March 3, 2004—The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a new guidance booklet on the hazards associated with fuel cells and the fuels they use. The booklet provides simple and straightforward advice to designers and users so they can become more aware of the hazards and how to reduce the risks of this innovative and fast-developing technology.
HSE noted that the technology used by the Apollo spacecraft in the 1960s is now powering a small number of London buses as part of a trial in nine European cities. HSE encourages such innovation in industry by ensuring that risks to the health and safety of workers and others are controlled in an appropriate manner.
Fuel cells produce electricity and heat, but without the need for a flame, explains HSE. This introduces the possibility of pollution-free transport. A fuel cell operates like a battery in that they both produce an electric current from chemical reactions. However, whereas a battery needs regular recharging or replacement, a fuel cell continues producing electricity as long there is a fuel supply.
The guide explains that all fuels suitable for use in cells catch fire easily and present a significant danger of fire and explosion. Materials such as these are called “dangerous substances” under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). These regulations impose new duties that include avoiding sources of ignition and the release of dangerous substances into the workplace.
The booklet advises how to control the risk from fire and explosion or exposure to harmful chemicals. It also reiterates the basic areas of managing a safe system of work, such as on manual handling, training, and operating emergency procedures.
Copies of “Fuel cells: Understand the hazards, control the risks,” HSG243, ISBN 0-7176-2766-7, price 8.50, are available from HSE Books, tel.: 01787 881165 or fax: 01787 313995.
