South Africa is rapidly advancing its green hydrogen ambitions with substantial funding commitments and backing from international entities. The government's focus on green hydrogen as a key component of the energy transition is evident through initiatives like the US$1 billion SA-H2 Fund and R370 million from the EU for infrastructure development. However, as investments increase, Michael van Niekerk, CEO of ASP Fire, emphasizes the critical importance of addressing fire and life safety risks associated with hydrogen. The unique properties of hydrogen, such as high flammability and near-invisible flames, pose significant hazards, with around 25% of hydrogen fires attributed to leaks. Ensuring robust detection and prevention systems are in place is crucial, especially when repurposing existing facilities or in areas with limited local expertise. Additionally, the dependency of hydrogen infrastructure on uninterrupted renewable energy highlights the necessity of power reliability to mitigate safety hazards. To navigate these challenges, a comprehensive approach to fire safety is recommended, involving early integration of safety systems, predictive technologies, and specialized personnel training. As South Africa progresses in building its hydrogen economy, the integration of safety measures at every phase, from initial planning to operational stages, will be vital for the sustainable and secure development of the sector.