Hydrogen Sulphide

Training Manual
Contents:

• Origin of H2S
• Properties of H2S
• Human Anatomy
• Effects of H2s
• H2S First Aid Treatment
• Detection of H2s
• Breathing Apparatus
• Safety Practice
• Emergency Response
• Practical Exercises
 Origin of H2S
Origin of H2S

H2S is a naturally occurring substance. Sources of the gas include:

• geological formations
• organic material
• chemically produced H2S

Locations of H2S
The oil and gas industry is the single largest source of H2S. Knowing where this toxic
gas usually is found will help you develop strategies to reduce your likelihood of
exposure. In this section, you will learn about common locations of H2S. General
locations linked to H2S occurrence include:

• Drilling Operations
• Well Stimulation Operations
• Well Service Operations
• Production Operations
• Plant Operations
• Transportation Operations

Specific Locations

Drilling Operations
When drilling for oil or gas, it is possible that a formation containing H2S may be
encountered. If that happens, the gas could be released from, or accumulate in, the
following areas

• blow-out preventer (BOP)

• flow nipple
• drilling fluids at the wellbore
• drilling fluid piping system
• shale-shaker and mud tanks
• flare pit
• under the sub-structure
• degasser
• choke manifold

Well Stimulation Operations

• wellhead
• circulating tanks
• production tanks
• circulating pumps and piping systems
• production fluids
• return fluids
• vents
• sample valves
• BOP
• coil tubing
• flare pit
• tank trunks
• dismantling and repairing at maintenance facilities and on-lease

Well Service Operations

Specific locations of H2S in these operations include :

• circulating tanks
• production tanks
• circulating pumps and piping systems
• open tanks
• gauge hatches
• wellhead
• wellbore and other fluids
• dismantling and repairing at maintenance facilities and on-lease

Field Operations

There are several specific locations in field operations where H2S will probably occur.
These include :

• water, oil or emulsion storage tanks and associated manways

• treaters and separators processing oil, water, gas and emulsions
• dehydrators for removing water from gas streams
• pig senders and traps for cleaning pipelines and field gathering systems
• flare pits and stacks used for burning off gas
• enhanced oil recovery sites (these activities may cause a formation to become sour)

Plant Operations

In plants, H2S may be found around the following :

• inlet separators
• the sweetening process
• process vessels
• compressor buildings
• sulphur extraction, storage and transfer facilities
• storage tanks

Transportation

Specific transportation facilities and areas where H2S may be found include :

terminals for transferring product between trucks, railcars and ships

hatches, vents and spills associated with trucks, railcars and ships
tank truck maintenance and repair facilities

When working around pipelines and pipeline facilities, you may find H2S in the
following areas :

• meter stations (due to operational adjustments and maintenance)

• pig launching and receiving stations
• compressors and buildings where the pressure of the gas is raised before entering the
pipeline system
 Properties of H2S
PROPERTIES OF H2S

If you’re going to understand what H2S is and how it behaves, you need to know its
properties. With proper knowledge, you will be better able to protect yourself from this
deadly gas. In this section, you will learn about the properties of H2S, including :

• Colour
• Odour
• Vapour Density
• Flammability
• Solubility

PROPERTIES DESCRIPTION

Colour Colourless
no visible sign of H2S to warn you of its presence
Odour Smells like “rotten eggs”
impairs your sense of smell at low concentrations
do not rely on your sense of smell to detect H2S
Vapour Density Slightly heavier than air (1.19 compared to 1.0 for air)
in gas mixtures, it will be present wherever the gas mixture is
found
Gas mixtures may be heavier or lighter than air, depending on
their Vapour density and temperature compared to the ambient
atmosphere (i.e. usually air)
in its pure state, or as a high proportion of a gas mixture, it may
flow or settle into low-lying area, such as pits, trenches and
natural depressions
Flammability Flammable
burns with a blue flame and gives off sulphur dioxide gas, SO2
SO2 is hazardous and irritates the eyes and the respiratory
system
explosive when mixed with air, depending upon the proportions.

Measurement of H2S

Two different scales are commonly used to measure hydrogen sulphide concentrations.
Most of us are already familiar with the percentage (%) scale. It divides the total into 100
parts and tells us in “parts per hundred” how much of the total we are looking at.
When we deal with the effects of hydrogen sulphide on the human body, we have to use a
measurement scale that divides the total mass into much, much smaller units. For this
purpose, the “parts per million” or “ppm” scale is used. It divides the total into 1,000,000
parts and tells us, parts per million, the concentration of the substance we are looking at.
The smallest unit we can measure is one part per million.

1% equals 10,000 ppm

As we compare the two scales, we can see that for every 1% there are 10,000 ppm. It is
easy for most of us to picture in our minds what one part in a hundred means. However,
it is much more difficult to picture how small one part in a million really is.

As a mental exercise, let’s imagine what one part per million (ppm) would mean when we
compare it to distance.

