Authorized Gas Testing

TUTIS TRAINING
COURSE DESCRIPTION
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Course designed in accordance with:
ANSI Z390.1
API RP 49
API RP 55
Standard Requires refresher training on an
annual basis
WHY DO WE NEED TO TEST FOR GAS?

Some of the gasses we work with can be
very dangerous, so we need to make sure the
atmosphere is safe to work in Before any work
starts AND during the time the work is taking
place
WHY TEST GAS?
WHY TEST GAS?

To make sure there are no toxic (poisonous) gasses
present in the air, and that the atmosphere is safe to
breath.

To make sure there is sufficient Oxygen in the air to
support life.

To make sure there are no explosive gasses, and so
minimize the possibility of an explosion happening.
WHY TEST GAS?


H
2
S and SO
2
under certain circumstances, it is possible that
these toxic gasses can be found in the atmosphere.

Methane this explosive gas could be present if there was a
leak in the (CH
4
) processing equipment or many flow lines.

Oxygen Before we enter any Confined Space, we must
make (O
2
) there is sufficient life supporting oxygen to
support human life.
WHO CAN CARRY OUT GAS TESTING?


Only those people who have attended Authorized
Gas Tester training can certify a gas test.

WHO CAN CARRY?
AGT - Authorized Gas Tester.
CH4 - Methane (A Flammable Hydrocarbon Gas).
H2S - Hydrogen Sulphide (a toxic gas).
LEL - Lower Explosive Limit.
UEL - Upper Explosive Limit.
PPM - Parts per million.

SOME ABBREVIATIONS
WHERE EXPECT TO FIND EXPLOSIVE GAS?
Hazardous Area Classification
The classification in zones or zoning is the partition of the installation into volumes in
which a
flammable atmosphere may be present (refer to the definition of a hazardous area).

WHERE EXPLOSIVE GAS?
WHERE EXPLOSIVE GAS?
Zone 0
That part of a hazardous area in which a flammable atmosphere is continuously
present or present for long periods.

Zone 1
That part of a hazardous area in which a flammable atmosphere is likely to occur in
normal operation.

Zone 2
That part of a hazardous area in which a flammable atmosphere is not likely to occur
in normal operation, and, if it occurs, will exist only for a short period.


Voids/cofferdams
casing vents
Drain valves
Valve spindles
Empty flow lines
Flanges
Low points
Sludge
Open pits/ditches
High points
Open drains

MOST IMPORTANT PLACE TO BE
TESTED?
EXPLOSIVE LIMIT
All combustible gases and vapours have an eexplosive limit,
between which the gas or vapour, mixed with air, is capable of
sustaining the spread of flame.

These can be referred to as the explosive or flammable limits.
EXPLOSIVE LIMIT
The lower explosive limit (LEL) refers to the lowest
concentration of a gas in the atmosphere which results in a
combustible mixture. For example, the LEL of Methane in Air is 5%
by volume.

This means that if there is less than 5% by volume of Methane in
air the mixture is too lean to support combustion.

When Methane Gas Test equipment indicates 100% LEL, there is
5% by volume of Methane in the test atmosphere.
EXPLOSIVE LIMIT
The Upper Explosive Limit (UEL) refers to the highest
concentration of a gas in the atmosphere which results in a
combustible mixture.
For example, the UEL of Methane in air is 15% by volume,
which means that if there is more than 15% of Methane in
the air by volume the mixture is too rich to support
combustion.
EXPLOSIVE LIMIT
If an atmosphere exceeds the UEL, then as the
gas slowly disperses, it will have to pass through
its explosive range before it gets to its LEL.

This is a very the dangerous time!
TIPS OF UEL
SUBSTANCE LEL (Vol%) UEL (Vol%)
ACETONE 2.15 13
ACETYLENE 2.4 88
BUTANE 1.5 8.5
ETHANE 3 15.5
ETHYLENE 2.7 34
HEXANE 1.2 7.4
HYDROGEN 4 75.6
METHANE 5 15
PROPANE 2 9.5
Note : Meters must be calibrated for each individual gas.
EXAMPLE OF UEL/LEL
For most practical Gas Testing purposes it is the
LEL which is significant.

