Hydrogen sulfide is one of the most deadly industrial gases especially in oil and gas industry. It has been referred to as a silent killer. This comprehensive PPT covers a wide range of topics including characteristics of H2S, monitoring areas for H2S levels, emergency procedures, hazard minimization, contingency planning, and more. Complete and up-to-date. A great tool for required annual training.
2. AIM & OBJECTIVE
The aims and objectives of the training are to ensure that the delegate:
1. Gains the required knowledge and understanding of the particular
hazards and properties of H2S,
2. Appropriate emergency response actions to take should a H2S related
incident arise.
3. LEARNING OUTCOMES
To successfully complete this training delegates must able to explain:
(1) Hydrogen sulphide – how it is formed and where it is found
(2) Other names used to describe H2S
(3) Properties and characteristics of H2S
(4) Parts per million (ppm) as a measurement parameter
(5) Occupational exposure limits to H2S
(6) Factors affecting individual susceptibility to H2S
(7) Types of detector equipment
(8) Types of respiratory equipment
(9) Pre-use checks of personal detection devices and EBA
4. LEARNING OUTCOMES
To successfully complete this training delegates must able to demonstrate:
(10) Operating personal H2S detection equipment (including checks)
(11) Responding to an alarm
(12) Donning & operating (including checks) an escape breathing apparatus
(EBA) with a mask within 30 seconds
(13) Donning & operating (including checks) an EBA with a hood within 30
seconds
(14) Connecting to a pressurised cascade breathing system with an activated
EBA which has been donned correctly
(15) Disconnecting from a pressurised cascade breathing system with an
activated EBA which has been donned correctly.
5. ASSESSMENT METHODS
Practical:
Explanations and demonstrations by Training Staff
Practice by Delegates
Demonstration by Delegates (Assessment by direct Observation)
Written Assessment:
Delegates will be given a 30 minute written exam on completion of the
training.
6. DURATION & STAFF ROLES
DURATION OF THE TRAINING PROGRAMME
The optimum contact time (including a refreshment break) is seen as 4 hours.
ROLES OF STAFF
Explain and facilitate understanding of slide presentation.
To familiarise personnel with the correct use of different types of Emergency
Breathing Apparatus (EBA) and detector.
Assessment
7. HOW IS HYDROGEN SULFIDE FORMED?
• H2S is a formed by the decomposition of organic materials rich in Sulphur
by bacteria in the absence of air
• During the formation of Oil and gas H2S is simultaneously formed.
• H2S is generated as a common by product of industrial and manufacturing
process
7:23 AM 7
8. 1.1.1 WHERE IS HYDROGEN SULFIDE FOUND?
Sewer and sewage
treatment facilities
Leather Tanning Industry /
Sugar / Paper pulp Mills
Underground mining.
Geothermal EnvironmentProcess platform /Refineries Dredging operation
7:23 AM 8
9. • Sewer Gas
• Swamp Gas (Marshy area)
• Sour Gas
• Stink Damp (mines)
• Rotten egg gas
• Sulfuretted Hydrogen
1.1.1 H2S COMMON NAMES
7:23 AM 9
10. 1.1.2 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES &CHARACTERISTICS OF H2S
H2 S is also transported to the CNS by
RBC. H2 S paralyze CNS.
CNS cannot give inputs to respiratory
system. Person stops breathing.
H2 S blocks O2 from bonding to RBC
causing O2 Deprivation
7:23 AM 10
11. 1.1.2 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES &CHARACTERISTICS OF H2S
Color less Rotten egg smell at low
concentration
Paralysis Olfactory Nerve at
Higher Concentration
Poor Warning Characteristics
Never rely on your nose for detecting H2S. Always use Personal Detector while
working in H2S classified area.
7:23 AM 11
12. 1.1.2 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES & CHARACTERISTICS OF H2S
o H2S + H2O H2SO4
(eye / nose / throat irritation)
•H2S can become soluble in drilling fluid
and can come up without being detected.
