This document provides information about hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a toxic and flammable gas that can be encountered during oil and gas exploration and production. It lists the hazards of H2S exposure, including paralysis, unconsciousness, and death at high concentrations. The document outlines safety precautions like using gas detection equipment, proper training and authorization, respiratory protection, emergency response plans, and signage for H2S areas.
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Purpose: Do Not Rely On Your Sense of Smell To Detect H S
This document provides information about hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a toxic and flammable gas that can be encountered during oil and gas exploration and production. It lists the hazards of H2S exposure, including paralysis, unconsciousness, and death at high concentrations. The document outlines safety precautions like using gas detection equipment, proper training and authorization, respiratory protection, emergency response plans, and signage for H2S areas.
This document provides information about hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a toxic and flammable gas that can be encountered during oil and gas exploration and production. It lists the hazards of H2S exposure, including paralysis, unconsciousness, and death at high concentrations. The document outlines safety precautions like using gas detection equipment, proper training and authorization, respiratory protection, emergency response plans, and signage for H2S areas.
Copyright:
Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
Download as pdf or txt
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Purpose: Do Not Rely On Your Sense of Smell To Detect H S
This document provides information about hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a toxic and flammable gas that can be encountered during oil and gas exploration and production. It lists the hazards of H2S exposure, including paralysis, unconsciousness, and death at high concentrations. The document outlines safety precautions like using gas detection equipment, proper training and authorization, respiratory protection, emergency response plans, and signage for H2S areas.
Copyright:
Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
Download as pdf or txt
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Purpose This document is intended to serve as a reminder of safe work practices and is not a complete presentation of this topic.
It should be used by individuals trained and competent in this subject. It is not intended to replace or supersede company procedures, industry standards and/or applicable governmental laws and regulations. Definition H2S, also known as sour gas, swamp gas, poison gas, is a poisonous gas byproduct of the exploration and production of oil and gas. It is formed from the decomposition of organic matter and as a byproduct of various chemical reactions. Applications Hydrogen sulfide may be found and impose hazards in one or more of the following areas/operations: Water floods Sewers or septic systems Disposal wells Stagnant cellars/sumps Hydrogen sulfide production zones Vacuum/transport trucks Drilling/workover operations Flowlines Production facilities including sweetening plants and tank batteries Reserve pits Hazards and Effects of H2S Do not rely on your sense of smell to detect H2S. H2S causes paralysis of the respiratory center in the brain and can result in immediate collapse and death. Inhalation of lower concentrations of H2S gas can cause irrational behavior resulting in unsafe acts and injuries. H2S is very flammable. H2S reacts with steel to form iron sulfide which can ignite when exposed to air. H2S when burned produces Sulfur Dioxide (S02) which is also toxic. H2S is highly corrosive and may lead to metal embrittlement/fatigue. H2S effects are influenced and possibly accelerated by alcohol and certain medications. Concentrations of H2S may affect each individual differently! Exposure may cause: Skin and/or eye irritation Dizziness Loss of appetite Dryness in nose and/or throat Fatigue Coughing Nausea Loss of consciousness or death Headache General Information Concentrations (ppm) 0.032 - 0.02 Effect Odor Threshold (Begin to smell)
Above 10 Toxic to personnel; wear respiratory protection equipment. Above 300 Quickly deadens the sense of smell. Considered Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH). Respiratory equipment approved for this level must be used. Above 500 Attacks respiratory center in the brain, causing breathing to stop and loss of consciousness within 15 minutes Above 700 Rapid loss of consciousness and death. Above 1000 Immediate unconsciousness and death if not revived promptly. See also the Respiratory Protection and the Personal Protective Equipment topics for additional information. Guidelines Use detection equipment when working in an area where there is a possibility of H2S gas, especially in enclosed or below grade areas (holes, trenches, reserve pits). Maintain and calibrate detection equipment per manufacturers specifications. Do not enter an H2S area without proper training and authorization. In IDLH atmospheres a standby person(s) with suitable Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) must be available for purposes of rescue. Never attempt to rescue an H2S victim without a SCBA. Employees working in H2S areas are required to be properly fit tested. All H2S exposure victims should be treated by a physician before returning to work. In the event of a H2S emergency, all personnel should follow the site emergency plan. H2S areas, facilities, pipelines, and/or flowlines should be properly identified with signage. References Texas Railroad Commission Rule 36 BLM Onshore Oil and Gas Order No. 6 OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1000 (Table Z-2) and 1910.134 (Respiratory Protection) American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value Pocketbook National Institute of Occupational & Safety and Health Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