The AGT is responsible for recording the
percentage of LEL for the specific flammable gas
being tested on the permit.
TIPS OF GAS TEST
TOXIC GAS
The two main toxic gasses we are concerned are :

SULPHUR DIOXIDE SO2

HYDROGEN SULPHIDE (SULFIDE) H2S

Important Note:
H2S is ALSO EXPLOSIVE
TOXIC GAS?

Potentially lethal.
Colourless.
Heavier than air.
Readily dispersed by wind or air currents.
Flammable - burns with a blue flame.
Odour of rotten eggs (below concentration of 100ppm).
Highly corrosive to certain materials (e.g. steel).
CHARACTRISTICS OF H2S?
Long-term exposure limit. (LTEL)
(over on 8 hour reference period) of
10ppm.
Short-term exposure limit. (STEL)
(over a 10 minute reference period)
of 15ppm.
The way in which H2S affects you depends on the length
of time the individual is exposed, and on the
concentration
CHARACTRISTICS OF H2S?
Sulphur Dioxide SO2

SO2 is not combustible but is hazardous to health.
Low level alarm 2ppm
High level alarm 5ppm

Precautions
If SO2 is detected - vacate the area.
ABOUT S02
CONFINED SPACE
TOXIC OR FLAMMABLE GASES
LOW OXYGEN CONTENT
ROTATING OR MOVING EQUIPMENT NOT ISOLATED
FLUID OR GAS INLETS OR OUTLETS NOT ISOLATED
RESIDUE FROM PREVIOUS CONTENTS
SLIP TRIP OR FALL HAZARDS
LACK OF ADEQUATE LIGHTING
HAZARDS IN CONFINED
SPACES

Concentrations of gases or vapors can arise from sources
both inside and outside confined spaces.

Some examples are:
DANGEROUS
CIRCUMSTANCES
Gas or vapor remaining from a process which has previously
been carried out in the confined space.
DANGEROUS
CIRCUMSTANCES
Oxygen content may be low or absent due to a variety of
reasons
Purging with Inert Gas such as nitrogen
Displacement by other gases from adjoining plant area
Depletion due to oxidation ( rusting ) of metals
Depletion due to fire or welding / cutting process
Low Oxygen remains as the single biggest hazard in
Confined Spaces
OXYGEN
Gas or vapor from adjoining plant due to ineffective isolation.
Fumes emitted when sludge deposits are disturbed during
inspection / cleaning

Fumes produced by an operation inside a confined space, e.g.
welding, flame cutting, lead lining, rubber lining, brush and
spray painting, molding GRP (fiberglass), use of adhesives,
solvents , etc.

The production or combustion of various fuels.


DANGEROUS CIRCUMSTANCES
The tests should check for the presence of gas or toxic fumes
and the adequacy of the supply and content of Oxygen.
The tests must start from outside the confined space, and/or
the AGT must wear a SCBA.
Never enter in a confined space without a stand-by man.
Gas can be trapped at a high level.
The tests must be done at different places and at different
levels.

TESTING IN CONFINED
SPACES
INSTRUMENT FOR GAS DETECTION
INSTRUMENTS FOR GAS
DETECTION
Describe use and limitations of detector tubes
Identify major components of detector tube devices
Demonstrate pre use inspection and operation of
detector tube devices
Identify major components of personal H2S monitors

