H2S Standard

Standard OFS-QHSE-S015

1 Statement of Standard

Hydrocarbons are now being sought over a wider geographical area than ever before. Formations containing
Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) are being discovered and routinely produced. Our operations on these can be
conducted safely if the H2S hazard is recognized, understood and plans for contingencies made in advance.

2 Objective

To ensure that all OFS locations are adequately prepared to deal with the risk associated with H2S.

3 Scope

This standard shall apply at all times to all OFS personnel operating at locations where H2S might be present,
including Third Party contractors .

4 The Hazard

4.1 Physical and chemical properties

• H2S is extremely toxic (6 times more lethal than Carbon Monoxide and half as lethal as Hydrogen Cyanide);
it is produced during biological and industrial processes; it is most hazardous when it exists as a free gas.
To give an idea of a potentially fatal concentration, imagine an average room – 3 meters high and 5 meters
long by 4 meters wide. The volume would be 60 cubic meters. If two 20 liter jerry cans, containing 100% H2S
were released and fully mixed then with only one breath, your breathing would be paralyzed. The maximum
tolerable level has been set at 1/100 th of this concentration that is at 10 parts per million (ppm).
• H2S is colorless.
• H2S odors can be recognized in concentrations of 1ppm, often described as that of rotten eggs.
• H2S produces irritation to eyes, throat and respiratory system (20ppm).
• The odor of H2S will increase as the gas becomes more concentrated. However, in concentrations of 100ppm
or greater, a person’s ability to detect the gas is affected by temporary paralysis of the olfactory nerves in the
nose. Relying totally on the sense of smell to warn against the gas can be extremely dangerous. In
high concentrations, the ability to smell the gas is lost instantaneously, the disappearance of the odor could
mean that the gas concentrations have increased.
• 100ppm: Immediately dangerous to life and health.
• Lethal air concentration for humans has been published at: 600ppm/30 minutes ; 800ppm/5 minutes.
• H2S forms an explosive mixture with a concentration between 4.3 and 46 percent by volume. This is an
extremely wide range. Auto ignition occurs at 500 F (260C). This is a very low ignition temperature; a
cigarette tip is about 450 F and rises to 500 F when drawn upon. Vapors may travel a considerable distance
to a source of ignition and flash back will occur.
• H2S burns with a blue flame and produces Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), which is only slightly less toxic than
hydrogen sulfide and very irritating to eyes and lungs.
• H2S is heavier than air – specific gravity 1.189 (Air = 1.000) at 60F and 14.7psi. Therefore H2S collects in
low-lying areas and chambers such as well cellars, sumps, tanks and ditches.
• H2S is soluble in both water and liquid hydrocarbons.
• The Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for H2S – maximum of eight hours exposure without protective respiratory
equipment – is 10ppm.
• H2S is corrosive to all electrochemical series metals.
• Boiling point of H2S is minus 62C (minus 79F) and its melting point minus 116C (minus 177F).
• In the absence of oxygen (e.g. in tubulars) H2S can react and form pyrophoric deposits that are prone to
spontaneous combustion on exposure to the atmosphere.

4.2 Occurrence
H2S occurs worldwide in various concentrations associated with gas, oil and water. It is found in porous
formations and can be met by our personnel during rigging up and down for production logging and perforating

Page 1 of 10 OFS H2S Standard

operations on oil or gas wells. It is encountered particularly during sampling (PST, RFT, and CST) operations due
to gas cut mud or an inadvertent blow out or mishap during DST operations.

It must be noted that sour crude oil contains H2S, which will be released when the pressure is reduced. Such
pressure reductions occur during oil production, transfers from sample chambers and during leaks.

H2S also occurs in drilling muds due to the decomposition of organic additives at elevated temperatures. H2S is
also found in the atmospheres of sewers and cesspools.

Particular areas of known high concentration are in Canada, parts of the USA, including Texas, Louisiana,
Mississippi and Florida. It is also found in the Middle East particularly in a trend from Oman through to Turkey,
the Far East, Europe and North Africa.

