This paper describes the need for, and objectives of the European Hydrogen Incident and Accident Database (HIAD). This web-based Information System is currently being developed by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (Institute for Energy) and Det Norske Veritas (DNV). The background, design principles and operating regime are described. The result is a conceptually new and innovative event database approach. Instead of standard industrial accident database too], HIAD is a collaborative and communicative process in the form of an open web-based Information System. This, to promote and communicate safety actions taken by industrial and other partners as a consequence of hydrogen-related incidents and accidents. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.