Understanding the risks of fuel cells

HSE Press Release E022:04 11 February 2004

Technology used by the Apollo spacecraft in the 1960s is now powering the humble London bus, but as with any work activity, there are risks and hazards.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a new guidance booklet on the hazards associated with fuel cells and the fuels they use.

Fuel cells produce electricity and heat, but without the need for a flame. 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.

A small number of London buses began using fuel cell energy earlier this month as part of a trial in nine European cities.

Dr Gordon Newsholme, HSE Specialist Inspector, said: "HSE encourages innovation in industry by ensuring risks to the health and safety of workers and other people are controlled in a sensible and appropriate manner.

"Everyone working on fuel cell technology should be aware of their responsibility to reduce the risks involved."

The booklet, Fuel cells: Understand the hazards, control the risks, 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.

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.

This booklet advises how to control the risk from fire and explosion or exposure to harmful chemicals. The guidance 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: Understanding the hazards, control the risks, HSG243, ISBN 0 7176 2766 7, price £8.50 are available from HSE Books

Notes to editors

1. The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) (SI No. 2776/2002) introduce for the first time a requirement for hazardous area classification, and certification of some types of equipment used where there is an explosion risk.

2. The ATEX Directive was implemented by DSEAR, which came into force on 8 December 2002. ATEX-based requirements did not come into force into effect until 1 July 2003. The Directive establishes minimum requirements for the protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.

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