Applications

• Hydrogen is used in the chemical industry to synthesize ammonia and in the hydrogenation of vegetable and animal oils and fats.
• In the metallurgical industry, hydrogen is used to reduce metal oxides and prevent oxidation in heat-treating certain metals and alloys. Some use of hydrogen is made in the welding and cutting of metals. Hydrogen is also used by semiconductor manufacturers, primarily to form a reducing atmosphere.

Safety

Although any fuel is inflammable & dangerous, hydrogen is a non-toxic and light gas. It scatters immediately upward when there is a leak, rather than polluting groundwater or soaking into clothes. So, if handled with care, it is safer than fuels in standard use.

Handling and Storage of Cylinders

• Never drop cylinders or permit them to strike each other violently.
• Cylinders should be assigned a definite area of storage. The area should be dry, cool, well-ventilated, and preferably fire-resistant. Keep cylinders protected from excessive temperature by storing them away from radiators or other sources of heat.
• Cylinders may be stored in the open, but in such cases should be protected against extremes of weather and from damp ground to prevent rusting.
• The valve protection cap should be left in place until the cylinder has been secured against a wall, or a bench, or placed in a cylinder stand and is ready to be used.
• Avoid dragging or sliding cylinders, even for short distances. Cylinders should be moved by using a suitable hand truck.
• Do not use cylinders as rollers for moving material or other equipment.