The Jovellanos Centre, true to its pioneering and innovative approach to emergency response training for professionals, has taken a step into the future by opening a dedicated facility for hydrogen (H₂) emergency training.

This new infrastructure is equipped with all the necessary elements: four cylinders of technical hydrogen, one cylinder of nitrogen for line inerting, control panels, non-return valves and flashback arrestors, and a vent pipe for safe venting to the atmosphere. The entire system has dual exits and is protected by a 3-metre concrete wall, ensuring maximum safety.

Why is this training so important?

Hydrogen, the lightest element in existence, is highly volatile and has a wide flammability range, which requires firefighters and professional brigades to follow specific protocols and have specialist knowledge. The training includes:

• Theoretical part: basic knowledge of hydrogen, production, storage, transport, and risk analysis.
• Practical part: trainees become familiar with the product, manage a pressure leak and learn to identify a flame that is virtually invisible to the naked eye, requiring infrared thermal imaging cameras.

To manually shut off a valve, the highest level of personal protective equipment is required, together with full command of advanced firefighting techniques.

This practical training offers a key advantage: real-world experience in safe, controlled environments supervised by professionals, ensuring that emergency response teams are fully prepared to meet the challenges they may face.