Every Manager must be aware of the hazards, precautions and response to the H2S problem and ensure that
exposed employees are fully prepared to handle its occurrence.

4.3 H2S Concentrations

In dealing with H2S several different units may be in use for measuring its concentration.
In Schlumberger we standardize on ppm – Parts Per Million for concentration in gas.
Other unit and conversions:
1% = 10,000ppm.
0.65 Grains per SCF (Standard Cubic Foot) = 10ppm
0.001MOL% and VOL% = 10ppm
15MG/CU. M. = 10ppm

10ppm is a very small concentration; it is comparable to 10 kgs in 1000 Tons

A non suspected area is defined as an area where previous Drilling and Work Over operations on wells
have shown no traces of H2S, or if so, levels always less than 10ppm.

A suspected or known H2S area is defined as an area where there is a known occurrence of H2S.
Previous drilling or workover operations on wells have shown concentrations of H2S in atmosphere at
levels equal to or above 10ppm.
On suspected or known H2S areas, training and reviewing of our H2S training, planning and
equipment deployment shall be performed by 3rd party specialized companies, who are qualified and
authorized by local regulatory bodies to perform such work. All training, planning and equipment
deployment shall meet all applicable local regulations and international standards.
Where such a company is not locally available, arrangements shall be made to contract such expertise
from another area where such expertise exists

4.4 Key points

Because H2S is 19% heavier than air, some important points should be fully realized:
• To escape from H2S, move crosswind and to a higher point; however H2S may be well above ambient air
temperature when it leaves the well head or mud. Initially H2S may rise until cooled.
• A phenomena known as stacking causes a low concentration release to reach high concentrations in low
lying areas. The higher density of H2S and its slow natural oxidation rate causes this. Areas particularly
prone to this are cellars, low lying land and enclosed mud rooms especially offshore.
• Air conditioners in accommodation and work areas must be run in the closed loop mode when low
concentration H2S is present.

5 Responsibilities

Line Management, in a suspected H2S areas, is responsible for:

• Maintaining accurate information about the presence of H2S in his/her area of operations
• Ensuring all personnel are trained to sufficient level of competency.
• Ensuring H2S equipment is available and tested
• Having an up-to-date and tested Emergency Response Plan

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6 Site information

Information must be obtained as to whether H2s has previously been encountered or is likely to be encountered
during operations.

7 Training

Training shall meet local regulations, Client and OFS requirements.

OFS requirements:
1- Crews working on H2S wells must be certified to H2S level 2 by a qualified instructor.
2- Crews working on non suspected H2S areas must have completed H2S level 1.

8 Equipment

1- If in a known H2S risk area, Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus (SABA) is the preferred option for continuous
work: refer to 8.2.
2- In a known H2S area, Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) will only be used for continuous work when
the supply hoses from a (SABA) system would impede operations, if client does not provide breathing
apparatus then Schlumberger shall assume the responsibility; prior consultation with client is imperative.
3- Maintenance of SABA, SCBA, escape masks, H2S detectors and resuscitators must be carried out only by
qualified personnel or a qualified service center.
4- Components used in repairs and maintenance shall be original manufacturer's parts
5- All breathing apparatus must be checked before use and monthly by a qualified person
6- Filling of SCBA must be carried out only by qualified personnel with correct equipment and procedure
7- In operating areas where H2S is a known hazard, suitable and sufficient quantities of H2S detectors and
SCBA in positive pressure mode must be available for well site operations. In addition, a separate set shall
be kept in the base for training purposes only.
8- In every operating unit with known H2S presence, each training center and each district with H2S must be
equipped with a set of each type of detectors, escape masks and SCBA to be used solely for training;
equipment is to be labeled "for training only".
9- When working on an H2S well, there must be always one more SCBA available than there are crew
members.
9- Recommended Manufacturer’s SCBA are Scott Airpack, MSA, Draeger, Survivair.
http://www.scottaviation.com/ http://www.msanet.com/
http://www.draeger.net/ http://www.survivair.com/
10-The use of escape masks (gas masks) for working is strictly forbidden. Gas masks shall be used only once.
11- Materials such as clothing, rags, gloves and boots that may have been soiled with oil or water containing
dissolved H2S must be stored outside or only in a well-ventilated room.
12-A 20 meters safety line must be available for use in the event of rescue.
13- At least one Schlumberger vehicle capable of carrying the entire Schlumberger crew and able to leave
location without requiring cables or hoses to be disconnected must be kept on location. On offshore location,
a client’s standby boat must be available.
14- Special H2S wellhead equipment, cables and tools must be used whenever the H2S concentration exceeds 2
percent on production wells.
15- On offshore platforms, two independent means of escape or exit from the platform must be available (stairs,
rope ladder, helicopter…).

