7.

2 Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Hazard Awareness

7.2.1 Introduction :
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2 S) is one of the most toxic dangerous
gases in the oil and gas industry.
It is absolutely essential that all employees have a clear
understanding of the very hazardous nature of H2S, the
recognition of its presence, and the procedures to be followed in
order to protect themselves from its lethal effect if H2S is
released into the atmosphere.
H2S may be released into the atmosphere during operations
such as drilling, draining, venting, sampling and when process
equipment or pipe work is opened for maintenance work.
It can also be released to the atmosphere due to the leakage of
crude oil or natural gas containing H2S.
The purpose of this code of safe practice is to aid the
understanding of all personnel and to clarify safe working
procedures for personnel who may be exposed to H2S.
H2S KILLS SO BE AWARE - BE SAFE

7.2.2 H2S Properties & Toxicity

H2S is a highly toxic gas. It is colorless and is heavier than air;
however it is readily dispersed by wind movement.
It is flammable and, if ignited, will burn with a blue flame,
producing Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) an irritating and also very toxic
gas with a pungent odor.

H2S has a characteristic 'rotten eggs' odor, which can be

smelled in Concentrations as low as 0.1 part of gas per million
parts of air by volume (ppm).
DO NOT DEPEND ON SMELL TO DETECT H2S. The odor is very
unreliable way of detecting this poisonous gas since at
concentrations between 100-150 ppm, the sense of smell is
rapidly deadened.
At low concentrations, H2S causes irritation to the eyes, nose
and throat, and in high concentrations can be rapidly fatal due
to lung paralysis.
The Threshold Limit Value (TLV) is the time weighted average
concentration for an 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week to which
nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed without adverse
effect. The TLV for H2S is 10 ppm.

7.2.3 Detection of H2S

Your sense of smell is usually first in warning you of the
presence of H2S, but unfortunately may be the last.
DO NOT RELY ON YOUR SENSE OF SMELL TO TELL YOU HOW
MUCH H2S GAS IS PRESENT
- Portable H2S Detector Alarm
This instrument is designed as personal protection for
workers exposed to H2S hazards. It measures H2S
concentrations and gives an audible alarm when the
concentration is 10 ppm or greater.

7.2.4 Personnel Protection

Upon emergency, all involved staff must wear the provided
escape mask immediately. If safe, try to stop operations and
leave site in safe condition then follow site escape procedures
of client.

6.7 H2S Rescue & First Aid Procedure

In the event of an emergency where a person has been
overcome by H2S - remain calm - THINK!
If you are an authorized person then :
6.7.1 PUT ON A BREATHING APPARATUS BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO RESCUE
A PERSON IN TROUBLE. IF YOU DO NOT - YOU TOO CAN
BECOME A VICTIM OF H2S.
6.7.2 Move the victim to a safe (fresh air) area. (Go upwind of
source of H2S release NOT
downwind).
6.7.3 If victim is not breathing, start artificial respiration
immediately.
6.7.4 Call medical help. Keep victim warm.
6.7.5 Continue giving artificial respiration until the doctor
arrives.
6.7.6 If available, use a resuscitator, but only if properly trained
in its use.
6.7.7 If the person eyes are affected, wash well with clean
water.
NOTES :
 • If a person suffers minor exposure to H2S, and has not
been completely unconscious, it is recommended that
he rest for about 8 hours, in order to attempt getting his
reflexes back to normal.
• If a victim is moved to fresh air and normal respiration is
restored before the heart action ceases, then fairly
rapid recovery usually occurs.

6.8 Protection of Personnel Against H2S

Careful planning is necessary when work is to be carried out in
an area where H2S is a potential hazard. Problem situations
should be eliminated beforehand, NOT when LIFE is at risk.
Working procedures in H2S risk areas and on H2S equipment
must be strictly controlled at all times.
Safety precautions should include the following:

6.8.1 All personnel to know how to approach

the work site taking into consideration
wind direction, and movement of
personnel.
6.8.2 Elimination of all sources of ignition because H2S is
extremely flammable.
6.8.3 Use of escape mask.
6.8.4 Availability of at least two escape-routes
6.8.5 Air monitoring or detection equipment with appropriate
alarm system.
6.8.6 Observation of warning signs.
6.8.7 Use of reliable communications.