Hydrogen - H2
Hydrogen - H2
This page brings together the main information on hydrogen (H2) or " dihydrogen " such as its physical characteristics, its effects on health, the means of detecting it (H2 gas detector) as well as the appropriate respiratory protection equipment (self-contained breathing apparatus or air supply system).
Main characteristics of hydrogen (H2)
Produced industrially by reforming hydrocarbons , most often by steam reforming of natural gas, hydrogen (H2) or " dihydrogen " is mainly used for the desulfurization of petroleum fuels, the production of ammonia , it is also expected to be the fuel of the future (fuel cells). It is released during the charging of a battery, and welding activities are also likely to produce it.
Effects of hydrogen on health
Hydrogen is an extremely flammable gas (R12) with very wide explosive limits ranging from 4 to 75% volume. Very light , the main risk is that hydrogen accumulates in false ceilings and other confined spaces at height. Odorless and colorless, its presence is easily overlooked. Although non-toxic , high concentrations create an oxygen-depleted environment that can lead to asphyxiation .
H2 (Hydrogen) gas detector
Indistinguishable by smell, only an H2 gas detector can accurately measure the concentrations of this gas. Two hydrogen detection methodologies: either in toxicity with a measurement in ppm (fairly rare cases), or in explosiveness with a measurement in percentage of LEL (explosive gas detector).
For the calibration and gas testing of your fixed or portable gas detectors, hydrogen standard gas cylinders are available.
Hydrogen (H2) respiratory protection
Hydrogen is an asphyxiating gas with significant risks of suffocation, so we will opt for an open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus (ARICO) or an air-supplied system for long-term interventions.