Human Factors Considerations for Hydrogen Rail Refueling and Maintenance

Fleming, Elizabeth Scott [Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)]; Hopkins, Shelby Elizabeth [Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)]; Ehrhart, Brian David [Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)] (ORCID:0000000274202540)

doi:10.2172/3023857

DOE OSTI · 3023857

Human Factors Considerations for Hydrogen Rail Refueling and Maintenance

Fleming, Elizabeth Scott [Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)]·Hopkins, Shelby Elizabeth [Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)]·Ehrhart, Brian David [Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)] (ORCID:0000000274202540)

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Abstract

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) contracted Sandia National Laboratories to review the risks introduced specifically through human interactions within hydrogen rail refueling and maintenance activities and present recommendations for future system development and implementation. Due to the lack of domestic hydrogen-powered trains at the time of review, observational data was collected on analogous existing systems to consider various ways hydrogen might be implemented within future designs. The team developed 50 human factors design guidelines through analysis of human risk factors. Because hydrogen rail systems are still in the early design stage, the resulting human factors guidelines represent general best practices and do not include specific design features. The research team recommends design and regulatory agencies include a Human Factors Engineer in the design and review process to ensure the guidelines are appropriately implemented and verified.

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Fleming, Elizabeth Scott [Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)], Hopkins, Shelby Elizabeth [Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)], Ehrhart, Brian David [Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)] (ORCID:0000000274202540). 2026-03-01. Human Factors Considerations for Hydrogen Rail Refueling and Maintenance. https://doi.org/10.2172/3023857

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