•The gas can be released from mud
oTemperature change
oPressure change
oAgitation by Shale shaker, degassers, or
mud pits
oPh change
o Soluble in water, sludge, drilling fluids, when
temperature increases, pressure increases
or agitated it get back to gaseous form
7:23 AM 12
13. 1.1.2 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES & CHARACTERISTICS OF H2S
Heavier than Air
Air
H2S
1.0 1.189
Dispersed by wind PressureTemperature
7:23 AM 13
14. 1.1.2 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES & CHARACTERISTICS OF H2S
Corrode and Pits metal
Sulfide Stressed Cracking
H2S can cause serious damage to metal used in the drilling and production, as
well as the seals used to keep the fluids and pressure within the system
When Pyrophoric Iron Sulphide particles are exposed to air, they are oxidized back to
iron oxide generating a considerable amount of heat.
o H2S + H2O H2SO4 (acidic environment)
o H2S + Metal Metal Sulphide
o H2S + FeO O2
7:23 AM 14
15. 1.1.2 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF H2S
• Stringent Planned Preventative Maintenance
• Use of Corrosion resistant Alloy (SS with 31% Ni, 27 % Cr)
• Crew Trained for identifying, reporting defects / hazards
Gasket, rubber, plastic
Think what H2S can do to our lungs??
7:23 AM 15
16. 1.1.2 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES & CHARACTERISTICS OF H2S
Burns with Blue flame
H2S +O2 SO2
Low LEL (less room for error)
Explosive at autoignition temperature (2600C or 5000F)
LEL 4.3% UEL 46%.
Hot work PTW Continuous ventilation / monitoring of H2S
7:23 AM 16
17. 1.1.3 PARTS PER MILLION (PPM) MEASUREMENT PARAMETER
Common units of measurements of gas percentage and PPM.
Parts or units of gas present in one million units of air.
1% =10,000 PPM. (1 million divided by 100)
7:23 AM 17
18. 1.1.3 OCCUPATIONAL/WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS (OEL/WEL)
Occupational Exposure Limit is an upper limit on the acceptable concentration of a
hazardous substance in workplace air for a particular material
OEL are set by competent national authorities and enforced by legislation to protect
occupational safety and health.
7:23 AM 18
19. 1.1.3 COMMON DEFINITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH H2S
OCCUPATIONAL/WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS (OEL/WEL)
Long Term Exposure Limit (LTEL) which is the maximum exposure permitted
over an 8-hour period.
OEL / WEL Conc. of H2S
Long Term Exposure Limit (LTEL) 10 PPM
Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun
8hrs. 8hrs. 8hrs. 8hrs. 8hrs.
7:23 AM 19
20. 1.1.3 OCCUPATIONAL/WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS (OEL/WEL)
Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) is the maximum exposure permitted
over a 15-minute reference period.
15 min 1 hr. 15 min 1 hr. 15 min 1 hr. 15 min
OEL / WEL Conc. of H2S
Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) 15 PPM
7:23 AM 20
21. 1.1.3 OCCUPATIONAL/WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS (OEL/WEL)
Immediate Danger to Life and Health (IDLH)
The exposure at which hazard, such as a toxic gas, poses an immediate threat
to health or life, would cause irreversible adverse health affects, or would
interfere with your ability to escape a confined such environment / space
unaided.
For H2S IDLH is100 PPM
OEL / WEL Conc. of H2S
Long Term Exposure Limit (LTEL) 10
Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) 15
Immediate Danger to Life and Health (IDLH) 100
1.1.4 Measurement and the OEL/WEL of H2S
7:23 AM 21
22. 1.1.5 THE PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO H2S
Exposure Duration (HOW LONG?)
Exposure Concentration (HOW MUCH?)
Frequency (HOW MANY TIMES?)
Individual Susceptibility (IMMUNE SYSTEM)
Primary Route of Entry is by INHALATION
People with chronic lung disease may suffer those effects at a lower PPM.
Body mass
Physical
Condition
Age
Smoker
/Non-Smoker
Drug/Alcohol
Compatibility
7:23 AM 22
23. 1.1.5 THE PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO H2S
If you experience physical symptoms, leave the area immediately, quickly get
upwind and report it.
Buddy System ?
7:23 AM 23
24. 1.1.6 HOW H2S IS DETECTED AND THE USE OF ONSITE & PERSONAL
DETECTION EQUIPMENT
Never Rely on your nose for detecting H2S
7:23 AM 24
25. 1.1.6 HOW H2S IS DETECTED AND THE USE OF ONSITE &
PERSONAL DETECTION EQUIPMENT
DIFFERENT TYPES OF DETECTORS ARE USED IN INDUSTRY
Fixed Detectors Portable Detectors Personal Detectors
7:23 AM 25
26. 1.1.6 HOW H2S IS DETECTED AND THE USE OF ONSITE &
PERSONAL DETECTION EQUIPMENT
Fixed Detectors
Chosen location: based on the Risk assessment Potential area
o where people are likely to be present
o where H2S is likely to be released.
o where H2S can collect
Continuous monitoring
Connected to Central Control Panel located in ECC.
Alert the crew, specify the location.
