HYDROGEN SULFIDE (SO2)-CONCENTRATION AND POTENTIAL EFFECTS-HSE DOCUMENTS

 

HYDROGEN SULPHIDE (SO2) 

Hydrogen Sulphide (SO2) is a by-product of all petrochemical processes, sewage systems, mines, and laboratories. It is a highly toxic gas, colorless, heavier than air, flammable, explosive, and corrosive. Its odor is not a reliable warning. Up to 5 ppm, odor can distinguish its presence as a rotten egg. 

Hydrogen Sulphide (SO2) is heavier than air, therefore it accumulates in low-level areas such as excavations, trenches, and oil tanks, all are considered traps for the gas. Hydrogen Sulphide is a combustible gas. It will ignite at 4.6 to 46 % mixture with air, it gives a blue flame when ignited. When it burns, it produces a toxic gas of Sulfur dioxide (SO2). Hydrogen Sulphide (SO2) corrosion is a factor in the formation of pyrophoric materials.

CONCENTRATION AND POTENTIAL EFFECTS

Concentration: 1 PPM:  

No Significant physical effects. The sense of smell for Hydrogen Sulphide (SO2) remains intact and can detect a rotten egg odor.

Concentration: 10 PPM:

Potential Effects: Eye irritation; 10 PPM is the threshold limit value (TLV)-the greatest. Concentration is safe to breathe without respiratory protection for a normal 8-hour work day, and 40-hour work week.

Concentration: 100 PPM:

Potential Effects: Eye inflation; corneal blistering, headache; nausea; cough; and sense of smell become ineffectual within 3-15 minutes.

Concentration: 500 PPM:

Potential Effects: Respiratory disturbances cause breathing difficulties; nervous system impairment can result in tremors, numbness in extremities, and convulsions; the ability to reason is lost.

Concentration: 700 PPM:

Potential Effects: Respiratory failure; unconsciousness; seizures; Loss of bowel and bladder control; fatal in 30 minutes.

Concentration: 1000 PPM:

Potential Effects: Causes immediate unconsciousness and death within minutes.

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