1. (HYDROGEN SULFIDE)(HYDROGEN SULFIDE)
H2SH2S
SAFETY TRAININGSAFETY TRAINING
INSTRUCTOR:INSTRUCTOR: Rolando S.Rolando S.
Bulatao Jr.Bulatao Jr.

2. H2S SAFETY TRAININGH2S SAFETY TRAINING
 What is Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)?What is Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)?
 Where do you find H2S?Where do you find H2S?
 Properties of H2SProperties of H2S
 Detection of H2SDetection of H2S
 Protection against H2S hazardsProtection against H2S hazards
 How does H2S affect individuals?How does H2S affect individuals?
 Emergency Response and Rescue ProceduresEmergency Response and Rescue Procedures
 Safety MeasuresSafety Measures
 Proper donning, doffing, and storage of SCBAProper donning, doffing, and storage of SCBA

3. H2S SAFETY TRAININGH2S SAFETY TRAINING
 What is Hydrogen Sulfide (HWhat is Hydrogen Sulfide (H22S)?S)?
 AA colorless (transparent)colorless (transparent) gas that is heavier thangas that is heavier than
air and tends to accumulate in low-lying areasair and tends to accumulate in low-lying areas
 Consists ofConsists of 2 Hydrogen2 Hydrogen atoms andatoms and 1 Sulphur1 Sulphur
atomatom
 Has anHas an offensive odor similar to rotten eggsoffensive odor similar to rotten eggs atat
low concentration, at higher concentrations itlow concentration, at higher concentrations it
rapidly deadens the sense of smellrapidly deadens the sense of smell
 AA poisonous gaspoisonous gas that can paralyze the breathingthat can paralyze the breathing
system and can kill in minutessystem and can kill in minutes
 HighlyHighly toxictoxic and veryand very corrosivecorrosive to certain metalsto certain metals
and elastomersand elastomers
 Belongs to the inorganicBelongs to the inorganic SulfideSulfide familyfamily

4. Other names referred to H2S:Other names referred to H2S:
H2SH2S
Stink DampStink Damp
Rotten-Egg GasRotten-Egg Gas
Sulphurated HydrogenSulphurated Hydrogen
Hydrosulphuric AcidHydrosulphuric Acid
Sour Crude / Sour GasSour Crude / Sour Gas
Swamp GasSwamp Gas Sewer GasSewer Gas
Dihydrogen SulfideDihydrogen Sulfide
Hepatic GasHepatic Gas
ZwavelwaterstoffZwavelwaterstoff
Hydrogen SulfideHydrogen Sulfide

5. H2S SAFETY TRAININGH2S SAFETY TRAINING
 Where do you find H2S?Where do you find H2S?
Natural Sources:Natural Sources:
H2S is produced in nature by the decomposition of organicH2S is produced in nature by the decomposition of organic
materials by bacteriamaterials by bacteria
It may also develop in low Oxygen or low-lying areas and canIt may also develop in low Oxygen or low-lying areas and can
be found with natural gas, petroleum and volcanic gases asbe found with natural gas, petroleum and volcanic gases as
well as unstabilized crude oil and gas streamswell as unstabilized crude oil and gas streams

6. H2S SAFETY TRAININGH2S SAFETY TRAINING
Industrial Sources:Industrial Sources:
H2S is either a product or by-product of waste materials.H2S is either a product or by-product of waste materials.
It can be found in familiar industries such as natural gasIt can be found in familiar industries such as natural gas
processing plants, petroleum refineries, leather tanning,processing plants, petroleum refineries, leather tanning,
pulp mills, iron and steel mills, oil and gas wells, sewagepulp mills, iron and steel mills, oil and gas wells, sewage
treatment, commercial laboratories, etc.treatment, commercial laboratories, etc.

