The use of new non-polluting energy sources is increasingly important in our society, as it allows for cost savings while promoting sustainable development and environmental care. Green hydrogen plants are a clear example of such facilities dedicated to generating clean energy, becoming increasingly popular due to the great benefits they provide. Safety at green hydrogen plants is one of the major challenges facing this industry, from the safety of their transformation processes to occupational and workplace safety measures, and transportation safety measures.
Safety Elements in Green Hydrogen Plants
Green hydrogen plants adhere to stringent safety and occupational health legislation, both from Spanish and European regulations. In such hydrogen production plants, a series of mandatory safety elements must be in place.
Risk Assessment and Emergency Plan
To undertake a hydrogen plant project, a prior assessment of occupational risks is necessary, documenting all the hazards workers are exposed to and the measures the company must take.
In these types of plants, many risk factors must be evaluated, such as permeability, potential explosions, the invisible flame generated by hydrogen fires, gas pockets and leaks, or carbon monoxide emissions, among others.
Additionally, an emergency plan must be developed, outlining the actions and protocols to follow in case of incidents, fires, etc.
Staff Training
Another fundamental point is the specific training of the staff working at the plant, to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their tasks efficiently and safely.
Workplace Protection and Safety Measures
Special measures focused on maximizing workplace safety should be implemented using various elements such as:
- Safety barriers.
- Lighting systems.
- Signage elements.
- Control and security systems (like perimeter laser alarms, access control, video surveillance, etc.).
- Personal protective equipment.
Advanced Control Systems
Using advanced systems to monitor and control everything happening at the plant, allowing for the minimization of security incidents and the acceleration of actions if they occur.
Why Having a Good Security System is Important
Having a good security system is essential in these types of industrial plants, as it minimizes risks, provides appropriate measures to react in time, and ensures the safety of people and infrastructure.
In a hydrogen plant, it is crucial to have modern and advanced security and protection systems to:
- Protect against possible theft and vandalism, even using deterrent elements.
- Have real-time control systems to detect problems and act before they occur.
- Comply with safety regulations and laws.
- Protect the integrity of people and the plant’s infrastructure.
How to Improve the Security of a Green Hydrogen Plant
Here are some recommendations to maximize security at a green hydrogen plant:
Install a Perimeter Surveillance System
These types of systems are very interesting in industrial environments like a green hydrogen plant, where the area to be monitored is usually very extensive. This surveillance system monitors a specific perimeter around the plant, automatically alerting to any unwanted access or intrusion.
Thanks to these systems, surveillance and protection teams can act earlier without the need for continuous physical patrols.
Use Advanced Access Control Systems
At access points to the plant, it is vital to use modern and efficient access control systems that allow complete control over all individuals entering the plant.
For example, modern access control systems can create different roles to control access to various parts of the plant, allowing personnel or visitors to access only those areas they are permitted.
Install CCTV Surveillance Cameras
Security systems with closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance cameras are another essential element to ensure safety at a green hydrogen plant, as they allow for monitoring important areas of the facility.
These systems use very interesting technologies, such as motion detection to record when any intrusion or movement is detected, night vision to record even in poor light conditions or during the night, or automated alarm and alert systems.
Other Security and Protection Elements
Other interesting elements to improve security at a green hydrogen plant include:
- Conducting security drills to ensure all staff are ready to act in case of emergencies or security incidents.
- Implementing automated security systems (such as window and door closures).
- Integrating various security elements to have a centralized and synchronized system that increases the level of protection.
Safety in green hydrogen plants should be a priority in this type of industry, so relying on a specialized security company for industries and businesses is the best alternative. Contact us at Microsegur to receive professional attention that allows you to implement the best protection and security measures and systems in your industry or business.
