The Importance of Safety Auditing as the Hydrogen Economy Grows
A recent government audit reveals that the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (Kitech), a government research institute, issued 14 falsified and fabricated test outcomes on hydrogen refuelling equipment.
The National Research Council of Science and Technology conducted an audit of KIITECH’s report and found that 13 of these test results were issued without actual testing.
KITECH was established in 1989, as a national institution focused on advancing industrial technology and ensuring product safety through rigorous testing and research.
The institute supports Korea’s industrial sector by conducting comprehensive tests to ensure compliance with national and international standards
In recent years, KITECH has been pivotal in developing hydrogen fuel technologies, contributing to the global shift towards sustainable energy sources.
KITECH’s role in hydrogen fuel development includes extensive research and development to improve the efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen technologies. Additionally, KITECH collaborates with government agencies, private companies, and academic institutions to foster innovation, provide technical support, and facilitate the commercialisation of hydrogen-based solutions.
The organisation’s senior managers discovered the fraudulent reports earlier in the audit but failed to disclose the issue publicly
Disciplinary actions against those responsible were minimal. One individual resigned and faced no repercussions, while a technical manager received a two-month suspension but retained his position later.
The fabricated tests including tensile strength and hydraulic rupture tests on hoses for hydrogen fuelling equipment were requested by two domestic companies participating in a government research project. These tests are vital to ensure the hoses can safely deliver hydrogen at pressures of 700 bar and temperatures as low as minus -65°C.
Despite this, the falsified results were used for government research and development projects, posing direct safety risks not only to the staff but also to the public and the foundation for upcoming projects based on their fake results.
“If the test results are incorrect, safety problems such as fatal accidents may occur,” warned the audit report. The two affected companies were not informed of the false results until recently and have sought testing from other organisations.
The audit also confirmed cases where test results were manipulated to suit the requesting companies’ and projects’ needs, compromising the integrity of Kitech’s evaluations.
The revelations emphasise the need for stricter oversight and accountability within government research institutions to prevent such incidents and ensure public safety.
