H2S Awareness

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H2S Awareness
Introduction
Hydrogen Sulfide is an extremely toxic gas that
is colorless, flammable, heavier than air,
soluble in water, and has the smell of rotten
eggs at lower concentrations.
H2S
At higher concentrations H2S can deaden your
sense of smell.
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H2S Awareness
How Is Hydrogen Sulfide Formed?
H2S is a by-product formed when organic matter
decays.
Hydrogen Sulfide is generated as a common
by-product of industrial and manufacturing
processes.
Hydrogen Sulfide is formed under low oxygen
conditions when sufficient amounts of sulfur and
bacteria are present. H2S can be formed in many
places such as

• Oil and gas reservoirs.

• Sewers and sewage processing facilities.

• Dark damp places where bacteria is present.

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H2S Awareness
Where Is Hydrogen Sulfide Found?
Hydrogen Sulfide can be found almost anywhere
that oil, water, and gas are produced.
Examples are
Production Separators
Vapor Recovery Units
Sulfur Removal Systems
Flotation Cells
Water Knock-Outs
Wellheads or Tanks
Heater Treaters
Pits, Cellars or Sewers.
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H2S Awareness
What are the Health Hazards of H2S?
Hydrogen Sulfide can have an array of health
effects on the body depending on exposure
concentrations.
H2S will enter through the lungs and is
considered a chemical asphyxiate.
It blocks the transfer of oxygen to the blood
cells and causes paralysis of the respiratory
system.
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H2S Awareness
Exposure Limits
Here are the Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) exposure
limits.
Permissible Exposure Limit 10 ppm for an 8-hr
period avg.
Short Term Exposure Limit 15 ppm for a
15-minute avg.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health 100 ppm
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H2S Awareness
Concentration Levels Effects
The following table below lists the health
effects of exposure to H2S.
Concentration Health Effects
10 ppm Beginning eye irritation
50-100 ppm Slight respiratory tract irritation after 1 hour exposure.
100 ppm Coughing, eye irritation, loss of sense of smell after 2-15 minutes. Altered respiration, pain in the eyes, and drowsiness after 15-30 minutes followed by throat irritation after 1 hour. Several hours exposure results in gradual increase in severity of these symptoms and death may occur within the next 48 hours
200-300 ppm Severe respiratory tract irritation after 1 hour of exposure. Possible pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).
500-700 ppm Loss of consciousness and possibly death in 30 minutes to 1 hour.
700-1,000 ppm Rapid unconsciousness, loss of respiration, and death after 1-3 minutes.
1,000-2,000ppm Unconsciousness at once, loss of respiration and death in a few minutes. Death may occur even if individual is removed to fresh air at once.
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H2S Awareness
Monitoring
As mentioned, one of Hydrogen Sulfide's effects
on the body is it deadens the sense of smell at
fairly low concentrations.
This can cause a false sense of security and
therefore we must use air monitoring equipment to
detect H2S.
A variety of equipment can be used to do this
Fixed monitors can be located where contamination
is possible.
Alarms to alert personnel when H2S levels exceed
permissible exposure limits.
Portable monitors that can be hand held or
attached to yourself.
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H2S Awareness
When Do We Monitor?
Air monitoring should be done anytime there is a
potential for someone to be exposed over the PEL
of H2S.
Examples of when air monitoring shall be
performed are

• At all times when working around H2S
  concentrations

• During all confined space entries.

• Any time there is a potential to be exposed
  over the PEL.

• When gauging tanks.

Oxygen
Flammability
Toxicity
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H2S Awareness
Escape Guidelines
Should a release occur here are some escape
guidelines you must follow.

• Know the alarm systems.

• Know where the potential sources for H2S are
  located.

• Know the wind direction at all times.

• Escape by getting upwind to a higher elevation
  (if possible) from the source.

• When escaping, always go cross wind and around
  the source.

• Never go directly upwind (you may be running
  into the source).

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H2S Awareness
Summary
Hydrogen Sulfide is deadly, especially when you
dont understand or respect its dangers.
Take H2S seriously follow all safe guidelines
and standards. Remember always ask a supervisor
if unsure
Its a matter of life or death.
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H2S Awareness
Quiz
Short exposure to 100ppm hydrogen sulfide will
cause immediate death.
False
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H2S Awareness
Quiz
Hydrogen sulfide is invisible, flammable,
explosive and deadly.
True
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H2S Awareness
Quiz
When a hydrogen sulfide emergency occurs, rescue
any victims first, then protect yourself.
False
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H2S Awareness
Quiz
Hydrogen sulfide is heavier than air, so it
collects in low-lying areas.
True
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H2S Awareness
Quiz
You do not need to worry about H2S unless you
detect a rotten-egg odor.
False
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H2S Awareness
Quiz
Emergency escape units can be used to enter and
work in H2S environments.
False
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H2S Awareness
Quiz
To avoid exposure to H2S, you should remain wind
conscious.
True
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H2S Awareness
Quiz
Your breathing apparatus should always be
positive-pressure, never air-purifying.
True
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H2S Awareness
Quiz
After youve been trained to use respiratory
protection, you wont have to worry about
additional training.
False
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H2S Awareness
Quiz
If you suspect H2S is present in your work area,
you should move immediately downwind away from
the area.
False