We are all familiar with the length of a metre; about the distance of one long step

1,000 metres = one kilometre, another unit we are familiar with

1,000 kilometres = 1,000,000 metres
Think of some town or city approximately 1,000 km from where you are right now One
part per million (ppm) of that distance would be one metre, or one long step. This should
give you an idea of how small one ppm really is.

Flammability

H2S is usually found mixed with a variety of hydrocarbon and other gases and liquids.
These products may pose other hazards, in addition to H2S. These hazards include :

Hydrocarbon Fire and Explosion

All hydrocarbon vapours and gases will ignite when mixed with air within a certain range
of proportions. This range is called the flammable range (or explosive range). The
flammable range for mixtures of hydrocarbon products (i.e. crude oil vapours, natural gas
etc.) is variable, depending upon the proportions of hydrocarbon and other components in
the mixture.

The lowest amount of gas in air that will burn is the lower flammable limit, or LFL (also
called the lower explosive limit, or LEL). The highest amount of gas in air that will burn
is the upper flammable limit, or UFL (also called the upper explosive limit, or UEL).

Serious, potentially fatal, burns may occur as a result of exposure to the uncontrolled
ignition of hydrocarbon products.

Toxic Effects
How much H2S does it take to make me sick or kill me?
At what level can I smell it?
When do I lose my sense of smell?
At what ppm will I pass out?
The following table will guide you to the answers to these questions.

H2S Toxicity Levels

H2S Exposure (ppm) Possible Health Effects
Less than 1 ppm You can smell it
10 ppm No known adverse health effects
(8-hour OEL)
20 to 200 ppm Eye and respiratory tract irritation and loss of smell. Will also cause
headache and nausea.
100 ppm Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH)
IDLH refers to a hazardous atmosphere where a person without
adequate respiratory protection may be fatally injured or suffer
immediate, irreversible or incapacitating health effects.
500 to 700 ppm Affects the central nervous system. After a couple of minutes, it
causes loss of reasoning, loss of balance, unconsciousness and
breathing to stop
700 to 1000 ppm Immediate loss of consciousness. Permanent brain damage and
DEATH will occur if you are not rescued immediately.

Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL)

Government agencies set limits for worker exposure to toxic substances. These levels are
there for your safety and must not be ignored! For the purpose of this course, we will
refer to them in terms of Alberta’s Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL). These exposure
limits may be expressed differently in other jurisdictions. Your instructor will review
these with you, as appropriate. As a rule-of-thumb, try to keep your exposure to H2S as
low as possible. Exposure levels to H2S are normally measured in ppm. OELs for H2S
are shown in the below given table.

Occupational Exposure Limits for H2S

Occupational Concentration OEL Descriptions

Exposure Limit
8 hour OEL 10 ppm A time-weighted average (TWA) maximum
exposure for an eight hour work day
15 minute OEL 15 ppm A TWA exposure limit of up to 15 minutes with a
60 minute separation between each exposure.
Ceiling OEL 20 ppm No one should be exposed to greater than 20 ppm
of H2S at any time without adequate respiratory
protection.
NOTE :

The accepted practice is to wear breathing apparatus at 10 ppm and above.

Good work practices should aim for zero exposure to H2S.
 Detection of H2S

Detection Systems

ELECTRONIC MONITORS

Electronic monitors use sophisticated electronics to measure the concentration of

H2S and provide very accurate readings, if functioning properly. These units are
designed to continuously monitor gas levels. Some units are capable of monitoring
more than one gas. The purpose of these devices is to protect your safety by
warning of the presence of H2S.

CAUTION

Electronic monitors do not think for you. You must still be alert to the dangers of
H2S.

In this section, you will learn about various aspects of electronic monitors including:

• Principle of Operation
• Major Components
• Personal and Portable Monitors
• Fixed Monitors
Principle of Operation

Continuous electronic monitors use electricity to power a sensor that detects H2S.
When the sensor detects the presence of H2S at a pre-set level, usually 10 ppm, it
activates an alarm. The sensor may be powered by batteries or AC power.
Major Components

Whether it is a personal, portable or fixed monitor, the basic components of the unit
include :

• a power source
• sensor(s)
• a display
• an alarm

Personal and Portable Monitors

Personal monitors are designed to be worn by the worker. They may clip onto a
belt, fit in an outside pocket or be worn on a harness. Typical personal monitors are
illustrated in the Figure below.

Portable monitors are designed to be placed between the worker and the source of
H2S or in a confined space. A typical portable monitor is ill

Fixed Monitors

Fixed monitors are permanently installed units and are usually found in gas plants
and oil batteries. These are the most sophisticated type of electronic monitor. The
system consists of :

• a central control unit

• remote display(s)
• remote sensor(s)
• alarm(s)
GENERIC STEPS FOR OPERATING
PERSONAL AND PORTABLE MONITORS

STEPS DESCRIPTION

1 POWER ON Check batteries or AC power source

2 CALIBRATION Function test unit with calibration gas
CHECK
3 ALARM CHECK Ensure the alarm works at the pre-set level. Most
units are pre-set to alarm at 10 ppm H2S
4 MONITOR MODE Ensure the unit is set to monitor H2S
5 POSITION UNIT For personal monitors
• place the unit in an outside pocket (make sure
the sensor and alarm are not covered)
• clip it to your belt, or
• put the harness on
For portable units
• ensure proper placement between you and
 possible sources of H2S

NOTE :

When operating a personal or portable monitor, always follow the manufacturer’s

instructions.