8.1 Portable gas detection monitoring

Each OFS operation in a suspected or known H2S area shall be equipped with a minimum of 2 portable
electronic gas detectors for to determine:
- The oxygen content in air
- The level of combustible gases in air
- The level of hydrogen sulfide in air

The system shall have a clear display, audio and visual alarms settings for H2S concentration (10ppm).

Page 3 of 10 OFS H2S Standard

The detectors shall have means for calibration and accessories for remote detection (especially for confined
space entry).
The detectors shall be regularly inspected, maintained ready for use at all times and calibrated with information
recorded.
These detectors are warning detectors and not measuring devices. Sensors will overload at 100ppm. And would
require re-calibration before re-use. If used in high concentrations, the main sensor may suffer irreparable
damage.

8.2 Cascade system (Air Supply for SABA)

In known or suspected H2S areas the air supply for SABA shall consist of a cascade system made up from a set
of bottle banks. These banks will be charged from a main compressor with back up compressor on location. All
compressors used for compressing breathing air shall be certified for this use, and be capable of supplying
“breathable” air. Air quality must conform for grade D breathing air (Ref ANSI G-7 1989 for Grade D breathing air):
- Oxygen content between 19.5 and 23.5%
- Hydrocarbon content of 5 mg per cubic meter
- Carbon monoxide content of 10 ppm
- Carbon dioxide content of 1000 ppm
- No noticeable odor
- Moisture content in cylinders of compressed breathing air shall not exceed a dew point of -50F (-45.6C) at 1
atmosphere
- Moisture content in SABA breathing air shall not exceed a dew point at 1 atmosphere is 10F (5.56C) below
ambient temperature>>
Each system will be a high-pressure system regulated down to supply various plug in points along the system
loop
Air pressure at these plug in points will be regulated down to 100 to 130psi to allow for easy connection and not
over pressuring of the face mask. All SABA should be fitted with quick release airlines and an escape bottle (5-10
minutes) for emergency escape in the event of failure of the cascade system.
Each cascade system will be able to accommodate the total number of personnel on location as well as supply a
50% additional coverage as a minimum requirement. The system is required to sustain the total number of
persons on location for a minimum of 1 hour while totally masked up and using the system simultaneously
Only a qualified person can service all cascade systems and air packs. If no qualified person is available then a
registered company must be used.
If the cascade system is used on a regular weekly basis for drills, air quality testing must be performed weekly
and recorded. The required standard for Grade D breathing air is given above.

9 Emergency Response

Each operation in a H2S area shall have a written H2S Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
A site contingency plan must be in evidence, with all ERP information posted. Site plans for shut in, evacuation,
must be read and understood by site Supervisor and company personnel prior to rigging up any equipment on
location.

The H2S Contingency Plan shall give clear instructions to all personnel on what action is to be taken in the event
of a H2S emergency.
These instructions shall include:
• The location of safe breathing areas depending on wind direction.
• The location of H2S protective equipment.
• The identification of the alarm.
• The search and rescue procedures.
• Location search and rescue map.
• The evacuation procedures.
• The communication procedure.
• The specific assignments and duties of all personnel.

The H2S Contingency Plan shall be tested periodically by performing H2S Drills.
• H2S drills shall be held at least on a weekly basis when working in a suspected or known H2s area
• The drills shall be preplanned and shall emphasize the key learning point(s)
• The drills shall be held on varying days of the week and at varying times.

