Hydrogen Awareness
The recent publication of Australia's National Hydrogen Framework outlines a national commitment to developing Australia's hydrogen industry to secure a greener future. Australia does not currently have a nationally consistent framework for responding to hydrogen related disasters, a gap which needs to be addressed before hydrogen technology can be integrated into homes and public infrastructure.
With the ever-increasing threat of climate change the push for global adoption of renewable fuel alternatives is growing. Hydrogen as a fuel source is becoming a popular substitute for fossil fuels in the USA and Europe.
While hydrogen in Australia is still in its infancy, the 2019 Australian National Hydrogen Strategy outlined Australia’s potential hydrogen future with predictions that hydrogen infrastructure and technology will be commonplace by 2030. This rapid implementation is necessary for Australia to meet its carbon goals, and although all hydrogen systems have inbuilt safety devices, emergency personnel need to be prepared to respond to these emerging and increasing risks.
To combat this, AFAC have been working on developing a nationally consistent hydrogen training package that will prepare first responders and equip them with knowledge and confidence to face these challenges.
Phase 1, completed in 2022, saw the analysis of predeveloped commercially available hydrogen training modules. Phase 2 continued this work by engaging a diverse working group to critically evaluate the options presented in Phase 1 and develop learning frameworks and funding models in preparation for development. Now AFAC, in collaboration with Deakin University, has developed the first ever National Hydrogen Awareness Package in Australia for the emergency services.
Hydrogen Awareness online training module
The online training module is an interactive 1-hour eLearning module that introduces hydrogen in an interesting and accessible way.
Hydrogen Awareness face-to-face resources
The online training content is also available as printable information pdf files for face-to-face training sessions.
Hydrogen Awareness training program for emergency first responders
This training is designed for Australian career and volunteer emergency responders, fire and rescue personnel, and non-operational team members. It introduces the properties, possible risks, and expected applications associated with hydrogen.
Hydrogen Awareness training: answers to interactive exercises
Facilitator answers to interactive exercises in the Hydrogen Awareness training program face-to-face resources.
Further resources
National Hydrogen Framework
The recent publication of Australia's National Hydrogen Framework outlines a national commitment to developing Australia's hydrogen industry to secure a greener future. Australia does not currently have a nationally consistent framework for responding to hydrogen related disasters, a gap which needs to be addressed before hydrogen technology can be integrated into homes and public infrastructure.
What is hydrogen?
Hydrogen has been of interest in recent years as a sustainable and green fuel source.
More information
For more information or for any queries relating to this project please email: hydrogenonline@afac.com.au
Header image: Deakin University