1-DETECTOR TUBE DEVICES:
Detector Tube devices are portable, measure
the presence of gas and identify approximate
concentrations. They test an atmosphere at a
point in time, but do not give a continuous
reading.
2 -PISTON TYPE UNIT
The piston type unit is a pump operated by the action of a piston to
create a vacuum. The unit consists of:
1. A cylinder 2. A piston with handle.
3. An Inlet. 4. Vacuum indicator.
5. Valves and seals.
3 - BELLOWS TYPE UNIT
In the unit, a bellows pump is used to create the vacuum necessary to take a
sample. Bellows type unit consists of:
1. A spring loaded bellows (with hand grip).
2. An inlet. 3. Vacuum indicator.
4. Stroke counter. 5. A valve and seals
4- ELECTRONIC H2S
MONITORS.
Electronic monitors use sophisticated electronic to detect
H2S and other gases.
Some units are capable of monitoring more than one gas.
They provide very accurate readings, if functioning properly.
These units are designed to continuously monitor gas levels.
The purpose of these devices is to protect your safety be
warning of the presence of the hazardous gas.
MAJOR COMPONENTS OF
ELECTRONIC H2S MONITORS
Whether it is personal, portable or fixed monitor, the
basic components of the unit include:
A power source.
Sensor.
Visual display (may be a flashing light and red).
An audible alarm.
5 - FIXED MONITORS

Fixed monitors are permanently installed units and
usually found in gas plants and oil batteries. This is the
most sophisticated type of electronic monitors.
The system consists of:
1. A central control unit. 2. Remote sensors.
3. Alarms.
GAS DETECTOR
MSA ORION
MULTI-HEAD
GAS MONITOR
AfSTC
GAS DETECTOR
NOTE: An acceptable result must be obtained
before work in any area proceeds.
L.E.L - 0%
C0 - 0 PPM
H2S - 0 PPM
02 - 20.8 %

GAS TEST INFO
Gas tester must be re-calibrated every 6 months, or
after having shown a great amount of gas.
CALIBRATION INFO
MAXIMUM CONCENTRATIONS OF TOXIC GAS (PPM) FOR ENTRY
Gas
Entry
without
Breathing
Apparatus
Entry With
Suitable
Breathing
Apparatus
No Entry Purge
and Reset
Hydrogen Sulphide
(H2S)
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
< 1 PPM
< 1 PPM
1 to 20 PPM
1 to 250 PPM
> 20 PPM
> 250 PPM
GAS TEST INFO
Miniwarn gas detector with
telescopic probe

The battery charge will be
reduced by running the pump.

Make sure no liquids are allowed
to enter the probe because it will
damage the sensor heads

MINI WARN GAS DETECTOR
Important
When performing an atmospheric test for a confined
space put the probe into the confined space, NOT your
head.

MINI WARN GAS DETECTOR
Meters must be calibrated - IN ACCORDANCE WITH
MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDATIONS (normally every 6
months)
Meters must be calibrated by AN AUTHORISED AGENT .
Do not use meters without an in-date calibration sticker.
CALIBRATION INFO
DETECTION EQUIPMENT
DETECTION EQUIPMENT
Manufacturers recommendations
should be followed for the
installation, maintenance, calibration,
and repair of detection equipment.
An adequate number of fixed or
portable or both type detectors
should be provided for the safety of
personnel working.

DETECTION EQUIPMENT
Fixed Monitoring Detection Systems
Fixed hydrogen sulfide monitoring systems
shall include visual and audible alarms, located
where the alarm can be seen or heard
throughout the work area.
Monitoring equipment should be used during
all drilling, work over, and well servicing
operations where there is a possibility of a
release of hydrogen sulfide above the allowed
levels.

FIXED DETECTION
EQUIPMENT
Sensors for fixed detections systems should be used at the following
Locations as appropriate:
Bell nipple
Mud-return line
Shale shaker
Trip tank
Well control fluid pit area
Driller/operators station
Living quarters
All other areas where h
2
S may accumulate
PORTABLE DETECTORS
There are three main types of portable detection
methods available.
Lead Acetate tapes can be used to reveal the
presence of Hydrogen Sulfide. H
2
S reacts with
lead acetate and stains the paper. The amount
of staining is directly proportional to the
concentration.
Requires constant monitoring as there is no
alarm.
Takes about three minutes to take a sample.