The H2S Contingency Plan shall be tested prior to start up in suspected or known H2S areas.
Page 4 of 10 OFS H2S Standard
10 Operating procedures

10.1 The work – no work decision on H2S wells

Type of gas escape encountered

Detected concentration of gas

Uncontrolled Controlled
(Wellhead leaking (disconnecting
) riser)

Work allowed at
Less than 10
discretion of line Work Normally
PPM
manager

No work allowed.
Escape, call Work with SCBA
More than 10
client, wear (limited) or SABA
PPM
SCBA (rescue) or (continuous)
SABA (work)

Exposure to hydrogen sulfide shall be controlled so that no employee is exposed to a concentration greater than
10ppm in a 10 hour day in a 40 hour week.

If H2S is suspected, a crew trained in H2S operations will be assigned and client will be advised of our
standard.
Before every H2S job and on arriving at location a spot safety meeting will be held to familiarize crew
with the specific equipment provided, contingency plans, emergency equipment position and escape
routes
A separate training session on the practical use of respirators must be held if the type provided is different from
the type on which the crew have been trained.
Persons using positive pressure mode SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) must demonstrate the ability
to obtain and maintain a face seal with the mask. This normally precludes all persons wearing beards, and
glasses.

On H2S wells, H2S detection equipment will be required; escape masks shall be provided by client, if
not available then Schlumberger shall provide them.
On H2S wells where a controlled escape of H2S is likely to occur, all employees shall work with
positive pressure mode self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) provided by client; if not available,
then Schlumberger shall provide them.
When H2S is detected, all employees shall escape and not return unless wearing a SCBA or SABA.
No operation will be attempted when H2S is leaking into the atmosphere with a concentration above
10PPM.

10.2 H2S Operating Safety rules

10.2.1 Description of pre start-up Requirements

Prior to commencing start up for any new contract, it must be established as to whether the new area has a
potential for H2S, or if any existing records are available. Crew training shall be updated where necessary. Third
party personnel shall be assessed and trained in applicable areas; additional drills and training shall be given if
necessary. Drills shall be held weekly, and assessed during weekly safety meeting. Good records must be kept
with areas requiring additional training to be undertaken. Site shall have an up-to-date H2S Emergency Response
Plan that is functional and releva nt to the current operations. A minimum of three windsocks will be in position
around the location.

Page 5 of 10 OFS H2S Standard

10.2.2 General
• Client or local regulations shall apply if more stringent than these rules
• Before attempting any operation on a production well, check with client for the pressure and concentration of
H2S in the well, whether a working H2S detection system is available on the rig or well head, and whether client
will provide H2S detectors, masks and respirators (SCBA).
• Schlumberger working limit is max 10 PPM free H2S in the produced gas or in gas associated with produced
oil or gas evolving from drilling mud circulated from an H2S well. 10 PPM is the trigger level of our detection
equipment. At any concentration above this, special breathing apparatus must be worn otherwise all work is to be
terminated immediately and all personnel evacuated.
An H2S well is defined as a well in which ‘open hole’ passes through any zone which might produce H2S during
our operations, or a ‘cased hole’ completed in any zone which might produce H2S either as gas or in solution in
oil or water.
• The discretion of the line manager is called upon when H2S is present either in solution in ‘sour’ crude or as
free gas below a concentration of 10 PPM. He must decide whether the operation can start, continue or be safely
terminated in consideration of terrain, wind, means and directions of escape, and particularly the possibility of
stacking.

10.2.3 Operations and H2S wells

If above 10ppm and if emission is
On known H2S wells controlled, continue to work using
SCBA (short duration only) or SABA

If above 10 ppm and well leaking,

H2S
2 crew put Return, locate leak and do not start job. If during a run
detected by
Escape on SCBA check if concentration is pull out and rig down at
smell or
above 10 ppm discretion of the line manager
detector