Low Alarm
High Alarm
7:23 AM 26
27. 1.1.6 HOW H2S IS DETECTED AND THE USE OF ONSITE &
PERSONAL DETECTION EQUIPMENT
Portable Detectors
Multi readings:
H2S, Oxygen, CO & LEL
Used for Gas testing Purpose
Used by Authorized personnel
7:23 AM 27
28. 1.1.6 HOW H2S IS DETECTED AND THE USE OF ONSITE &
PERSONAL DETECTION EQUIPMENT
• Mandatory for entering in the H2S classified zone.
• Used to ALERT the individual worker.
Personal Detectors
Ensure
oCorrect unit versus hazard
oBattery Test
oFunction self-test
oBump test
oWearing position
7:23 AM 28
29. 1.1.7 ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN THE EVENT OF AN ALARM
• Essential personnel to perform their duties as per the station bill.
• Non essential personnel shall make the way to muster station.
• Report the causality or person left behind if you have seen any.
On hearing the alarm:
STOP WORK
Hold your Breath
No Inhalation
No Exhalation
Don EBA.
Proceed to muster station
Take immediate action as time is of the essence when dealing with exposure to H2S
Upwind
Escape route
7:23 AM 29
30. 1.1.8 THE TYPES OF RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT AND THE
IMPORTANCE OF CORRECT FIT OF THE FACE MASK
Common problems with respirator use and getting a correct fit.
• Facial hair
• Corrective Spectacles
• Contact lenses
• Psychological Disturbances (Claustrophobia)
• Sealing Problems (scars, hollow temples, very prominent
cheekbone, deep scar creases, lack of teeth or denture.)
7:23 AM 30
31. 1.1.8 THE TYPES OF RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT
Chemical Cartridge Respirators
Protection against contaminants in the air for
10-15 minutes
Air Purifying Respirator (APR)
• Designed to be quickly and easily donned in an emergency
• Not be used to effect a rescue or to accomplish any task
• Only for escape from hazardous zone.
Never use this unit to approach a hazardous zone.
Escape Unit Escape / Working Unit Rescue /Working Unit
7:23 AM 31
32. 1.1.8 THE TYPES OF RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT
Escape Breathing Apparatus (EBA)
Duration: 15 minutes
Only for Emergency Escape
EBA with Hood
EBA with Mask Connect EBA with air cascade system and
close EBS cylinder valve.7:23 AM 32
33. 1.1.8 THE TYPES OF RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT
Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus (SABA)
Supervised
Buddy
System
Barricade
7:23 AM 33
34. 1.1.8 THE TYPES OF RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT
Used for Rescue / prolonged activities
Duration: 30 Minutes / 45 Minutes / 60 Minutes
Rescue Unit / Working Unit
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
7:23 AM 34
35. 1.1.9 THE ROLE OF RESPONSE TEAMS IN AN H2S EMERGENCY AND
USE OF SCBA.
RESCUE WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
NEVER ATTEMPT A RESCUE IN AN AREA THAT MAY CONTAIN HYDROGEN
SULFIDE WITHOUT USING APPROPRIATE RESPIRATORY PROTECTION AND
WITHOUT BEING TRAINED TO PERFORM SUCH A RESCUE.
OROR
7:23 AM 35
36. SUMMARY
Dispersed by wind
Pressure
Temperature
Highly toxic
Soluble in water /
drilling fluids
Corrosive
Flammable
Auto ignition 500 0F
Heavier than Air
Air
H2S
Colourless Rotten egg smell at
low concentration
7:23 AM 36
37. H2S EXPOSURE PROTECTION TIPS
SSOW Identify Source of Danger
Gas test
Safety Equipment Location
Drills
H2S classified zones
Ventilation
7:23 AM 37
39. FOLLOWING EXPLANATION AND DEMONSTRATE BY TRAINING
STAFF, DELEGATES TO PRACTICE AND DEMONSTRATE
1.1.10 H2S personal detection equipment – pre-use checks & operation
1.1.11 Responding to an alarm
1.1.12 EBA fitted with a mask – pre-use checks & operation
1.1.13 EBA fitted with a hood – pre-use checks & operation
1.1.14 Method of connection to a pressurised cascade air supply with an activated
EBA which has been donned correctly
1.1.15 Method of disconnection from a pressurised cascade air supply with an
activated EBA which has been donned correctly.
7:23 AM 39
Delegates attending this training and assessment programme will be given a series of explanations and demonstrations which will identify what they are expected to know and do. This will be followed by practical exercises which will allow delegates to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding and emergency response skills.
Delegates will be assessed against the learning outcomes using direct observation, and oral and written questions as appropriate.
