Hydrogen Sulfide Hydrogen sulfide H 2 S is

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Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is an invisible hazard that can be released and

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is an invisible hazard that can be released and produced during industry processes, such as drilling. H 2 S can also develop naturally in oxygen deficient environments, such as bogs, swamps, polluted water, and manure pits. PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 2

H 2 S can collect in: q Low-lying areas q Any enclosed facility or

H 2 S can collect in: q Low-lying areas q Any enclosed facility or piping that contains H 2 S or H 2 S-contaminated fluids q Pits q Tanks q Vacuum trucks q Confined spaces PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 3

At high concentrations, H 2 S can kill in a single breath. PPT-SM-H 2

At high concentrations, H 2 S can kill in a single breath. PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 4

Multiple agencies provide guidelines to help workers avoid H 2 S exposure, including the

Multiple agencies provide guidelines to help workers avoid H 2 S exposure, including the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ANSI recently updated its Z-390 standard for Accepted Practices for Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training Programs. PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 5

The 2006 version of the ANSI Z-390 standard was revised to address: References to

The 2006 version of the ANSI Z-390 standard was revised to address: References to obsolete technology Non-flexible presentation format Required presentation of material that wasn’t pertinent to most workers Structure of document Visitor training Refresher training Threshold limit value–time-weighted average (TLV-TWA) PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 6

The updated 2017 version of the ANSI Z-390 standard now: References updated technology Has

The updated 2017 version of the ANSI Z-390 standard now: References updated technology Has flexible structure open to partial remote instruction States that students must be presented with relevant information to ensure their safety Has an improved structure States that visitors must receive full worker training program Requires refresher training annually with full course presentation Includes the updated American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) TLV-TWA PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 7

Companies must use engineering and administrative controls to protect workers from H 2 S

Companies must use engineering and administrative controls to protect workers from H 2 S exposure and provide workers with training appropriate to their potential level of exposure to H 2 S. PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 8

Some examples of what training should cover include: q Wind direction awareness and routes

Some examples of what training should cover include: q Wind direction awareness and routes of egress q What to do in an emergency q Participating in drills PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 9

H 2 S goes by many names, including The Silent Killer, rotten egg gas,

H 2 S goes by many names, including The Silent Killer, rotten egg gas, swamp gas, and sour gas. Characteristics of H 2 S include: q Highly toxic, colorless gas q Extremely flammable, may ignite at high temperatures q Extremely explosive, containers of H 2 S may explode if exposed to fire or handled carelessly PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 10

You can only smell low concentrations of H 2 S. At high concentrations, H

You can only smell low concentrations of H 2 S. At high concentrations, H 2 S impairs and eventually wipes out your sense of smell. Do not use your nose to detect H 2 S. PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 11

You can be exposed to H 2 S through: Inhalation is your main concern.

You can be exposed to H 2 S through: Inhalation is your main concern. q. Inhalation q. Skin contact PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 12

Symptoms of H 2 S exposure include: PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 Acute

Symptoms of H 2 S exposure include: PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 Acute Toxicity Chronic Toxicity • • • Loss of sense of smell Excitement or giddiness Eye irritation Coughing and sneezing Headaches Nausea Respiratory tract irritation Diarrhea • • • Eye irritation Corneal blistering, pitting, and opacity Headaches Nausea Respiratory tract irritation Pulmonary edema Loss of appetite Sleep disturbances 13

The industry accepted exposure level for H 2 S is 10 ppm: q Check

The industry accepted exposure level for H 2 S is 10 ppm: q Check with your company for its accepted exposure level PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 14

If the H 2 S concentration may exceed 10 ppm, you need to wear

If the H 2 S concentration may exceed 10 ppm, you need to wear a personal monitor: q Position the monitor as close to your mouth and nose as possible to measure air from the breathing zone q If your monitor goes off, leave the area immediately PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 15

Wind conditions tell you which way H 2 S will spread: q Check the

Wind conditions tell you which way H 2 S will spread: q Check the windsock or streamer regularly and any time you are unsure which way the wind is blowing q Stay on the upwind side q Make sure you are not downwind of an H 2 S source q Always move crosswind and then upwind to get away from an H 2 S source PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 16

ANSI and the American Petroleum Institute (API) recommend wearing one of the following respirators

ANSI and the American Petroleum Institute (API) recommend wearing one of the following respirators when you work in environments with more than 10 ppm H 2 S: q Positive-pressure full-facepiece hoseline/airline supplied-air respirator (SAR) and carry an escape pack q Positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 17

H 2 S is a deadly hazard that can kill you in a single

H 2 S is a deadly hazard that can kill you in a single breath. Know your role in your company’s H 2 S contingency plan and participate in drills. PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 18

Do not rely on your sense of smell to detect the presence of H

Do not rely on your sense of smell to detect the presence of H 2 S. Always wear a personal monitor when working in potential H 2 S environments. If your monitor goes off, leave the area immediately. PPT-SM-H 2 S 2017 v 2 19

Copyright © 2016 by PEC/Premier Safety Operations, LLC

Copyright © 2016 by PEC/Premier Safety Operations, LLC