Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)

H2S HAZARDS
H2S or hydrogen sulfide is one of the most common and serious hazards faced in the oil & gas industry.

H2S - Where Does It Occur?

H2S is naturally present in crude oil and as a by-product during the production and processing of oil and gas. It can also be produced during sewage and waste water treatment.

H2S PROPERTIES
H2S GAS IS:
Toxic Colorless Soluble Heavier than air Flammable Explosive Corrosive Odor rotten egg

Units:
Measurement unit: PPM = Parts Per Million 1% = 10,000PPM 1 ppm is equal to 1mm in 1 Km 1KD in 1000 000 KD 1 second in 11 days .

H2S EFFECTS of EXPOSURE

1ppm 5ppm
Sense of smell remains intact and can detect a rotten egg odor This is the TLV-TWA (8 hrs) (TLV-Threshold Limit Value
concentration to which a person can be exposed for 8 hours (TWA- Time Weighted Average) without breathing apparatus)

10ppm
15 PPM

Eye irritation
This is the (STEL) SHORT TERM EXPOSURE LIMIT Maximum concentration to which a person can be exposed for 15 Minutes Only 4 Exposures permitted per work shift

H2S EFFECTS of EXPOSURE

100ppm
Eye inflammation, nausea & cough. Sense of smell becomes ineffectual within 3-15 minutes; this is the IDLH value (Immediately Dangerous to Life & Health) Breathing difficulty, nervous system impairment can result in tremors, numbness in extremities, convulsions, ability to reason is lost Respiratory failure, seizures, unconsciousness, fatal in few breaths!

500ppm

700ppm

FACTORS THAT DETERMINE THE EFFECT OF H2S ON INDIVIDUALS

Duration: the length of time the person is exposed to H2S Intensity: concentration of H2S the person is exposed to Individual Susceptibility: Physical (Eye, Respiratory and Anemia), mental conditions & Alcoholics. Frequency: How often the person is exposed to H2S

Draining pumps

JOBS THAT COULD RESULT H2S RELEASE

Breaking flanges Collecting samples (produced water/crude oil) Draining flare knockout drums Replacing pressure gauge on oil service

H2S Hazard Control

1. Engineering Measures

4.

Effective Training

Safe Design of Process Equipment Regular Equipment Maintenance Proper Ventilation Control of Leaks

leak or release of H2S H2S emergency response plan

Rescue procedures
Emergency telephone numbers H2S alarms and warning lights Wind direction Upwind/crosswind escape Instruction Assembly Points/areas Air-monitoring devices SCBAs

2.

Detection

Areas with H2S to be monitored Fixed-Area H2S Monitor Portable Gas Monitor
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Air Supplied Breathing Apparatus Emergency Escape bottle

3.

Respiratory Protection

What precautions do we take when there is a possibility of H2S release?

1. MINIMIZE THE POTENTIAL RELEASE Ask the question: Do we need to do this job or can we do it another way? Drain to a closed system Thoroughly clean out vessels prior to opening up Water flush equipment prior to draining JOB PLANNING AND EXECUTION Perform job safety analysis Work from upwind side of potential release location Keep H2S detector with you at all times Use the buddy system Wear SCBA or Air Supplied Breathing Apparatus as necessary Immediate actions at the release time (10ppm H2S is present) Get to a safe area immediately Move up wind if release is downwind of you Move cross wind if release is upwind of you Move to higher ground if possible.

2.

3.

RESCUE AND FIRST AID

Contact Emergency Dept immediately Remove victim to fresh air If breathing stops commence artificial respiration/CPR Ensure medical examination

Always wear SCBA before attempting a rescue DONT BECOME A VICTIM TOO