TECHNICAL GUIDELINES FOR HYDROGEN SULFIDE GAS (H2S)

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About H2S

The Chemical formula: H2S

Consist of 2 Hydrogen atoms and 1 sulfur Atom

Definition: a colorless, poisonous, flammable, and corrosive gas.

In Low concentrations, ↓ H2S can be smelled like Rotten Eggs.

In High concentrations, ↑ H2S cannot be smelled.

The Properties

Highly Toxic

Colorless

Heavier than Air

Highly Flammable

Moved & Mixed with the Wind

Dissolved in Water.

Highly Corrosive for the Pipelines

Explosive 

H2S-Where Can be Found in?

Production Areas

Confined Spaces

Sulfur removal Areas

Heaters & Coolers

Maintenance

Steam Injections

Reservoir Wells

Factors Influencing Toxic Action

Rate of Entry

State of Health

Age

Route of Exposure

Any previous Health Issues 

Primary Routes of Entering the Body:

Inhalation   → Through the Nose (Breathing)

Ingestion    → Through the Mouth (swallowing)

Absorption → Through the Skin

Injection    → Through the Blood Stream

Exposure Limits & Symptoms:

Exposure → 10 ppm (Allowed only for 8 hours)

Symptoms → Eye & Breathing Irritations

Exposure → 20 – 100 ppm (NOT allowed for Direct contact # Must have PPE`S)

Symptoms → Loss of sense of Smell, Headache, Cough, Nausea, Dizziness.

Exposure → ≥ 100 ppm (No Approaching)

Symptoms → Cannot Breathe, Unconsciousness, Cause DEATH IMMEDIATELY. 

Upper & Lower Explosion limits

(LEL) & (UEL)

Upper & Lower Explosion limits:

Range → 0- less than 4.3 %

Fire → No Fire → To lean to burn (Less H2S concentration)

Range → 4.3 - 46 % (Flammability Range)

Fire → Huge & Large Fire → (High H2S concentration)

Range → ≥ 46 %

Fire → No Fire → To Rich to burn (High High H2S concentration) 

When H2S Gas burns

With blue flames, produces another very toxic gas called Sulfur Dioxide

Sulfur Dioxide SO2

Combustion of H2S releases SO2 gas into the atmosphere. This gas reacts with other substance in the air Forming Sulfuric Acid

which will cause environmental crisis called Acid Rain.

H2S Pre-Requisites

Gas Testing

Valid Permit to Work

Valid H2S Permit to Work

Proper PPE`S Required

Entry logbook

Aware & trained well on how to escape

H2S Managing Release

H2S Training for all workers

SCBA Training

Regular Gas Testing

Regular Berating Apparatus Maintenance

Proper Safety and Leadership

Risk Assessment 

Monitoring and Detecting Mechanism

A- Personal Protective Equipment 
B- H2S Monitoring & Gas Detectors

1.  Personal Monitors

H2S Monitoring & Gas Detectors

2.  Fixed Monitors 

H2S Monitoring & Gas Detectors

3.  Portable Multi-Gas Detectors

Levels Conditions:

Level → < 10 ppm

Alarm → Greenlight (Possible Danger)

Level → 10-15 ppm

Alarm → Yellow light & Sound Alarm (Moderate Danger)

Level → > 15 ppm

Alarm → Red light & Noisy Sound Alarm (Extreme Danger)

Important Note 

Monitors Must be Calibrated Every 6 Months 

Respiratory Protective Equipment

SCBA      → Self Continued Breathing Apparatus

Usage      → Rescue & Escape Set

Contains → Positive Pressure Compressed Air cylinder with different capacities 30, 40, 60 minutes

SBA         → Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus

Usage      → Fixed Rescue set

Contains → Positive Pressure Compressed Air At the field

Respiratory Protective Equipment 

H2S Leaking

If a SUDDEN LEAK occurs

Do not Panic and try to Relax

Take a deep breath and hold it as possible as you can check the Wind Direction and move Crosswind

(Fast wear the escape set if available) Go immediately to Assembly Point

Inform the others Rescue team & supervisors

H2S Leaking

H2S Direction

WIND Direction

YOUR Direction 

REMINDER #

PROTECT yourself First and DO NOT become

Another Victim

Download File

Technical Guideline for Hydrogen Sulfide Gas (H2S)