If below 10 ppm, continue job

at discretion of engineer
without SCBA but with monitor
in operation
10.2.4 Operating
1- A spot safety meeting must be held on arrival at the location and before each job to ensure that the crew is
familiarized with the H2S alarm system, wind direction indicators, location and type of breathing apparatus
and evacuation procedures.
2- No rig up is allowed on a leaking well when H2S concentration is above 10ppm.
3- If for any reason the concentration in the working area exceeds 10ppm, all work is to be suspended and
personnel evacuated. Nobody will be allowed to return unless wearing SCBA or SABA.
4- SCBA's must be worn by each member of the crew involved in the following operations:
¡ When H2S concentrations above 10ppm have been detected or if during the operation a controlled
escape of H2S gas with a concentration above 10ppm may occur.
¡ On H2S wells or in transfer lab
- During fluid transfer using PST or RFT
- When working in cellars or low lying areas near H2S wells except if checked with a detector lowered
into the cellar immediately before each descent.
¡ On H2S production wells while performing following operations:
- Removal of well head caps
- Operation of well head master valve
- Bleeding off riser into flare or under water
- Disconnecting riser from the BOP
- When pressure seal is lost (HGT/or Riser)
- To complete a run after 10ppm has been detected
5- To work on H2S wells where no free H2S is present or expected at any time an escape mask must be carried.
6- On wells with H2S uncontrollably leaking into the atmosphere or when H2S is detected, it is not allowed to rig
up. We shall escape and return wearing SCBA, locate the leak and check the maximum concentration.
7- Every location having known H2S wells will post a list of H2S wells on the location safety board. Regular air
and equipment checks shall be completed and documented on a weekly basis.

Page 6 of 10 OFS H2S Standard

11 H2S initial response procedures

H2S Initial Response Procedure

Evacuate
Get to a safe area immediately
Move upwind if release is downwind
Move to higher ground if possible
Alert
Call for help ( “Man down”) sound bell, horn, whistle or radio
Assess
Do a head count
Consider other hazards
Protect
Put on SCBA before attempting rescue
Rescue
Remove victim to safe area
First Aid
Apply artificial respiration if necessary
Transport
Arrange transport of victim to medical aid
Provide information to medical services

12 Documents & References

API RP 49.
1989 MODU Code - Chapter 9.8
H2S Training Manual M072758
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nioshsrch.html (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
http://www.nstc.alaska.com/ASH/hydrogen_sulfide_standard.htm
http://www.ssafety.com/htwos.htm
American Standards. ANSI Z88.2 - 1992 Standard for Respiratory Protection
http://www.ansi.org/
European Standards. EN 136 through EN 149: 1989 Standards for Respiratory Protective devices
EN 269, 270, 271: Standards for Hood-type SABA
EN 400: Self-rescue SCBA
http://www.cenorm.be/default.htm
US Code of Federal Regulations 29 CFR Subpart I: Personal Protective Equipment
29 CFR 1910.134: Respiratory Protection
42 CFR 84 Approval of Respiratory Protective Devices
http://www.mmm.com/occsafety/html/fregulations.html

Revision History
Rev No Effective Date Title Prepared by (name) Reviewed by (name)
A-0 4 May 2001 H2S Standard Christophe Fernandez Area QHSE, D&M QHSE

Latest revision approved by (name): Jose Cotello Signed:

Warning: The controlled source document of this Standard is stored on the Schlumberger OFS QHSE WWW homepage. Any paper version of this Standard is uncontrolled and should be compared with the
source document at time of use to ensure it is up-to-date.

Page 7 of 10 OFS H2S Standard

Appendix 1. Schlumberger Drilling Services Specific Processes

1. Objectives
This appendix complements the OFS-QHSE-S015 ( H2S Standard ).
The purpose of this appendix is define the specific requirements for H2S operations while on a SDS operation.