PORTABLE DETECTORS
Colormetric tubes
Chemical Specific
Works by chemical reaction
Tube is graduated with unit of
measure
Some chemicals have tubes
which cover different ranges
PORTABLE DETECTORS
Electronic Gas Detectors are the most common type
of detector used. Some models are disposable and some
have a battery which can be replaced. These detectors usually
have an audible, visual, tactile, or combination type alarms. It
is important to read the manual from the manufacturer to
make sure the unit is used properly.
PORTABLE DETECTORS
Not keeping the detector clean can lead to
premature sensor failures. These detectors can
come as a single gas detector or a multi-gas
detector. Single gas detectors only test for one
gas and some multi-gas detectors can test up to
five different things. Single gas detectors are
generally more accurate than multi-gas
detectors. Sensors must be directly exposed to
the atmosphere to operate properly so dont
keep it in your pocket.

PORTABLE DETECTORS
Disposable gas detectors usually are maintenance free but do
require daily bump calibration. Bump calibration required
hooking the detector up to a cylinder with a known quantity
of test gas. If the detector reads the same as the cylinder
amount then the detector is calibrated and functioning
properly

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT
Personal Protective Equipment or PPE should be provided to all personnel
expected to work in areas which may contain hazardous concentrations of
hydrogen sulfide. The primary PPE used for H
2
S is respiratory protection
which we will discuss further. For personnel working in these areas the
following items should be discussed:
Location of Supplied Air Respirators
Locations of spare cylinders, if applicable
Site specific issues
Situations that would require respirators
Limitations and capabilities of positive pressure/full face piece respirators
Limitations and capabilities of air supplied and air purifying respirators
Brand/model/ size of respirators available
A respiratory protection program should be in place

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT
PPE is the least preferred method of
controlling hazards, all attempts
should be made to remove or limit
the hazards to personnel.
Selection of PPE is very important
and to understand this personnel
must understand the equipment
available.
RESPIRATORS
A respirator is a device designed to protect the wearer from
inhaling harmful dusts, fumes, vapors, and/or gases. Respirators
come in a wide range of types and sizes used by the military,
private industry, and the public. Respirators range from cheap
single-use disposable masks, to reusable models with replaceable
cartridges. There are two main types of respirators:
Air Purifying Respirators
Supplied Air Respirators
AIR PURIFYING
RESPIRATORS
All respirators have some type of face piece held to the wearer's head with
straps, a cloth harness, or some other method. Face pieces come in many
different styles and sizes, to accommodate all types of face shapes.

SUPPLIED AIR
RESPIRATORS
These respirators are supplied with an alternate source of air. Supplied air
respirators are the only type allowed to be used to protect workers from
exposure to H
2
S. There are two basic types of supplied air respirators.
The two types are the closed circuit and the open circuit. Open circuit
are the type most commonly used for working with Hydrogen Sulfide and
will be the type covered here.

Open Circuit Closed Circuit
CLOSED CIRCUIT SCBA
OXYGEN
SUPPLIED AIR
RESPIRATORS
There are three basic types of Supplied Air Respirators
(SAR).
There are many manufactures of fresh air equipment
on the market here are a few.
Scott and MSA are the two most common
manufacturers and most widely used.
MSA
Scott
Draeger
ISI
SurviveAir
Cairns
ESCAPE UNITS
The escape Unit can be used for only one
purpose, ESCAPE. The unit has a minimal
quantity of air and is very limited in its
capabilities. It is designed as a simple easy
to use system with minimal parts and is
designed for quick donning. The cylinder
capacity can vary depending on
manufacturer. The most common are rated
at 5 minute, 10 minute, and 15 minute
capacities. Most models have an anti-fog
hood that lets you see where you're going
and fits comfortably over bulky eyeglasses
and full beards.

ESCAPE UNIT
The escape units are made to be donned very quickly and can
usually be applied using these few steps:
If In a case , remove from the case
Loop the strap over your neck or over your shoulder
Slip hood over your head and tighten if the device has this
option
Turn on the air cylinder
Leave the area immediately !!!!
After use, you should clean and air dry the hood. Refill the cylinder.
Return the unit to its proper location. The location of escape units
should have signs alerting personnel to their location.

WORKLINE UNIT
Workline Units can be used to work
for extended periods of time in a
hazardous atmosphere. They are
commonly used for confined space
entries because of their relatively
small size
They usually have a cylinder rated at 5,
10, or 15 minute capacity to be used
to escape in the event of an
emergency. During normal operation
the cylinder valve remains closed and
the user draws air from an external air
source such as a cascade system.

