The presentation will deal with the requirements of South Africa’s Occupational Health
 and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (OHASA) relating to the legal obligation to conduct hazard identification and risk assessment, read together with the Hazardous Chemical Agents Regulations (GNR 280 of 29 March 2021) and the Major Hazard Installation Regulations (GNR 2989 of 31 January 2023) made under Section 43 of the OHASA. Certain principles contained in the International Standard, ISO 45001 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) which is a worldwide federation of National Standards Bodies, relating to hazard identification and risk assessment will also be referred to during the presentation. 

A 10 minute Q&A will follow this session.

As the world transitions towards sustainable energy sources, hydrogen is touted as a viable option. However, ensuring the safe handling and compliance of hydrogen systems is paramount for its widespread adoption. 

This masterclass focuses on a practical approach to addressing safety and compliance considerations associated with hydrogen. 

We explore key aspects such as hydrogen creation, storage, transportation, and usage, highlighting best practices and industry standards. 

Drawing on real-world examples, historical data, and case studies, we discuss risk mitigation strategies, safety protocols, and regulatory frameworks that enable the safe integration of hydrogen technologies. 

Join us to gain valuable insights into harnessing hydrogen’s potential while prioritizing safety and adhering to compliance requirements.

A 10 minute Q&A will follow this session.

The increase in hydrogen installations prompted a review of the management of the hydrogen explosion prevention methodologies. This includes additional risks identified. 

The differences in the typical hazardous area classification methodologies for hydrogen areas, their results, and additional risks must be understood for successful application.

A 10 minute Q&A will follow this session.

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.