries or fatalities involving hydrogen, hydrogen has a better safety record.

    Bottom Line

    "Safe" is a nebulous, relative term. All fuels are flammable, and hydrogen is no exception. When proper protocols of handling, storage and use of the gas are followed, hydrogen becomes one of the safer fuel options.

    Source:

    U.S. Department of Energy: Hydrogen Safety fact sheet

    Agilent Technologies: Hydrogen (H2) Carrier Gas Safety Guide

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