WORKLINE UNIT
WORKLINE UNITS
Workline units are equipped with a fitting which allows connection to
external air supplies. In order to work with these units the air must be
drawn from the external source and not the escape cylinder. Care must
be taken to protect the supply hoses from getting caught or cut by
objects. The hose is also a hazard around rotating equipment. Make
sure the hose does not catch on any valve handles or operating controls.

SELF CONTAINED BREATHING
APPARATUS
(SCBA)
The SCBA is filled with filtered
compressed air, the same air that we
breathe. The air should be grade D or
better in quality. Most new standards
require that the SCBA be of the positive-
pressure type. Positive pressure scbas
maintain a positive pressure inside the
facepiece during inhalation and
exhalation. This is a safety measure
added to reduce the chance of
contaminated air entering through a
break in the seal of the mask.

SCBA COMPONENTS
Backpack and Harness assembly is used to secure the cylinder in place. It
will have some type of strap configuration to attach the device to the
body. The design of these strap configurations can vary from different
manufacturers and different models.

SCBA AIR CYLINDER
ASSEMBLY
SCBA CYLINDER
SCBA Cylinders come in a variety of sizes, volumes,
and operating pressures. It is important to use the
correct cylinders with the correct model regulator. A
few of the configurations you will we are the
following:
30-minute, 3000 psi
30-minute, 4500 psi
45-minute, 4500 psi
60-minute, 4500 psi

SCBA CYLINDERS
The ratings that are given to
the cylinders do not take into
consideration the type of
activity being done nor the
physical condition of the user.
On low means they only get a
little over 20 minutes of air.
The harder the work, the
faster the person will breathe
and use up the air. So dont be
fooled into thinking you have
30 actual minutes of breathing
time.

SCBA CYLINDERS
The cylinders can be made of solid
metal such as aluminum or a light
weight alloy which is wrapped with
some type of fiber for increased
strength. All cylinders must be
hydrostatically tested.
Metal cylinders must be tested every
5 years and have an unlimited service
life while composite wrapped
cylinders must be tested every three
years and have a maximum service
life of 15 years

REGULATOR ASSEMBLY
Most SCBAs come with a two stage regulator.
They come in two basic configurations.
Face Piece mounted regulator
Belt mounted regulator
Air moves from the cylinder, travels through
the high-pressure hose and into the regulator.
The regulator reduces the pressure of the
cylinder air to slightly above atmospheric
pressure and controls the flow of air to meet
the respiratory requirements of the wearer.
REGULATOR ASSEMBLY
Most newer SCBAs will have a regulator the connects to the face piece. Face piece
mounted regulators have many benefits compared to face mounted types:
Communication is easier
Less likely to cut or damage low pressure hose
Easier to shut off air in non hazardous locations which saves air
Here are a few photos of some face piece mounted regulators

REGULATOR ASSEMBLY
The regulator is equipped with a low air alarm to warn the user. This alarm
can be audible, visual, tactile, or a combination. Audible alarms are usually a
bell or whistle. Visual alarms are usually an LED display in the mask. Tactile
alarms are usually a vibration of the Regulator.
Low air alarms should be set at 25% or 1/4
th
of the cylinder capacity. They
are not set by minutes because of the varying capacities of cylinders.


REGULATOR ASSEMBLY
Always make sure that the cylinder
gauge and regulator gauge read
approximately the same. In low air
situations they may differ so use
the lower. If the cylinder gauge and
regulator gauge differ by more than
100 psi the unit must be taken out
of service and repaired.
In the event of regulator failure use
the red by-pass. Open, breath,
then close until next breath to save
air. Immediately leave area.
FACEPIECE ASSEMBLY
The facepiece assembly is made of four basic parts:
Facepiece
Nose cup
Exhalation valve
Head harness
Facial hair can interfere with the seal of the mask an
put personnel at risk. Many companies have a no
facial hair policy for workers in areas in which they
may need to use respiratory equipment. Here
culturally, many males grow facial hair, so just be
aware you are putting yourself at risk. The mask to
face seal is one of the most important parts of the
system.

