NFPA 2 Update
By Karen Quackenbush, FCHEA

NFPA 2: Hydrogen Technologies Code, is open for Public Input until June 29, 2016. Input can be created and submitted online at http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/document-information-pages?mode=code&code=2.

FCHEA members are also welcome to develop input through FCHEA Working Groups. Our Transportation Working Group is considering topics which may be sent to the Hydrogen Codes Task Team for further development. The FCHEA consensus process takes some time, so please don’t hesitate to contact staff with any concerns or issues regarding the 2016 edition of NFPA 2, available for free browsing at http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/document-information-pages?mode=code&code=2&tab=editions.

A presentation which provides an introduction to NFPA 2 is available online: http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/AboutTheCodes/2/NFPA%202%20Overview.pptx.

The NFPA Technical Committee responsible for maintaining NFPA 2 will meet in Alexandria, Virginia in August to review public input. This will be a joint meeting with the Technical Committee responsible for NFPA 55: Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code; due to the volume of extracts from NFPA 55 contained in NFPA 2.

Proposed NHTSA Rule May Facilitate FCEVs and Hybrids
By Karen Quackenbush, FCHEA

On March 3, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to update electrical safety requirements for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and “mild hybrid” vehicles.

The NPRM proposes adding an optional method for post-crash electrical safety into the standard, FMVSS No. 305, that involves physical barriers to prevent electric shock due to direct or indirect contact of high voltage sources. This proposed optional method affords the same level of electric shock protection as the other methods for electrical safety currently in FMVSS No. 305 and would enable innovative powertrain technologies.

The effect of the proposal would be to enable wider use of hydrogen fuel cell and mild hybrid vehicles. Toyota Motor North America and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers had submitted separate petitions for rulemaking seeking to update the standard to enable innovative powertrain systems.

The proposal would provide more options in building safety into electric and fuel-cell cars, and would better align NHTSA regulations with global industry standards such as SAE J1766, “Recommended Practice for Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicle Battery Systems Crash Integrity Testing; as well as adopt various electrical safety requirements in Global Technical Regulation (GTR) No. 13, “Hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles”.

Comments on this NPRM can be submitted to the docket up until 5/9/2016. The proposal has been published in the Federal Register at https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/03/10/2016-05187/federal-motor-vehicle-safety-standards-electric-powered-vehicles-electrolyte-spillage-and-electrical. Interested parties are advised to follow instructions in the Federal Register for submitting comments and for seeking further information.

ICC Hearings
By Karen Quackenbush, FCHEA

The International Code Council (ICC) has published the following news pertaining to the development of the next editions of the I-Codes. This information is taken entirely from the ICC website at http://www.iccsafe.org/codes-tech-support/codes/code-development/current-code-development-cycle/, and is provided here to facilitate planning and information sharing for those involved in development of code change proposals relating to fuel cells or hydrogen energy technologies for the I-Codes.

Proposed Changes to the Group B I-Codes Available. The code change agenda for the Group B International Codes is now available. The proposed changes will be heard during ICC’s 2016 Committee Action Hearings, April 17-27, in Louisville, Ky. View the hearing schedule. The Group B I-Codes include administrative provisions for all codes, the structural chapters in the International Building and Existing Building Codes, the building and energy chapters in the International Residential Code, and all chapters in the International Fire, Energy Conservation Code and Wildland-Urban Interface Codes. Registration remains open for the hearings. Click here for details.

Preliminary 2015 Group A Online Governmental Consensus Vote Results Available. The 2015 Group A Online Governmental Consensus Vote was conducted Feb. 8-21 and the preliminary results are available. This document is presented in response to requests for Group A results information as it may relate to 2016 Group B code change submittals that are due to be posted on March 8. These results are not final as they are subject to certification by the Validation Committee and confirmation by the ICC Board in accordance with Section 10.1 of CP 28 Code Development. The 2015 Group A Final Action results, including vote tallies from both the Public Comment Hearing and OGCV, will be posted following certification in accordance with Section 10.4 of CP 28.

Group B Hearing Schedule Now Available. The schedule for the 2016 Group B Committee Action Hearings, April 17-27, in Louisville, Ky., is now available for download. The Group B International Codes include administrative provisions for all codes, the structural chapters in the International Building and Existing Building Codes, the building and energy chapters in the International Residential Code, and all chapters in the International Fire, Energy Conservation Code and Wildland-Urban Interface Codes.

Request for Information on Hoses for Hydrogen Fueling
By Karen Quackenbush, FCHEA

Information is being sought on flexible hoses (Type D hoses as described in CSA NGV 4.2 and CSA HGV 4.2). Specifically, are there any flexible hoses used for gaseous hydrogen refueling, or are these only used onboard vehicles? 

ISO/TC 197 is developing safety requirements for hoses used in gaseous hydrogen fueling stations. I am interested in confirming whether there are flexible hoses used in the dispenser. Expert participation and input from those familiar with flexible hose use for gaseous hydrogen fueling operations is encouraged. If you have information to share on this topic, please send an e-mail to Karen Hall.

DetecTape Webinar
By Karen Quackenbush, FCHEA

The Department of Energy Fuel Cell Technologies Office hosted a webinar on March 14, 2016 entitled, "DetecTape – A Localized Visual Detector for Hydrogen Leaks".

This webinar discussed DetecTape, a color-changing, self-fusing silicone tape designed to detect hydrogen gas leaks in fuel cell, transmission, storage, and generation facilities, that hydrogen equipment operators can use to quickly identify precise leak locations and initiate maintenance protocols, expediting the restoration of equipment while maintaining a safe workplace.

To access the recording and download the presentation slides, please visit:  http://energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/2016-webinar-archives#date031416.

National Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Codes & Standards Coordinating Committee Teleconference - December 2015 Minutes (PDF)
Connor Dolan, FCHEA

National Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Codes & Standards Coordinating Committee Teleconference - February 2016 Minutes (PDF)
Connor Dolan, FCHEA