DETECTION OF H2S

H2S can be detected by the sense of smell in a concentration as little as one part of
H2S in a million parts of air (lppm). At slightly higher concentrations, H2S may have a
sick, sweet odour similar to rotten eggs. However, in the range of 100-150 ppm, the
sense of smell is quickly lost as the gas deadens the sense of smell by paralysis of the
olfactory nerve, and can lead to a false sense of security. Consequently, the SENSE
OF SMELL CAN NOT BE RELIED UPON TO DETECT THE PRESENCE OF H2S.
The only reliable method for detecting H2S gas is a calibrated gas detector. A
Geothermal Inspector from OSH, Department of Labour, has gas detection
equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus, and is trained to deal with H2S
detection. The ABCs of
HOW H2S AFFECTS INDIVIDUALS
H2S is a poison that can paralyse your breathing system and kill in minutes. Even in
Hydrogen Sulphide
small amounts, it is dangerous to your health. When a person breathes H2S, it goes
directly through the lungs and into the blood stream. To protect itself, the body
oxidises (breaks down) the H2S as rapidly as possible into a harmless compound. If
in Geothermal
the individual breathes in so much H2S that the body cannot oxidise all of it, the H2S
builds up in the blood and poisons the individual. The nerve centres in the brain
which control breathing are paralysed, the lungs stop working and the person is
Bores
asphyxiated.
The way H2S can physically affect an individual depends on:
Duration - The length of time the individual is exposed.
Frequency - How often the individual is exposed.
Intensity - How much (concentration) the individual was exposed to.
Individual Susceptibility - The individuals physiological makeup.

DOS DONTS
(1) Stay up wind of suspected source. (1) Approach suspected source.
(2) Stay clear, await detection equipment. (2) Go downwind of source.
(3) Ensure nobody enters suspected area. (3) Enter low or confined areas.
(4) Erect signs as applicable. (4) Rely on your nose.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
(5) Call a Geothermal Inspector. (5) Panic. & H E A LT H S E R V I C E

Issued by the Rotorua OSH office, November 1999

 WHAT IS H2S? PROPERTIES OF H2S
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a highly toxic, colourless (transparent) gas which is Deadly, extremely toxic gas.
heavier than air. At low concentrations (small amounts), H2S has an offensive odour Colourless
similar to rotten eggs. At slightly higher concentrations, H2S may have a sick sweet
Heavier than air - tends to settle in low-lying areas.
odour. At high concentrations (greater than 100ppm), no smell can detected because
Vapour Density 1.189 (Air = 1.0)
H2S rapidly deadens the sense of smell by paralysis of the olfactory nerve.
Readily dispersed by wind or air movement.
Hydrogen sulphide can have a volcanic origin, as in geothermal areas, or is formed Burns with blue flame, producing SO2 which is also a toxic gas.
by the decomposition of organic material by bacteria. Hydrogen sulphide is
Odour of rotten eggs only in low concentrations - in high concentrations it
commonly known by its molecular formula H2S, which means that each molecule of
rapidly deadens the smell. DO NOT DEPEND ON THE SENSE OF
gas is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one sulphur atom.
SMELL TO DETECT H2S.
Highly corrosive to certain metals.
More deadly than carbon monoxide (CO) and almost as toxic as hydrogen
WHERE DO YOU FIND H2S? cynanide (HCN) gas, which is used for criminal executions.
H2S occurs in a variety of natural and industrial settings. It is found in most Flammable and forms explosive mixtures with air or oxygen.
geothermal areas and in some oil and natural gas, but is also commonly found in Explosive limits - 4.3 to 46 percent by volume air
sewers, cesspools and stagnant water such as found in swamps.
Hydrogen sulphide gas is often encountered in large amounts in most geothermal TOXICITY TABLE
areas in New Zealand. On reaching the surface, most of the hydrogen sulphide is
released from the geothermal fluid along with steam at boiling temperature. At lower 0.13ppm: Minimal perceptible odour.
temperatures, much of the H2S gas remains dissolved in the geothermal fluid. 4.6 ppm: Easily detectable, moderate odour.
Where geothermal energy is used, H2S gas is removed from the geothermal fluid and 10 ppm: Beginning eye irritation.
is vented at a safe height above ground for dispersal by wind. On still, foggy days, 27 ppm: Strong, unpleasant odour, but not intolerable.
H2S tends to accumulate in low places in dangerous concentrations. 100 ppm: Coughing, eye irritations, loss of sense of smell after two to
Safety guidelines have been produced for the safe design, construction, operation five minutes.
and maintenance of shallow and deep geothermal wells, and for geothermal heating 200-300ppm: Marked conjunctivitis (eye inflammation) and respiratory
systems as follows: tract inflammation after one hour.
Health and Safety Guidelines for Shallow Geothermal Wells - 1996 500-700ppm: Loss of consciousness and possible death in 30 minutes to
one hour.
Health and Safety Guidelines for Geothermal Heating Systems - 1996
700- 1000ppm: Rapid unconsciousness at once, cessation (stopping or
NZS 2403 Code of Practice for Deep Geothermal Wells - 1991 pausing) of respiration and death.
Contact the Rotorua OSH office on (07) 347 9656 for more details 1000- 2000 ppm: Unconsciousness at once, with early cessation of
respiration and death in a few minutes.

ppm = Parts of gas per million - part of air by volume - 1% = 10,000