7. H2S SAFETY TRAININGH2S SAFETY TRAINING
 Properties of H2SProperties of H2S
Colorless orColorless or
transparenttransparent
HeavierHeavier than airthan air
( Vapor Density = 1.1895 )( Vapor Density = 1.1895 )
and accumulates in low-and accumulates in low-
lying areaslying areas
FlammableFlammable
in concentrations between 4.3%in concentrations between 4.3%
and 46.0% and auto ignites atand 46.0% and auto ignites at
500°F (260°C)500°F (260°C)
CorrosiveCorrosive toto
certain metals andcertain metals and
elastomerselastomers
SolubleSoluble in water andin water and
dissolves in drilling fluidsdissolves in drilling fluids
H2H2
SS
GeneratesGenerates 680680
BTU/HRBTU/HRduringduring
burningburning
Highly ToxicHighly Toxic andand
hazardous to healthhazardous to health
ReadilyReadily dispersed bydispersed by
windwind movement or airmovement or air
currentscurrents

8. Burning HBurning H22S produces another toxic gas called SOS produces another toxic gas called SO22
(Sulphur Dioxide)(Sulphur Dioxide)
Sulphur Dioxide (SOSulphur Dioxide (SO22)) is ais a colorless or transparent gascolorless or transparent gas andand
is non-flammable. It is also heavier than air with a specificis non-flammable. It is also heavier than air with a specific
gravity of 2.264@0°C.gravity of 2.264@0°C.
SOSO22 is extremely irritating to the eyes and mucousis extremely irritating to the eyes and mucous
membranes of the upper respiratory tract. It has exceptionallymembranes of the upper respiratory tract. It has exceptionally
good warning properties in this regard than Hgood warning properties in this regard than H22S.S.

9. H2S SAFETY TRAININGH2S SAFETY TRAINING
ConcentrationConcentration Physiological EffectsPhysiological Effects
0.005 - 0.13ppm0.005 - 0.13ppm Minimal perceptible odourMinimal perceptible odour
5ppm5ppm Easily detectable, moderate odour TWAEasily detectable, moderate odour TWA
10ppm10ppm Beginning eye irritationBeginning eye irritation
27ppm27ppm Strong unpleasant odour, but not intolerableStrong unpleasant odour, but not intolerable
100ppm100ppm Coughing, eye irritation, loss of sense of smellCoughing, eye irritation, loss of sense of smell
after 2-5mins (IDLH)after 2-5mins (IDLH)
200 – 300ppm200 – 300ppm Marked conjunctivitis and respiratory tractMarked conjunctivitis and respiratory tract
irritation after 1hr of exposureirritation after 1hr of exposure
500 – 700ppm500 – 700ppm Loss of consciousness and possible death in 30Loss of consciousness and possible death in 30
minutesminutes
700 – 1000ppm700 – 1000ppm Rapid unconsciousness, cessation of respirationRapid unconsciousness, cessation of respiration
and deathand death
1000 – 2000ppm1000 – 2000ppm Unconsciousness at once, with early cessation ofUnconsciousness at once, with early cessation of
respiration and death in a few minutes.respiration and death in a few minutes.

10. H2S SAFETY TRAININGH2S SAFETY TRAINING
 Detection of H2SDetection of H2S
There are many ways to be alerted by the presence of H2S:There are many ways to be alerted by the presence of H2S:
 Sense of smell (nose)Sense of smell (nose)
 Lead Acetate, Ampoules or Coated StripsLead Acetate, Ampoules or Coated Strips
 Colorimetric Tubes (NIOSH certified)Colorimetric Tubes (NIOSH certified)
 Electronic Portable or Fixed MonitorsElectronic Portable or Fixed Monitors
 Wet Chemistry (Tutweiler method)Wet Chemistry (Tutweiler method)
 Gas ChromatographyGas Chromatography
WARNING!!!WARNING!!!
You cannot rely on your sense of smell toYou cannot rely on your sense of smell to
tell how much H2S is present….tell how much H2S is present….

