This paper describes an investigation into the acceptability of installing hydrogen dispensers in public areas based on risk assessments. Because gasoline dispenser risks have been widely accepted for many years, they were used as a benchmark in this study to analyze the risks of hydrogen dispensers. More specifically, we performed risk assessments for both hydrogen and gasoline dispensers and then compared and analyzed the results. We began the process by creating models for both hydrogen and gasoline dispensers that represented their various specifications and elements. Next, potential accident scenarios for each dispenser model were identified by failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) and hazard and operability study (HAZOP). The risks of each scenario were then qualitatively evaluated and the results were organized into risk matrices. By comparing the results of both hydrogen and gasoline dispensers with and without existing safety measures, the appropriateness of their safety measures were validated. Furthermore, by comparing the results of hydrogen and gasoline dispenser safety measures, it was confirmed that the risk levels of the two types were practically equivalent. Therefore, we concluded that the risks involved with installing hydrogen dispensers in public areas can be considered acceptable. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.