U.K. Developing a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Installation Guide
by Karen Hall
Vice President, Technical Operations of the
National Hydrogen Association

The hydrogen and fuel cell industry of the United Kingdom, under the guidance of the Health & Safety Executive, is developing an installation guide for hydrogen fuel cells. Current directives allow for the installation of appliances that run on natural gas. The new guideline, when developed, will enable the safe installation of hydrogen fuel cells for small stationary applications.

The group, which consists of a small number of industrial gas suppliers, fuel cell companies, cylinder manufacturers, and consultants, as well as government representatives, is looking at existing codes, standards and regulations in Europe and North America to reduce duplication of effort. They will determine if any existing document, such as NFPA 853, can meet the requirements in the UK. If so, that document may be adopted. If not, a UK guideline will be created that references applicable portions existing documents.

Industries with a UK presence are invited to participate. To help or for additional information, contact Gordon Newsholme at the Health & Safety Executive at Gordon.Newsholme@hse.gsi.gov.uk