by Karen Miller, Coordinator, National Hydrogen Association
Standards for hydrogen components and systems
are being developed by the NHA and ISO/TC 197. Because some of these components
and systems will need to be sited in a permanent location, the NHA has begun
to look at existing and proposed model building codes and how they effect
hydrogen. There were hearings held at the Radisson Plaza Hotel at Mark Center
in Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.A., 14-24 April 1998. I attended a small part
of the hearings. I also requested, received, and reviewed a copy of the
applicable model codes, and analyzed them for proposed changes which might
effect hydrogen. I also began to identify areas where hydrogen is not mentioned,
but could be in the future, such as the International Fuel Gas Code, which
presently applies to only propane and natural gas. I am now on the distribution
list to receive the draft code changes, and will share any changes which
effect hydrogen with our members after I receive those documents.
Hydrogen use and installations is presently
covered by NFPA. I have not found criteria to cover installations of hydrogen
systems used in residential or commercial buildings as a fuel.
The NHA is holding an informal workshop in conjunction
with the Society for the Advancement of Materials and Process Engineering
(SAMPE) conference in Anaheim, California, U.S.A., on 3 June, and is also
planning a formal NHA Codes & Standards Workshop on 16-17 July to discuss
topics in the area of codes and standards to pursue next. Potential candidates
include, among others, standards for new composite hydrogen storage tanks,
as well as model code revisions or new codes specifically for hydrogen systems.
NHA members will determine the need, interest, and prioritization of the
possible candidates.
If you have an interest in the creation or modification
of specific codes or standards which will impact the hydrogen industry,
please don’t hesitate to give me a call. I hope to see you all at the
workshop on 16-17 July.