U.S. Department of Energy Hydrogen Program Introduction to Hydrogen Safety for First Responders NHA Annual Hydrogen Conference March 20, 2007 Christy Cooper

Background Objective Support the successful implementation of hydrogen and fuel cell demonstration projects and market transformation by providing technically-accurate and objective information about hydrogen to first responders Create a stand-alone, interactive course Create an information set that others can draw from to supplement their ongoing or planned education and training programs

Background Project Team DOE Hydrogen Program – Education and Safety, Codes, and Standards subprograms Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Volpentest Hazardous Materials Management and Emergency Response Training and Education Center (HAMMER)

Course Development First responder outreach/interviews Internal DOE technical review Safety panel review Course pilot tests – given in person at HAMMER oAugust 2005 – industry experts, some first responders oApril 2006 – first responders at Washington State Hazardous Materials Workshop Conference August 2005 pilot April 2006 pilot

Course Development Broad review of on-line course (Summer 2006) included more than 100 representatives from the hydrogen and emergency responder communities Auto companies Energy companies Fuel cell companies FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership C&S Tech Team National C&S Coordinating Committee Hydrogen/fuel cell trade associations – NHA/USFCC National Laboratories Other Federal agencies – DOT, DHS/USFA Hydrogen related state organizations/entities – CAFCP, NextEnergy International partners – IPHE, HySafe, JARI, EC Fire protection/prevention membership associations – IAFF, NASFM Individual fire fighters and law enforcement personnel and other emergency response experts – Extrication.com College fire science programs Alternative fuel experts Others (universities/nonprofits) involved in education, graphics design

Course Overview

Course Overview – Hydrogen Basics Basic properties Comparisons with other fuels Industry designs for safe systems

Course Overview – Transport & Storage Bulk storage for transport Types of storage containers for transport

Course Overview – Hydrogen Vehicles Review of alternative fuel vehicle types Basic vehicle/common components Storage systems, tank testing Vehicle safety systems

Course Overview – Hydrogen Dispensing Refueling demonstration (video) Comparison to refueling with other fuels

Course Overview – Stationary Facilities Overview of bulk storage, stationary fuel cells, refueling stations Common safety systems

Course Overview – Codes and Standards Overview of codes and standards Links to more specific information

Course Overview – Emergency Response Recognition and identification of hydrogen equipment Detection of hydrogen releases, flames Initial protective actions Additional information sources

Course Overview – Summary & Quiz Most important “need-to-know” information in summary 13-question quiz tests knowledge/reinforces learning

Course Overview – Library

Availability Course launched on January 24 Web-based version (Flash and HTML) ohttp://hydrogen.energy.gov/firstresponders.html Full version on CD and print version (PDF) available for free from DOE/EERE Information Center o877-EERE-INFO/ Initial distribution oBroad review list oState firefighter training centers oInternational Association of Fire Fighters oInternational Association of Fire Chiefs oFederal Law Enforcement Training Center

Usage and Feedback In the first 6 weeks (Jan 24 – Mar 6), have averaged ~260 unique visitors/course reviewers per week Also UK, Japan, Taiwan, Canada, Sweden, Korea Who’s Taking the Course? Fire prevention/protection community →Fire fighters →Fire department education coordinators →Fire marshals →Fire plans examiners/inspectors Law enforcement Industry Universities Military Non-profits

What’s Next? First responder community outreach oMajor events oJournal/magazine “ads” oWorkshops at select events to demonstrate the course “Cliffs Notes” version – one-pager with critical response information Partnership with DHS/U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Academy oDistance learning offerings oAlternative fuel “break room” book

Related work Demonstration Props Hydrogen Flame Prop (completed) Visually demonstrates the properties of a hydrogen flame as compared to a propane flame Fuel Cell Vehicle Prop (planned) Designed to realistically and safely simulate an actual emergency response event Mobile for on-site training (transported by trailer) Will include typical FCV components (e.g. high pressure H 2 lines) Training scenarios will demonstrate: oSafe approach to a fuel cell vehicle oExtinguishment of a compartment fire oExtrication techniques oHydrogen venting during a compartment fire

Related work The University of Montana Emergency Responder Hydrogen Safety Training Eight-hour course for emergency responders and other fire service and transportation professionals In-depth coverage of three modules oHydrogen properties oHydrogen safety and potential hazards oEmergency responder procedures Delivered via the web and in classrooms oHydrogen and Alternative Energy Research and Development, University of Montana oNational Alternative Fuels Training Consortium, West Virginia University

For More Information Order documents, fact sheets, CDs, videos, etc. from the DOE/EERE Information Center 877-EERE-INF(O) or – Mon – Fri, 9am – 7pm EST hydrogen.energy.gov