Working environment factors
How does Hydrogen affect workers’ health?
Jan
Hydrogen (H2) is an important chemical in many industries, but its impact on the health of workers still requires attention. This article will explore the effects of hydrogen on the health of workers in manufacturing plants that use this chemical.
1. What is Hydrogen?
Hydrogen, with the chemical formula H2, is the simplest and lightest chemical element in the periodic table. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and extremely flammable gas. Hydrogen primarily exists in its molecular form, H2, meaning two hydrogen atoms combine to form a single molecule.
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, making up about 75% of the mass of stars, including the Sun. In nature, hydrogen does not exist as free atoms but is usually combined with other elements to form compounds, such as water (H2O) or organic compounds.
Due to its light and flammable properties, hydrogen is widely used in industrial fields, from producing ammonia and petroleum to being used in fuel cells for cars and clean technologies. However, the use of hydrogen also requires strict safety measures due to its flammability and potential to create explosions when in contact with air under certain conditions.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Hydro | Hydrogen | 28041000 | 1333-74-0 | H2 |
See more about our chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Hydrogen originate from in the production process?
In the production process, H2 gas is primarily produced through two main methods: water electrolysis and natural gas reforming. The water electrolysis method uses electricity to split water molecules (H2O) into hydrogen and oxygen gas. This is a clean method if renewable energy sources are used, helping to minimize carbon emissions during production.
Another method to produce hydrogen is natural gas reforming, especially from methane (CH4). This process uses high temperatures and a catalyst to split methane into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Although this method is efficient and common, it also produces a significant amount of CO2, which affects the environment.
In addition, hydrogen can also be produced through ancillary processes in the petrochemical industry, such as during crude oil distillation or ammonia production, where a small amount of hydrogen is also generated.
3. Industries that use Hydrogen in production
Hydrogen gas is widely used in many industries, especially in the chemical and oil and gas industries. In ammonia production, hydrogen plays a crucial role in the synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen. This process is called the Haber-Bosch process, and ammonia is an important raw material for fertilizer production, helping to provide nutrients for crops.
The oil refining industry also uses hydrogen in the hydrocracking process, which helps break down crude oil molecules into lighter products like gasoline and diesel. This process requires hydrogen to remove impurities and improve product quality.
In addition, hydrogen is also used in the steel manufacturing industry, where it is used to remove oxygen from iron ore, creating higher quality steel. Another application of hydrogen is in the food industry, such as in the hydrogenation of vegetable oils to produce fats and shortening.
Besides traditional industries, hydrogen is also being researched and applied in renewable energy technologies, such as in fuel cells to generate electricity without emitting CO2.
4. How does Hydrogen affect workers?
In the workplace, hydrogen gas can affect the health of workers if not strictly controlled. One of the biggest risks is the flammability of this gas. When leaked into the air, hydrogen can form a flammable mixture, creating a high risk of fire and explosion, especially when it encounters a flame or electric spark. This poses a direct threat to the safety of workers in production plants or areas where hydrogen is present.
Besides the risk of fire and explosion, if workers inhale hydrogen gas in high concentrations, it can cause some negative health effects. Hydrogen can reduce the amount of oxygen in the air, leading to a state of local oxygen deficiency, causing difficulty breathing, dizziness, and fatigue. Although this gas is not directly toxic, a lack of oxygen in a confined space can create serious health risks for workers.
In addition, if working in an environment with a high concentration of hydrogen for a long time without safety protection measures, workers may experience health problems related to oxygen deficiency, such as damage to the respiratory or cardiovascular system.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Hydrogen for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of hydrogen for human exposure depends on factors such as exposure time and the ventilation of the workspace. According to international occupational safety standards, the concentration of hydrogen in the air should not exceed 1% by volume (10,000 ppm), because above this level, hydrogen gas will form a flammable mixture with air, increasing the risk of fire and explosion.
In the work environment, occupational safety regulatory agencies recommend that the hydrogen concentration in the air be maintained below 1% to avoid serious risks. Especially in areas with the potential for hydrogen leaks, controlling the concentration of this gas is extremely important.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Hydrogen. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative effects of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the health effects of Hydrogen on workers
To minimize the health effects of hydrogen on workers, implementing safety measures is very important. One of the basic measures is to control the concentration of hydrogen gas in the air. Effective ventilation systems should be used to maintain a well-ventilated workspace, ensuring that hydrogen gas does not accumulate to dangerous levels. Installing gas sensors is also a necessary solution to detect leaks early and alert workers when the hydrogen concentration exceeds the permissible level.
Besides, personal protective measures are indispensable. Workers need to be equipped with protective equipment, especially respirators, to limit direct contact with hydrogen gas, particularly in high-risk areas. Training workers on risk identification and how to handle hydrogen leaks is also very important to ensure their health and safety.
In addition, work procedures and equipment using hydrogen must be regularly inspected and maintained to detect and prevent incidents related to this gas. Production facilities need to develop prevention and incident response plans, ensuring that workers know how to act in an emergency.
Adhering to international safety standards for hydrogen concentration and implementing preventive measures will help protect workers’ health and minimize the risk of fire, explosion, or oxygen deficiency in the workplace.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated on the risks and safety measures when working with this type of chemical. This training should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper compliance with safety rules.
Periodically conduct workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
Workplace Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring the quality of the working environment across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in techniques, technology, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in the field of workplace environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
- We provide our customers with the best and most suitable options possible.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With Nam Viet’s Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. At the same time, you will get the best cost incentives.
8. Quotation for workplace environment monitoring
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our valued customers a price list for quality and reasonably priced workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
- We are committed to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are also always ready to provide advice and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