2. Scope
This standard applies to all SDS operations.

3. Implementation

3.1 Monitors

3.1.1 Fixed Gas Detection Instruments

All SDS installations shall have a fixed detection system, comprising of a main control panel with remote sensors
in strategic areas around installation for continuous monitoring of the concentration of Combustible gases and
hydrogen sulfide in atmosphere.
A permanent fixed detection system with low and high alarms set at 5ppm and 10ppm. These main monitoring
systems shall be in an area with a 24hr manning coverage.
ON drilling units, the minimum detection points shall be as follow:

Rig Type Combustible Gas H2S (**)

Land rig 2 (bell nipple & shaker) 3 (Rig floor, Shale Shaker, Cellar
Offshore 3 (bell nipple, s. shaker, mud pit Deck)
room) 5 (Rig floor, Shale Shaker, Cellar
Deck,
Mud Pit Room, Living Quarter Air
Intake)

Recommendations on H2S alarm activation

a) Low level alarm: on detection, it shall activate an alarm to inform the personnel of the presence of
H2S and state of alert will be initiated. All the non-essential crew will immediately muster to the
upwind safe briefing area.
b) High Level Alarm: on detection, it shall activate an alarm and reaction of personnel will be as
above. Remaining essential personnel will don SCBA and/or connect cascade system and carry
out assigned duties as per H2S contingency plan.

The detectors shall be regularly inspected, calibrated and information recorded.

Recommended Control Mechanism: PMS History Records

3.1.2 Portable Gas Detection Instruments

As per H2S Standard. 8.1
The detectors shall be regularly inspected, maintained ready for use at all times and calibrated with information
recorded.
Recommended Control Mechanism: PMS History Records

3.2 H2S drill

Purpose: To prepare rig crew to the event of H2S release in the air, and check the response
time to the emergency.

Conduct of the drill

- H2S drills are mandatory on a weekly basis when drilling in a suspected or known H2S area.
- The drill shall be preplanned and shall emphasize the key learning point(s).
- The drill shall be held on varying days of the week and at varying times.
- The designated alarm will be sounded.

Page 8 of 10 OFS H2S Standard

 - Announcement shall be made over the public address system that "This is drill, this is a drill, this is a
drill. H2S, H2S, H2S, this is a drill, this is a drill, this is a drill", repeated in the predominant local
language.
- The stand-by boat, if available shall be notified and moved to an area upwind.
- Any helicopter flying to the rig shall be notified over the radio that a H2S drill is in progress.
- All non-essential personnel shall promptly report to the designated upwind safe briefing area.
- The essential crew, as listed on the H2S contingency plan, shall don their breathing apparatus, and
wait for instructions.
- The MIC and a designated assistant wearing SCBA shall go to the scene with a portable gas detector
to assess the H2S concentration.
- A muster shall be taken by a designated person, and reported to the MIC. Any missing person shall
be searched for.
- The MIC shall clearly indicate what additional actions would be taken in the event of a real H2S alert.

3.3 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus ( SCBA )

Each rig shall be equipped with a minimum of:
- A set of self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), positive pressure mode :
. Land rig: six (6) 30 minutes minimum SCBA's + two (2) 10 minutes minimum escape packs.
. Offshore: twelve (12) 30 minutes minimum SCBA's + six (6) 10 minutes minimum escape packs.
SCBA will only be filled with a minimum of grade "D" air from a certified source. Air will be tested and test results
recorded

Guidelines for H2S Contingency Plan

u Pocket type portable electronic H2S detectors with alarms set at 10 ppm:
. 6 on a land rig.
. 8 on offshore unit.
Above quantity to be reviewed depending on number of personnel directly exposed.
u A set of breathing apparatus:
. 30 minutes (minimum) positive pressure mode SCBA' for each member of the essential crew but not less
than 12 on a land rig and 20 on a offshore rig.
. One set of escape masks for all non-essential crew, to be allocated individually. The use of positive pressure
mode SCBA's is preferred over canister type masks as the cartridge, must be stored carefully, cannot be
used in an oxygen deficient atmosphere, and cannot prevent an inward leakage.
Requirement on land rig: 5 minutes (minimum) escape masks.
Requirement on offshore rig: 10 minutes (minimum) escape masks.
u One cascade system installed with manifolds located as follows

