• Hydrogen use is subject to strict federal laws and standards.flammable gas class 2 placard image by k9dg from Fotolia.com
  
  The element Hydrogen is labeled a hazardous material that burns and may explode if contained, stored or released improperly. Use of H in the form of gas or liquid is strictly regulated. General standards are set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA 29 1910.103, 119, 1200), that include technical recommendations from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME B31.3), and the Department of Transportation (DOT CFR 49).
  
  

Gaseous Hydrogen Systems, 1910.103 & ASME/ANSI B31.1-1967

• Hydrogen storage containers, valves, fittings and tubing are regulated.bombole gas image by Valentina Crivelli from Fotolia.com
  
  Hydrogen systems, containers and safety relief devices, along with all piping, tubing, fittings, valves, storage areas, storage conditions and distances from walls, people and other hazards must follow regulated standards. Proper storage of hydrogen in vessels under pressure with appropriate piping is defined by code specifications for vessels under pressure and process piping.
  
  

Gaseous Hydrogen Systems 1910.103(b) & 1910.119, 1200

• All storage areas must be marked and comply with regulations for electrical wiring.industrial siding image by Steve Johnson from Fotolia.com
  
  All hazardous materials and storage areas must be clearly marked, "HYDROGEN - FLAMMABLE GAS - NO SMOKING - NO OPEN FLAMES." All containers must be marked "Hydrogen" or carry a legend that states "This system uses hydrogen." Location of the hydrogen and distances from walls, people and things are regulated based on the quantity of gas stored. Hydrogen cannot be stored close to sources of combustion, and it cannot be stored in an open public area. Adequate storage space around the hydrogen is measured by the amount of gas in the system, ranging from 10 feet for 3,000 or less cubic feet, to 15 feet for 3,000 to 15,000 cf, and 50 feet for more than 15,000 cf. The type of storage-building material matters. All building and storage cabinet types must have adequate ventilation.
  
  

Liquid Hydrogen Systems 1910.103(c)(1-6)

• Other hazards in the environment must be at a specific distance from Hydrogen storage.gas station image by Vitezslav Halamka from Fotolia.com
  
  Liquefied hydrogen containers and safety relief devices, along with all piping, tubing, fittings, valves, storage areas, storage conditions and distances from walls, people and other hazards are regulated. Liquid hydrogen containers must have properly sized safety relief devices that meet ASME/ANSI standards and U.S. Department of Transportation Regulation, CFR 49.
  
  

Liquid Hydrogen Systems 1910.103 & 1910.1200

• Designs to regulate Hydrogen storage and use can protect the safety of employees.construction workers image by Edward White from Fotolia.com
  
  All liquid hydrogen containers must be marked "LIQUEFIED HYDROGEN - FLAMMABLE GAS". Storage areas must be marked "Liquefied Hydrogen - Flammable Gas - No Smoking - No Open Flames". Temperature conditions, heat, condensation and any possible exposure to air or liquid oxygen around containers must be controlled and follow regulations. Exposure to electricity and distances from electrical equipment and power lines is regulated. Failure to follow regulation standards creates a hazard and risk of explosion and fire.