NHA Hosts ICC Committee Meeting

The International Code Council's Hydrogen Ad Hoc Committee (AHC) held its first meeting at the NHA office in Washington, DC on 30-31 August 2000. The purpose of the group is to promote: “The development of appropriate, reasonable and enforceable model health and safety requirements that apply to matters germane to the ICC International Codes and affecting or relating to the use of hydrogen in vehicular and portable applications: inclusive of the safeguards that apply to conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the storage, handling or use of hydrogen in the infrastructures (i.e., service stations, parking garages, loading areas and similar uses) which support vehicular and portable applications. Such provisions would serve as a model for adoption and use by enforcement agencies at all levels of government in the interest of national uniformity.”

The AHC is composed of code officials, designers, industry representatives, and staff of the three code councils for a total of twelve voting members. There are also non-voting advisors. A number of the non-voting advisors are from the NHA membership including NREL, Ford, Praxair, and the Gas Technology Institute. The NHA was proud to host the inaugural AHC meeting and will track the progress of the committee and relay the information to the membership.

Specific actions taken at the meeting that may be of interest to NHA members include:

• Committee voted to propose adding a new Section 925 to the International Mechanical Code and a new Section 633 to the International Fuel Gas Code.
• Committee voted to propose adding a definition of portable power in both the International Mechanical Code and the International Fuel Gas Codes

A need was identified for an international standard on hydrogen connectors for portable fuel cell appliances. Presently, a standard for connectors for vehicles and refueling stations is being advanced through ISO TC 197. The NHA will consider the need to draft an additional standard on connectors during the next round of new work items.

All proposed additions to the ICC Code must be submitted by 1 November 2000 for consideration at the Spring ICC code hearing. Concerns or support for the recommended code changes should be addressed to the AHC Secretariat, Darren Meyers. If you have any questions or would like further details contact Karen Miller at 202.223.5547 or kmiller@ttcorp.com.

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