11. H2S SAFETY TRAININGH2S SAFETY TRAINING
Most alarms will consist of anMost alarms will consist of an amberamber strobe light, astrobe light, a blueblue
strobe light, astrobe light, a redred strobe light, and a dual tone audiblestrobe light, and a dual tone audible alarm.alarm.
Types of Alarm:Types of Alarm:
Low Level Alarm:Low Level Alarm: 10ppm10ppm
High Level Alarm:High Level Alarm: 15ppm and above15ppm and above
Note: Alarm set points can be adjusted to conform to local regulationsNote: Alarm set points can be adjusted to conform to local regulations
or company requirements. Generally, the alarm points are set at 10ppm,or company requirements. Generally, the alarm points are set at 10ppm,
15ppm/20ppm. In some areas, they are set at 5ppm and 10ppm. It is15ppm/20ppm. In some areas, they are set at 5ppm and 10ppm. It is
critical to know what is required at your location.critical to know what is required at your location.
ALARMSALARMS

12. Hydrogen Sulfide Condition Levels:Hydrogen Sulfide Condition Levels:
Δ Condition Green “POSSIBLE DANGER”Condition Green “POSSIBLE DANGER”
H2S concentration isH2S concentration is less than 10ppmless than 10ppm. Drilling and. Drilling and
production operations are under control. There are NOproduction operations are under control. There are NO
alarms.alarms.
Δ Condition Yellow “MODERATE DANGER”Condition Yellow “MODERATE DANGER”
H2S concentration isH2S concentration is 10ppm - 15ppm10ppm - 15ppm at some pointat some point
on location and the well or production stream is underon location and the well or production stream is under
control. Amber flashing light is activated.control. Amber flashing light is activated.
Δ Condition Red “EXTREME DANGER”Condition Red “EXTREME DANGER”
H2S concentration isH2S concentration is > 15ppm> 15ppm at any point on theat any point on the
location or loss of well control occurs. Amber flashinglocation or loss of well control occurs. Amber flashing
light and audible alarms are activated.light and audible alarms are activated.

13. H2S SAFETY TRAININGH2S SAFETY TRAINING
Two Common Types of Breathing ApparatusTwo Common Types of Breathing Apparatus
(Respiratory Protection)(Respiratory Protection)
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
This type of apparatus provides air from a cylinder worn onThis type of apparatus provides air from a cylinder worn on
the back. A commonly used cylinder will supply air for 30the back. A commonly used cylinder will supply air for 30
minutes while the wearer is engaged in heavy physical work.minutes while the wearer is engaged in heavy physical work.
Other cylinders are available for longer or shorter usage.Other cylinders are available for longer or shorter usage.
Duration of air supply is dependent on the type of workDuration of air supply is dependent on the type of work
performed and the individual’s physical condition.performed and the individual’s physical condition.
Supplied Air Breathing ApparatusSupplied Air Breathing Apparatus
This is a variation of the self-contained breathing apparatusThis is a variation of the self-contained breathing apparatus
where the back-mounted tank is replaced by a large cylinderwhere the back-mounted tank is replaced by a large cylinder
connected by a hose line to the pigtail on the BA set. Whileconnected by a hose line to the pigtail on the BA set. While
the supplied air apparatus is lighter to wear, it restricts thethe supplied air apparatus is lighter to wear, it restricts the
user’s movements to the length of the hose. The hose alsouser’s movements to the length of the hose. The hose also
forces the user to return by the same route taken whenforces the user to return by the same route taken when
entering the area. An escape bottle must be worn with thisentering the area. An escape bottle must be worn with this
type of apparatus.type of apparatus.

14. H2S SAFETY TRAININGH2S SAFETY TRAINING
Special Problems in Respirator Use:Special Problems in Respirator Use:
 Facial HairFacial Hair
 Contact LensesContact Lenses
 Corrective SpectaclesCorrective Spectacles
 Psychological DisturbancesPsychological Disturbances
 Miscellaneous Sealing ProblemsMiscellaneous Sealing Problems
““Not everyone can wear a respirator”Not everyone can wear a respirator”
Prior to being allowed to use a breathing air equipment, thePrior to being allowed to use a breathing air equipment, the
worker must have medical clearance and have beenworker must have medical clearance and have been
properly trained to wear respiratory protection.properly trained to wear respiratory protection.

