Safety and Risk Assessment of Hydrogen Leaks and Ignition in Storage Facility

This study evaluates the safety of hydrogen storage facilities by applying Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) analysis, What-If analysis (WIA), and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA). The HAZOP analysis identifies key deviations such as leakage, overpressure, and valve malfunction, which can lead to hydrogen accumulation, jet fires, and vapor cloud explosions. The WhatIf analysis considers broader operational scenarios, including relief valve failures, ventilation loss, and external ignition events, which demonstrate the potential for low-frequency but high-consequence accidents. The FTA shows that uncontrolled hydrogen release together with the presence of ignition sources represents the dominant pathway leading to catastrophic events, with electrical sparks, static discharge, and hot surfaces highlighted as significant contributors. The study shows that the combined application of HAZOP, WIA, and FTA offers a comprehensive framework for identifying accident scenarios and supports a deeper understanding of risks in hydrogen storage operations.