FACEPIECE ASSEMBLY
Some facepieces have a nose cup inside the mask.
The nose cup is there to minimize fogging to the
mask . If the cold air from the mask mixes with
your hot breath, the mask will fog up minimizing
visibility. The nose cup directs air out the exhaust
port instead of out into the facepiece.
Always check the strap configuration on the head
harness. Even on the same types of SCBAs they
may have mask with different strap configurations.
The straps can be rubber or a cloth type. Be
careful with rubber straps that you do not snap
them while tightening. Always pull straps toward
s the rear.
FACEPIECE ASSEMBLY
Some masks have:
Two straps
Four straps
Five straps

Dont pull the straps to tight as it will actually
be harder to get a good seal. Most mask will
not be able to be used with glasses. Inserts
may have to be used. Masks do come in
different sizes and should be fit tested on
users to get the best possible seal. Always
read the documentation with the SCBA to
know the correct way to attach the regulator
to the mask.

LIMITATIONS
Facepiece only provides limited protection. It only provides limited
impact resistance. It will only protect the airway if:
The mask is in good working condition
The mask is donned properly and the seal is maintained
Facial hair or improper mask size does not interfere with the
ability of the mask to seal to the face.
Increased weight of the apparatus will affect stamina and can
cause discomfort in some cases.
Decreased Mobility- The size of the pack may limit which areas are
accessible to the rescuer/worker. In confined space entries
sometimes it is necessary to remove the pack from the body while
still breathing through unit.

LIMITATIONS
Decreased Ability to Communicate- Users will
experience great difficulty in communicating while
breathing air. Some SCBAs have amplifiers or radio
accessories installed in the facepiece to combat this
problem
Limited Visibility- The users field of view is narrowed
because of the facepiece. It is important to be very
aware of footing when going up and down stairs or
when walking through areas with tripping hazards.

LIMITATIONS
Air Supply Limitations- The work or rescue time is
limited by the quantity of air in the cylinder. It is
important to make sure that the cylinders remain full to
capacity so the maximum amount of air is available. The
duration the cylinder lasts depends on a few factors:
Physical condition of the user
Degree of exertion
Condition of the SCBA
Cylinder pressure before use
Training and experience of the user

STORAGE, INSPECTION,
MAINTENANCE
Personal breathing equipment shall be
located so that the equipment is
quickly and easily available to
essential personnel. Breathing
equipment shall be maintained and
stored in a clean sanitary location.
They should be stored to protect them
from damage, contamination, dust,
sunlight, extreme temperatures and
damaging chemicals. The equipment
should be packed and stored to
prevent deformation of the facepiece
and exhalation valve.

STORAGE, INSPECTION,
MAINTENANCE
All breathing equipment shall be
checked before and after each use
and inspected at least monthly to
ensure that it is maintained in a
satisfactory condition. A record
should be kept documenting
inspection results, dates and
findings and maintained for one
year.
SCBA Masks should be cleaned
after every use using mild soapy
water. Do not use bleach or
sanitizer as they may degrade the
rubber. Hang to dry not in
sunlight.

DONNING PROCEDURES
SCBA SAFETY
PROCEDURES
Never remove or compromise the seal until you have
left the contaminated area.
Always use the buddy system when working with
respiratory protection.
Always use two people and in rescue situations and
have a back up team of two on stand-by.
If there is a regulator malfunction, use the bypass and
immediately escape to fresh air.
If making an entry into a confined space, taglines
should be used.
If working in an IDLH atmospheres, a Rescue standby
team shall be on site comprised of personnel trained in
rescue techniques dealing with H
2
S. They must have
the proper safety equipment to perform these types of
rescue.

