Review of Hydrogen-Related Accidents: Root Causes, Mitigation Strategies, and Recommendations for secure utilization.

Abstract

Abstract Hydrogen, acknowledged as a versatile and sustainable energy carrier, is gaining significant attention across industries, becoming a focal point in the pursuit of cleaner energy solutions. However, Ensuring the safe utilization of hydrogen presents inherent challenges, giving rise to a spectrum of related accidents. This study delves into the intricate landscape of hydrogen utilization, acknowledging both its significance and inherent challenges associated with its safety. This comprehensive review examines hydrogen-related accidents from the Hydrogen Incident and Accident Database (HIAD) within a defined timeframe, analyzing causes and evaluating the effectiveness of current mitigation strategies through categorization and assessment of the root causes of hydrogen-related incidents, this review aspired to provide an in-depth understanding of safety issues and also reviewed the effectiveness of current mitigating strategies, employing risk assessment models. A thorough analysis of these incidents uncovered crucial insights, The findings of the review paper illustrate that human factor and management factors were possibly greater causes of hydrogen accidents than other factors, and management factors to be more hazardous than other factors. Through comprehensive literature review, the study aims to offer practical recommendations for refining safety protocols in hydrogen utilization like the implementation of Human Error Assessment and Reduction Technique (HEART) and Human Factor Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) for human factor induced incidents and process safety management (PSM) program for management factor induced incidents. Additionally, specific recommendation for reoccurring incidents based on severity are made to enhance safety protocols, thereby fostering its secure application across diverse industries.