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CGA Attends 54th Meeting of the International Harmonization Council

Representatives from the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) were in Kyoto, Japan in March 2024 for the 54th meeting of the International Harmonization Council (IHC). Founded to manage the global harmonization of industry safety standards, the IHC includes participants from the Asia Industrial Gases Association (AIGA), Compressed Gas Association (CGA), European Industrial Gases Association (EIGA), and the Japan Industrial and Medical Gases Association (JIMGA). These regional associations and their partner organizations work closely to ensure the publication of consistent best practices around the world.

To date, the IHC has overseen the harmonization of 74 new projects on a wide array of topics. Today there are 12 new projects under development capturing everything from lessons learned during the pandemic to best practices identified following incident reviews.

The IHC also continues to have a strong focus on hydrogen. There are currently 13 existing harmonized hydrogen standards, a gap analysis to support prioritization of future work, and 4 new publications under active development:

  • Hydrogen Systems Separation Distances;
  • Design of Hydrogen Loading and Unloading Connections;
  • Standard for Hydrogen Vent Systems; and
  • Method to Prevent the Premature Activation of Relief Devices on Transport Tanks.

In addition to supporting the expedited development of harmonized hydrogen standards, the IHC is looking to expand its influence beyond the industry. At the March 2024 meeting, there was agreement to form joint working groups to coordinate industry positions on key international standards being developed by ISO Technical Committee 197, Hydrogen Technologies. These joint working groups will work to promote broader adoption of industry positions in ISO standards.

As the industry looks towards a more sustainable future, the IHC is supporting related work on topics such as the phase out the use of Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS)-containing materials, guidance on accounting and reporting greenhouse gas emissions by industrial gas companies, and an industry position statement on hydrogen’s potential impact on greenhouse gases.

CGA is proud to participate in the IHC, as we recognize the critical importance of global safety standards in our industry. By participating in harmonization, we ensure consistency and clarity in safety guidelines throughout the world, enhancing the safe handling, transportation, and use of gases worldwide. Through collaboration with our IHC partners, we further our mission to continuously improve industry safety.

The next IHC meeting will be hosted by EIGA on August 20 – 21, 2024.

Interested in learning more about harmonization activities or joining an active harmonization work effort? Please reach out to Laura Brumsey (LBrumsey@cganet.com).

Recently Published Harmonized Publications