Fixed Monitors Cont:

• The central control unit is usually installed in the control room or a central
building. Sensors are then positioned throughout the jobsite or plant area. In
some cases, a number of systems are linked together to form a network. Remote
sensors send signals by wire or radio waves to the central unit.

• Like the other types of electronic monitors, the fixed monitor works on a
continuous basis and will alarm at a pre-set level of H2S. This level is usually 10
ppm.

Operation of Fixed Monitors

• Fixed monitors are installed by specially trained technicians who calibrate and
test the units to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Note :

Key points to remember for all types of electronic monitors :

Always make sure that the unit has been calibrated and is properly maintained.

When an alarm goes off, get out of the area immediately.

 Safety Practice
Emergency Response

Buddy System

Any work in a hazardous location must be carried out using the Buddy System. If
one worker enters a hazardous area another person his (Buddy) will observe his
work from a safe place.

The buddy system is also used to ensure the safety of Breathing Apparatus wearers
in H2s release incidents, fire incidents in fact in any incident where Breathing
Apparatus is required to be worn.

Important
At all times where Breathing Apparatus is worn a minimum of two persons will be
used

At no time will one Breathing Apparatus wearer be allowed to enter the effected
area

Emergency Procedure

If while you are working, or at the worksite, you smell H2S or the detection system
operates:
1. Don’t panic

2. Hold your breath

3. Wear Breathing Apparatus if available

If no BA available
4. Leave the area immediately

5. Do not attempt to rescue anyone until you have donned Breathing

Apparatus
6. Report to the emergency station

Remember that at least two persons should be involved in rescue

Rescue Operations

Assess the situation:

Gather as much information as possible regarding the incident,
♦ number of casualties
♦ available rescuers
♦ available equipment
♦ medical assistance
♦ area involved

Other factors to consider

♦ Hazards Fire - Explosion

Rescue

• Don Full Duration Breathing Apparatus

•Remove victim immediately to fresh air
•If breathing, keep casualty at rest administer oxygen if available
•If not breathing start artificial respiration immediately
•Request Medical assistant
•Keep casualty in the recovery position & keep warm
•If eyes are affected rinse thoroughly with water
• Do not leave unattended

H2S Safety Practice

Production workers are the people most often exposed to H2S, but we must
always be aware that in inhabited areas the general population should also be
made aware of the possible danger.

Signs
For warning against the possible danger of H2S adequate warning signs
must be placed wherever there are potential hazards.
As well as warning about the hazard No Smoking signs must be displayed.
Fences
Areas of particular danger such as permanent tanks, open drainage or flair
pits and wellheads should be fenced off.
The fences should be installed far enough away from the hazard area to allow
air to dilute the poisonous gases to a safe concentration.
If barriers are not erected adequate warning signs must be placed around the
area.

Wind Indicators
In all area where H2S is present some form of wind direction indicator are
required. These can be flags, wind socks or weather vanes, these are
normally in a bright high visibility.

Detection
Where there is a danger of H2s continual monitoring of H2s will occur. See
section: H2S Monitoring Equipment
H2s Emergency Response & Rescue – Self Test

1. If you smell H2S while at the work site what is your response

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2. What are the factors to bear in mind during rescue operations

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 Practical Exercises

1. Escape set Practical Exercise (a)

Donning of escape BA Set in fresh air. Trainees working in groups will have a
general walk round in open air negotiating obstacles and carry out routine checks of
the pressure gauge.
The instructor will indicate time elapsed at regular intervals.

2. Escape Set Practical Exercise (b)

Trainees to don escape BA sets in a simulated toxic environment and make their way
to a place of safety.

3. Air Line / Escape set Practical session

At the end of this session the trainees will fully understand the working principles of
an Air line system in an H2S area.

4. MSA Ultralite Full Duration Set Practical Training

At the end of this exercise the trainees will be competent and confident in donning
and wearing the MSA Full Duration Set.

Trainees working in groups will practice the donning procedure for the set and
will wear the set in differing conditions open space and confined areas.

5. H2S Rescue Operations Practical

Trainees will learn the principals of Rescue / Casualty Handling using available
equipment that would be found at their location.

Working in teams trainees will carry out a simulated exercises using Full Duration
BA and live casualties.

6. Buddy System Practical (a)

Working in teams of two the trainees will be given a task either H2S detection using
portable monitors, rescue or systems inspection.
7. Buddy System Practical Application (b)

Trainees using the skills learned in exercise 3 will set up and use the Airline trailer
unit and escape sets.

8. Final Exercise

Evacuation of H2S effected area rescue of casualties and stabilisation of H2S leak.

Note: Exercises will be finalised after seeing the facilities available at the ASAB FTG
and surrounding area.