Location Land Offshore

Rig floor 8 8
Monkey board 2 2
Mud pits 4 4
Shale shaker Included in above 2
Cellar-S/structure Included in above 4

u One set of SABA , each to be connected by a 3 way valve with the air hose and a small 2 litters capacity
cylinder complete with automatic valve.
Quantity: equal to the number of cascade connections + 2 spares.
Capacity of the bottle: . 5 minutes minimum for land rig.
. 10 minutes minimum for swamp barge or offshore rig.
u Main air cylinders reserve: consisting of two (2) racks of compressed air bottles charged with grade "D" air,
with all interconnecting piping, high pressure regulator from high pressure to cascade working pressure
(about 6 bars), pressure gauges, quick-connectors, air refill inlet, and low pressure alarm system. Each rack
shall be sized to allow 10 people to work for about 10 hours, in medium breathing conditions, without refilling
(average air consumption: 1 to 1.4 cft per minute, i.e. 30 to 40 litters/minute per man).
u Breathing air high-pressure compressors: capable to deliver a minimum of 15 cft/mn, or 500 l/mn, at a
working pressure of 3000 psi. Air supplied shall be grade "D" or better. The compressor must be certified as
breathing air compressor.
Page 9 of 10 OFS H2S Standard
 Quantity: . One on a land rig.
. Two on offshore rig.
u A portable air test kit: to test the quality of the air supplied by the compressor.
u Two well designated Safe Briefing Areas: capable of accepting the totality of the personnel. The areas shall
be selected upon consideration of the prevailing wind directions, and the well location.
The area shall be clearly defined in the H2S contingency plan.
u A minimum of two (2) wind socks that shall be highly visible.
u A minimum of two bug blowers: ventilation fans driven by an explosion - proof electric motor that shall be
installed in the non-ventilated areas.
u Two oxygen resuscitators with two spare oxygen cylinders to treat anyone overcome by H2S.
u An intercommunication system to allow communication between 2 persons wearing a breathing apparatus.
A minimum of two shall be supplied for a land rig and a minimum of 4 for a swamp-barge or an offshore rig. In
addition, chalk boards, notepads or similar visual aids shall be available to allow the communication between
workers with breathing apparatus.
u A minimum of 3 safety belts with about 30 meters of safety lines shall be available for rescue of people.
u A first aid box containing medical equipment to give first aid to victim of H2S shall be readily available with
the rig medic.
u A 4 ft x 8 ft Hydrogen Sulfide Marine sign with flag for swamp-barge or Offshore rig, or a similar sign for land-
rig: to be used in the event of H2S release to inform boats, helicopters, and other transports.
u BOP's and Choke manifold to be certified for H2S service as per API RP53.
u Degaser/Mud gas separator with:
. Sufficient capacity for effectively removing gases from contaminated drilling fluid circulated back to surface.
. Vent outlet extended so that extracted gas can be routed to a remote area for flaring or connected into the
choke flare line for burning so as not to release H2S into the atmosphere.
. Flare lines installed according to API 49 and equipped with means for constant or automatic ignition. A flare
gun shall be available whenever permitted.
u Drill string: of the lowest grade to minimize hydrogen embrittlement or sulfide stress cracking.

Working in a known or suspected H2S area

A rig shall not start or continue operations until the following conditions are satisfied:
- All the equipment required as per HSE policy is fully operational.
- All drilling and maintenance crew are qualified for H2S operations.
- A qualified H2S instructor is present on the rig.
- A consistent H2S contingency plan has jointly been established and approved by the Client and SDS.
The contingency plan shall be approved by the MIC and the District Manager.
If the H2S is anticipated at a lower depth, the drilling shall be stopped at about 1000 feet above this depth, and
the well secured, until above conditions are satisfied.
If the H2S is anticipated at a depth less than 1000 feet, the drilling shall not be started, until above conditions are
satisfied.

Working in H2S
As soon as H2S presence is detected at a level equal or above 5 ppm, the following procedures shall be put in
force:
No one shall be allowed to enter the contaminated zone without carrying a SCBA, a portable electronic detector.
The "Buddy system" shall be implemented, i.e. working by pair.
The Permit to work system shall be used whenever entering a suspected or known contaminated zone.
Only essential crew members shall be authorized to enter the suspected or known contaminated zone.
The flag "Danger-Poison Gas" shall be displayed until the concentration drops below 5 ppm and assessment has
been made by the MIC and the client.

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