Hydrogen is an abundant (most common element in the known universe) and energy- rich gas that occurs naturally in water and fossil fuels like natural gas, coal, and petroleum, and can be used as a fuel by separating it from these sources. 

Hydrogen is also highly explosive and will burn/explode with a concentration in the general atmosphere of anywhere between 4 and 74%, which also makes it quite a dangerous gas to handle and use. 

The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards for Explosive Atmospheres have for many years covered hydrogen gas in its 60079 series of standards and in general, the industry is well versed in the dangers of hydrogen and its use. Now with the proliferation of hydrogen vehicles and fuelling stations in many parts of the world, the general public is being exposed to the gas more and more, and they know little about the dangerous properties of hydrogen. 

The IECEx Conformity Assessment System that certifies components and assemblies used in the hydrogen industry has formed Working Group 19 to deal with hydrogen more at the assembly level and has teamed up with the ISO Technical Committee TC197 to better define the safety testing requirements for fuel dispensers, and has released an Operational Document (OD) to deal with this.

A 10 minute Q&A will follow this session.