CHBC and CHS Release Inaugural Hydrogen Safety Report
Sacramento – [October 14, 2025] – The California Hydrogen Business Council (CHBC) and the Center for Hydrogen Safety (CHS) have released a new Hydrogen Safety Report highlighting the importance of education and awareness in advancing safe hydrogen production, delivery, storage and use.
As California continues to expand its hydrogen capacity and infrastructure across multiple sectors, this report offers valuable insights and guidance to help stakeholders understand key safety considerations and best practices for hydrogen deployment throughout the state’s evolving clean energy landscape. The report calls on policymakers, industry leaders, and the public to work together to strengthen a shared safety culture that supports the responsible growth of hydrogen as a clean energy fuel.
“California has long been a pioneer in clean energy innovation, with a steadfast commitment to achieving economy-wide carbon neutrality. As the hydrogen market continues to scale, prioritizing safety and transparency is paramount to securing investment and building public confidence. The release of this report marks a significant step forward in educating stakeholders about hydrogen’s unique properties and the best practices for mitigating potential risks,” said Katrina Fritz, President and CEO of CHBC.
“Decades of safe usage in industrial processes have guided the development of hydrogen safety codes, standards, and protocols. As hydrogen is introduced in new applications, less experienced users may lack the necessary knowledge, leading to potential misconceptions. This report aims to provide science-based information to address these concerns. By transferring knowledge from established hydrogen users to new participants, we can foster a comprehensive safety culture and encourage the creation of tailored best practices for emerging hydrogen applications,” stated Nick Barilo, Executive Director of the CHS.
“This report is a critical step forward for supporting worker safety as California expands its hydrogen market. Clear safety standards and rigorous protocols not only protect the skilled and trained workers building and operating hydrogen infrastructure—they also build public trust and drive workforce development in California’s growing clean energy economy. With the right protections in place, we can create thousands of high-quality jobs while making sure every worker goes home safe,” said Chris Hannan, President of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California.
“As California moves forward in building a clean hydrogen economy, ensuring public safety must remain a top priority. That’s why I have authored legislation to help establish clear safety standards as we expand hydrogen infrastructure across the state. This report provides important insights to inform policymakers and industry leaders, guide smart investment, support job creation, and promote the safe, responsible delivery of hydrogen to communities throughout California,” said Senator Bob J. Archuleta (D- District 30).
“The safe integration of hydrogen fuel cell technology is essential to reducing California’s reliance on fossil fuels. As policymakers, we must pursue multiple pathways towards accomplishing our climate goals. This report examines safety considerations and best practices for hydrogen-powered vehicles and infrastructure, which will inform state policies and help unlock the full potential of clean hydrogen to reduce climate emissions and improve local air quality,” said Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-11).
Key highlights from the report include:
- Raising Awareness: Educating stakeholders about hydrogen safety is essential to expanding hydrogen’s use in new applications. Clear communication helps dispel misconceptions and concerns that might otherwise impede adoption, while fostering public and industry confidence in hydrogen as a safe, viable clean energy solution.
- Understanding Hydrogen: Hydrogen is a clean energy carrier with distinct physical and chemical properties. These characteristics require tailored design approaches and safety strategies—such as comprehensive hazard analyses, risk assessments, and engineering controls including proper ventilation, leak detection, and emergency shutdown systems.
- Implementing Safe Practices: Ensuring hydrogen safety depends on well-informed personnel, consistent training, and the sharing of best practices across organizations. Adherence to established safety codes and standards—such as those developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Compressed Gas Association (CGA)—provides a strong foundation for safe hydrogen handling, storage, and use.
- Evolving Regulatory Frameworks: As hydrogen technologies continue to advance, ongoing development of codes, standards, and regulatory frameworks is vital. Continuous improvement helps address new challenges, ensure alignment with emerging applications, and maintain a high level of safety across the hydrogen value chain.
The full Hydrogen Safety Report is available for download here.
To learn more about the Hydrogen Safety Report, register for upcoming webinar on October 28 at 11:00 AM PT.
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About the California Hydrogen Business Council
The California Hydrogen Business Council (CHBC) is a 501(c)6 trade association comprised of 100 companies, agencies, communities, and individuals involved in the hydrogen industry. Our mission is to advance commercialization of hydrogen in the energy and transportation sectors to achieve California’s climate, air quality, and decarbonization goals.
Learn more at CaliforniaHydrogen.org
About the Center for Hydrogen Safety
The Center for Hydrogen Safety (CHS) is a global non-profit dedicated to promoting hydrogen safety and best practices worldwide. Through supporting and promoting the safe handling and use of hydrogen across applications in the energy transition and providing a common communication platform with a global scope to ensure safety information, guidance, and expertise is available to all stakeholders – CHS can accomplish its vision of a world committed to hydrogen safety.
Learn more at www.aiche.org/chs.
Media Contact
Katrina Fritz
President and CEO
info@californiahydrogen.org