Ralf Szamer · TÜV Süddeutschland · D-80684 Munich, Germany

In general, the existing regulations and standards on gases cover all necessary safety aspects for hydrogen production, operation and handling on an industrial scale. But in Germany there are currently no comprehensive guidelines or codes for public purposes and for innovative components such as electrolysers, fuel cells, self service or robotic filling stations, small liquefication plants etc.

From the experience of various hydrogen pilot and demonstration projects it has been find out that for the future widespread use of hydrogen there is a need to adopt and to harmonize regulations and legislation. Technical aspects to ensure safety e. g. are to specify requirements for design, construction, manufacturing and installation of components/systems, to define licensing, testing and inspection procedures as well as to determine the level of safety and reliability. Legal aspects e. g. cover the definition and implementation of legal liability of designers, manufacturers and owners resp. operators.

For CGH₂-vehicles the existing standards and c.o.p. for CNG-cars, busses and trucks can be adopted. For LH₂-vehicles specific standards, codes etc. have to be defined for all gas components considering the specific hazards, e. g. mechanical stresses or fire in case of traffic accidents. Adopted strategies for licensing, acceptance, maintenance and inspections should be established.

Efforts are necessary to implement harmonized standards and codes for hydrogen vehicles. Other tasks are to minimize specific hazards/risks and to reduce production, maintenance and operating costs. For the introduction of hydrogen vehicles within the next few years it is important that all bodies, whether automotive associations, authorities, international standardization commitees and other relevant organisations work close together.