9. EMERGENCY RESPONSE
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Effective use of contingency plan, engineering controls,
and personal protective equipment (PPE) should reduce
the chances of personnel being exposed to hydrogen
sulfide gas. In event that these protective measures fail,
it is important to know how to respond to these
emergencies.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Personnel should always be aware of wind
direction. When an H2S alarm goes off the first
thing personnel should do is check wind direction
and proceed to a safe muster point. All
unnecessary possible ignitions sources should be
eliminated. Equipment can be used to prevent
possible ignition sources:
Intrinsically safe electronic equipment
Non-sparking hand tools
Spark arrestors
Cooling systems on Rig Motor manifolds

FIRST AID
Always immediately remove injured personnel to
fresh air. Rescue personnel should always be
protected prior to attempting a rescue.
INHALATION EXPOSURE
Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should
avoid self-exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas.
Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and
note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not
breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is
labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the
local hospital for administration of an antidote or
performance of other invasive procedures.
RUSH to a health care facility as one side effect of exposure
is delayed onset of pulmonary edema.

DERMAL/EYE EXPOSURE
Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid
self- exposure to hydrogen sulfide.
Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note
any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing,
provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer
oxygen or other respiratory support.
Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm
water for at least 15 minutes.
Wash exposed skin areas for at least 15 minutes with soap and
water.
RUSH to a health care facility!

EMERGENCY RESPONSE
A well thought out emergency plan is essential
because improperly executed rescue attempts
are most often fatal to the rescuer. There are
many H
2
S emergencies on record in which there
are multiple fatalities because the personnel
were not properly prepared and educated on
how to deal with H
2
S emergencies.
It is important that all rescues are made as soon
as possible. When a victim is not breathing it
takes approximately 6 minutes for brain death to
occur and permanent damage occurs prior to
that. The best chances of survival have been
recorded with personnel which were rescued and
resuscitated within 3 minutes.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE
A variety of techniques can be used to remove the injured from the
contaminated area. You can use carries and drags to accomplish this:
Collar Drag
Extremity carry (2 people)
Firemans Carry
One arm or two arm carry

DAILY CHECKS
Daily Checks should be performed by the designated wellsite
supervisor prior to the beginning of each work day. The following
items should be checked:
The worksite for the presence of hydrogen sulfide
Wind direction indicators ( may require changing safe briefing
areas)
Hydrogen sulfide monitoring or detection equipment
Placement of personal protective breathing equipment
Placement of fire protection equipment
Appropriate first aid equipment

PRESSURE MAINT. AND/OR WATER
FLOODING
Pressure maintenance and/or
waterflooding operations may
introduce bacteria that can cause
water soluble hydrogen sulfide to
develop within the producing
formation over time and may be
present in produced fluids.

HYDROGEN SULFIDE IGNITION
SOURCES
When mixed with air, hydrogen sulfide can be explosive. To
minimize potential sources of ignition, the following items
should be considered:
Enforce NO SMOKING rules
Locate portable generator units, dog houses, and
change rooms as far away from the well bore as
practical.
Vehicles should be at least 100 ft from wellbore or
distance equal to the height of the derrick or mast.
Spark arrestors should be used on all internal
combustion engines
Restrict open flames, stoves, open fires, welding
operations, or other possible sources of ignition to
designated areas
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, odorless gas
H
2
S at low concentrations smells like rotten eggs and quickly
deadens the sense of smell
It is heavier than air and will settle in low lying areas or areas
where there is very little natural ventilation.
Hydrogen sulfide is a flammable gas with an ignition point of 270
0
C and is can be explosive when mixed with air. It burns with a
blue flame and forms sulfur dioxide, another highly toxic gas.
Hydrogen is soluble in water and can be dissolved in crude oil and
salt water from wells. It can be released anytime these liquids are
agitated, depressurized, or the temperature is increased.

SUMMARY
H
2
S is commonly found in all phases of hydrocarbon production from drilling to
refining.
Flaring is the most common way of controlling hydrogen sulfide out in the field.
It is important to have continuous monitoring devices to detect hydrogen
sulfide because of its very poor warning characteristics.
Personnel must recognize the signs and symptoms of exposure.
Personnel must be trained to use the PPE available to protect them
Emergency procedures must be established before work begins on a location.
Although there are several protective systems in place to prevent exposure to
personnel it is still a very hazardous chemical to work around which causes
many deaths every year despite the training and protection available.