Hydrogen Safety for First Responders
Supporting safe hydrogen infrastructure through guidance, education, and permitting resources.
This webpage provides links to existing hydrogen safety resources for local fire departments, first responders, building officials, and permitting authorities. The resources offer information on hydrogen safety considerations, permitting requirements, and available educational materials related to hydrogen infrastructure.
Hydrogen Permitting Guidebook
The 2026 Hydrogen Permitting Guidebook, developed by the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), helps local planning authorities and hydrogen project developers navigate permitting requirements for hydrogen infrastructure, including refueling stations, production facilities, and storage and distribution systems.
Hydrogen Safety Considerations for California summarizes hydrogen safety risks and mitigations, educates newcomers to hydrogen, addresses common misconceptions, and provides transparent, science-based information. It is a joint publication of the California Hydrogen Business Council and the Center for Hydrogen Safety.
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The Center for Hydrogen Safety (CHS) is a global non-profit dedicated to promoting hydrogen safety and best practices worldwide. They offer a variety of educational opportunities, including courses on NFPA 2 and an Introduction to Hydrogen Safety for First Responders. Group and in-person training is also available.
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The goal of H2Tools is to support implementation of the practices and procedures that will ensure safety in the handling and use of hydrogen in a variety of applications. The portal brings together and enhances the utility of a variety of tools and web-based content on the safety aspects of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to help inform those tasked with designing, approving or using systems and facilities, as well as those responding to incidents. H2Tools has a permitting resources page that can guide communities to support deployment of projects, an emergency response training resource, and a best practices page for project developers, among many other resources including webinars, videos and analytical tools.
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The Hydrogen Safety Panel’s 23 members have over 600 years of combined experience in the safe handling and use of hydrogen. They are available to support industry and government in all stages of project planning, design, and operation by providing suggestions and recommendations that promote the safe operation, handling, and use of hydrogen.
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The U.S. Department of Energy offers an Introduction to Hydrogen for Code Officials online training course. There are consultants offering hydrogen training resources for permitting officials (e.g. specialists in NFPA 2) and first responder training. Some State Fire Marshal deputies are trained and can offer support to local jurisdictions. The State Fire Marshal can also help connect local jurisdictions who are new to hydrogen with other AHJs and fire departments who have experience with hydrogen projects.