Delegates will be given a 30 minute written exam on completion of the training.
H2S causes paralysis of the respiratory center in the brain and can result in immediate collapse and death. Inhalation of lower concentrations of H2S gas can cause irrational behavior resulting in unsafe acts and injuries.
Hydrogen sulfide concentrations as low as 70 PPM (Parts Per Million) (0.07% of air volume) have caused fatalities.
Concentrations above 10 PPM(0.001% of air volume are generally regarded as unhealthy for continuous exposure.
h2S is soluble in any fluid. It remain contained within water, oil, sludge or mud until it is agitated, depressurized or heated when it rapidly expands and mixes with the available air.
Sulfide Corrosion Mechanism
There are two ways that hydrogen sulfide corrosion takes place.
Acid Attack
The main cause of internal corrosion of sewers is acid attack, which is a result of hydrogen sulfide gas converting to sulfuric acid by biological activity, in the presence of moisture.
Direct Chemical Reaction
Hydrogen sulfide gas reacts directly with metallic components of the sewer system such as copper and iron pipes and fittings. This can cause the failure of mechanical equipment and electrical systems that are used for transportation and treatment of sewage.
Hydrogen sulfide corrosion takes place when conditions in the sewer are ideal for hydrogen sulfide to react with its surroundings.
The “parts per million” or “PPM” scale is used to measure the concentration of the H2S in an area. It divides the total into 1,000,000 parts and tells us the concentration of the substance. The smallest unit we can measure is one part per million.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is the United States federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness.
Guidelines Active monitoring for hydrogen sulfide gas and good planning and training programs for workers are the best ways to prevent injury and death. Use detection equipment when working in an area where there is a possibility of H2S gas, especially in enclosed or below grade areas such as holes, trenches, & reserve pits. Maintain and calibrate detection equipment per manufacturer’s specifications. Do not enter an H2S area without proper training and authorization. In IDLH atmospheres a standby person(s) with suitable Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) must be available for purposes of rescue. Never attempt to rescue an H2S victim without a SCBA. Employees working in H2S areas are required to be properly “fit tested”. All H2S exposure victims should be treated by a physician before returning to work. In the event of a H2S emergency, all personnel should follow the site emergency plan. H2S areas, facilities, pipelines, and/or flowlines should be properly identified with signage.
Hazards and Effects of H2S Do not rely on your sense of smell to detect H2S. H2S is very flammable. H2S reacts with steel to form iron sulfide which can ignite when exposed to air. H2S when burned produces Sulfur Dioxide (S02) which is also toxic. H2S is highly corrosive and may lead to metal embrittlement/fatigue. H2S effects are influenced and possibly accelerated by alcohol and certain medications. Concentrations of H2S may affect each individual differently! Exposure may cause: Skin and/or eye irritation Dizziness Loss of appetite Dryness in nose and/or throat Metal fatigue, including hydrogen embrittlement or sulfide stress cracking, can result in a release of hydrogen sulfide gas. Fatigue Coughing Nausea Loss of consciousness or death Headache
Pulmonary edema is a condition caused by excess fluid in the lungs. This fluid collects in the numerous air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. In most cases, heart problems cause pulmonary edema. Weak acid in the lungs attacks the
alveoli.
Alveoli blister and burst.
Victim aspirates on own blood and
puss, also known as Pulmonary Edema.
The one shown in the picture, once switched on shall be monitoring the H2S for next 36 months. Some are for 24 months also
There is no need it to turn it on or off.
It has low alarm and high alarm. At set values it will vibrate and displays red LEDs and also gives a audible tone out of the speaker to alert of H2S.
It has a sensor Port where the gas detection is.
Next to H2S shows Test, This pops up once in a day, this indicates that the test is to be done. When it does say that press this blue button for 3 seconds it will run through its test mode. It will do self test. It is only testing the internal mechanism of the alarm. When it completes the test it shows a checked mark. It is only testing the internal electronic circuit and not the gas sensor. If the sensor gets oily or dropped in mud the daily test will not tell you anything about the sensor.
The only way to check the sensor is the bump test where the gas is passed on the sensor. The frequency is decided on the manufacturer recommendation or the company policy.
On hearing the alarm:
Take immediate action as time is of the essence when dealing with exposure to H2S! You need to be very clear. Any confusion can cost your life.
Stop work. PTW will be suspended.
Hold your breath, do not take a breath before holding the breath. Don emergency breathing apparatus
Perform required duties (Station Bill): Essential personnel to perform their duties as per the station bill.
Non essential personnel shall make the way to muster station as announced on PA system. Report the causality or person left behind if you have seen any.