CHAPTER # 10

HYDROGEN SULFIDE
Introduction:
Hydrogen sulfide is an extremely toxic gas that
is colorless, flammable, heavier than air, soluble
in water, and has the smell like rotten eggs at
lower concentrations.
At higher concentrations Hydrogen sulfide can
deaden your sense of smell.
How is Hydrogen sulfide formed?
H2s is a by-product formed when organic matter decays
Hydrogen sulfide is generated as common by product and
manufacturing processes.
Hydrogen sulfide is formed under low oxygen conditions
when sufficient amounts of sulfur and bacteria are
present. H2s can be formed in many places such as:
•Oil and gas reservoirs
•Sewers and sewage processing facilities
•Dark damp places where bacteria is present.
Where is Hydrogen sulfide found?
Hydrogen sulfide can be found almost anywhere that oil,
water, and gas are produced
Examples are:
Production separators
Vapor recovery units
Sulfur removal systems
Flotation cells
Water knock-outs
Wellheads or tanks
Pits, cellars or sewers
What are the health hazards of h2s?
Hydrogen sulfide can have an array of health effects on
the body depending on exposure concentration.
H2s will enter through the lungs and is considered a
chemical asphyxiate.
It blocks the transfer of oxygen to the blood cells and
causes paralysis of the respiratory system.
Exposure limits
Here are the hydrogen sulfide exposure limits
Permissible exposure limit: 10 PPM for an 8 hour period
average
Short term exposure limit: 15 PPM for a 15- minute
average
Immediately dangerous to life or health 100 PPM
Concentration levels and effects
Concentration Health effects
10 PPM Beginning eye irritation
50-100 PPM Slight respiratory tract irritation after one hour
exposure
100 PPM Coughing, eye irritation, loss of sense of smell
after 2 to 15 minutes. Altered respiration, pain in
the eyes, and drowsiness after 15 to 20 minute
followed by throat irritation after one hour.
Several hour exposure results in gradual increase
severity of these symptoms and death may occur
within next 48 hours.

200-300 PPM Severe respiratory tract irritation after one

hour of exposure. Possible pulmonary. edema (
fluid in lungs)
500-700 PPM Loss of consciousness and possible death in 30
mint to one hour
700-1000 PPM Repaid unconsciousness , loss of respiration and
death after 1 to 3 minute
1000-2000 PPM Unconsciousness at once, loss of respiration in
few minutes. death may occur even if individual
moved to fresh air at once
Monitoring:
As mentioned, one of hydrogen effect on body is it
deadens sense of smell at fairly low concentrations
This can cause a false sense of security and
therefore we must use air monitoring to detect
h2s
A variety of equipment can be used to do this
Fix monitor can be located where contamination is
possible.
Alarm to be alert personnel when h2s level
exceeds permissible exposure limits.
Portable monitor that can be hand held or
attached to your self
When do we monitor?
Air monitoring should be done any time there is
potential for someone to be espoused over the
PEL of h2s.
Examples of when air monitoring shall be
performed are;
At all times when working around h2s
concentrations
During all confined space entries.
Any time there is potential to be exposed over
the PEL.
When gauging tanks.
Escape guidelines:
When h2s released here are some escape line you
must follow.
Know the alarm system
Know where the potential sources of h2s are
located
Know the wind directions are all times
Escape by getting upwind to higher elevation (if
possible) from the sources.
When escaping, always go cross wind and around
the source.
Never go directly upwind (you may be running into
the sources).
Summary:
Hydrogen sulfide is deadly; specially you don’t
understand or respect its danger.
Take h2s seriously …… follow all safe guidelines
and standards.