15. H2S SAFETY TRAININGH2S SAFETY TRAINING
 How does H2S affect Individuals?How does H2S affect Individuals?
Factors that determine the effect of H2S on individuals:Factors that determine the effect of H2S on individuals:
 DurationDuration
The length of time the individual is exposedThe length of time the individual is exposed
 FrequencyFrequency
How often the individual has been exposedHow often the individual has been exposed
 IntensityIntensity
How much concentration the individual was exposed toHow much concentration the individual was exposed to
 Individual SusceptibilityIndividual Susceptibility
The individual’s physiological make-upThe individual’s physiological make-up

16. Target organs subject to the effects of H2S:Target organs subject to the effects of H2S:
Olfactory NervesOlfactory Nerves
LungsLungs
EyesEyes
BrainBrain
Respiratory Control CenterRespiratory Control Center
Entry into the Body:Entry into the Body:
IngestionIngestion
InjectionInjection
Skin AbsorptionSkin Absorption
InhalationInhalation
H2S SAFETY TRAININGH2S SAFETY TRAINING

17. H2S SAFETY TRAININGH2S SAFETY TRAINING
 Emergency Response and Rescue ProceduresEmergency Response and Rescue Procedures
These are the basic steps to take if you are in the immediate area of spill or leak.These are the basic steps to take if you are in the immediate area of spill or leak.
 DO NOT PANIC!DO NOT PANIC!
 Hold your breathHold your breath
 Move upwind or crosswind and away from the gasMove upwind or crosswind and away from the gas
 Put on appropriate breathing apparatusPut on appropriate breathing apparatus
 Assist anyone in distressAssist anyone in distress
 Move quickly to the upwindMove quickly to the upwind “Safe Briefing or Assembly Area”“Safe Briefing or Assembly Area” to receiveto receive
instructions.instructions.
Always follow company policies and procedures for escape and rescue. BeforeAlways follow company policies and procedures for escape and rescue. Before
attempting to rescue anyone else, always:attempting to rescue anyone else, always:
 Protect yourself first.Protect yourself first. Don’t become another victim.Don’t become another victim.
 Put on rescue breathing apparatus (30 mins. SCBA) before attempting aPut on rescue breathing apparatus (30 mins. SCBA) before attempting a
rescue.rescue.
 Use theUse the “Buddy System”.“Buddy System”. Do not attempt to rescue anyone alone.Do not attempt to rescue anyone alone.

18. H2S SAFETY TRAININGH2S SAFETY TRAINING
““EVERYONEEVERYONE SHOULDSHOULD
KNOWKNOW WHAT HIS ORWHAT HIS OR
HER RESPONSIBILITY IS,HER RESPONSIBILITY IS,
IN THE EVENT OF ANIN THE EVENT OF AN
H2S EMERGENCYH2S EMERGENCY
SITUATION.”SITUATION.”

19. H2S SAFETY TRAININGH2S SAFETY TRAINING
No jobNo job is so importantis so important
andand No serviceNo service is sois so
urgent – that we cannoturgent – that we cannot
take time to perform ourtake time to perform our
workwork SAFELYSAFELY….….

20. H2S SAFETY TRAININGH2S SAFETY TRAINING
SAFETY FIRSTSAFETY FIRST

21. THANK YOUTHANK YOU
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P.O. Box: 40185P.O. Box: 40185
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E-mail:E-mail:
tsiqatar@qatar.net.qatsiqatar@qatar.net.qa
Please visit our website:Please visit our website:
www.totalsafety.comwww.totalsafety.com
Office Address:Office Address:
Villa 298-A D-Ring Road, Doha, QatarVilla 298-A D-Ring Road, Doha, Qatar
P.O. Box: 40185P.O. Box: 40185
Tel. No.: +974 455 3174Tel. No.: +974 455 3174
Fax. No.: +974 455 3190Fax. No.: +974 455 3190
E-mail:E-mail:
tsiqatar@qatar.net.qatsiqatar@qatar.net.qa
Ensuring the SafeEnsuring the Safe WWell-being ofell-being of WWorkersorkers WWorldwideorldwide