oncentration

C
(ppm)
0.01 - 0.3

1 - 20

20 - 50

100 - 200
250 - 500

500

500 -1000
>1000
Table 1.

Health effect
Odour threshold
Offensive odour, possible nausea, tearing of the eyes or headaches with prolonged
exposure
Nose, throat and lung irritation; digestive upset and loss of appetite; sense of smell starts
to become fatigued; acute conjunctivitis may occur (pain, tearing and light sensitivity)
Severe nose, throat and lung irritation; ability to smell odour completely disappears.
Pulmonary oedema (build up of fluid in the lungs)
Severe lung irritation, excitement, headache, dizziness, staggering, sudden collapse
(knockdown), unconsciousness and death within a few hours, loss of memory for the
period of exposure
Respiratory paralysis, irregular heart beat collapse and death without rescue.
Rapid collapse and death

Hydrogen sulphide toxicity to man

proactive actions for the mud engineer

On wells where there is a high likelihood of encountering hydrogen sulphide it is recommended that
beards are shaved. This is to ensure that breathing sets are sealed tightly against the face.
It is imperative that all personnel be aware of the hydrogen sulphide alarm, as well as the designated
safe area to evacuate to. It must be stressed that the safe area, unless in a positive pressure environment,
must be upwind at a higher elevation than the gas source.
Even on wells that are unlikely to have hydrogen sulphide it is recommended that a contingency stock of
sulphide scavengers is kept at the rig site.
When the presence of H2S is suspected the mud engineer is asked to confirm the presence and
concentration of the gas. Never ever enter an area where any acid gas is suspected unless specifically
trained and wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment.
During displacements if the mud engineer has to be at the flow line ensure that there are at least two
means of gas detection and available PPE as well as being aware of the nearest escape route.

first aid
Immediately remove the victim from further exposure. Designated rescuers must wear properly
fitting, positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and other required safety
equipment appropriate to the work site.
If the worker is not breathing, apply cardio-pulmonary resuscitation in the nearest safe area.
Remove contaminated clothing, but keep the individual warm. Keep conscious individuals at rest.
Be aware of possible accompanying injuries (e.g. the victim may have fallen when they were overcome)
and treat them accordingly.
If the victims eyes are red and painful, flush with large amounts of clean water for at least 15 minutes.
Ensure the worker receives medical care as soon as possible. The worker must not be allowed to return
to work or other activities.

h2s tests

On rigs where H2S is expected, there are fixed hydrogen sulphide detectors placed in strategic locations,
shale shakers, pit room, rig floor and flow-line. In addition portable detectors should be available and are
to be used when entering enclosed spaces or as personal monitors when contamination is suspected.
There are 2 common tests for H2S in drilling fluids, a qualitative test and a quantitative test. The
qualitative test should only be used as a quick method to confirm the presence of H2S in the mud. In
order to effectively treat and remove sulphides it is essential to perform the qualitative test, Garret Gas
Train, and determine the concentration in the system.