GAS Safety

H2S & TOXIC GASES
SAFETY
Engineering for the Petroleum and Process Industries

H2S & Toxic Gases Safety
Why is safety and health important ?

 Protect your production basic elements Workers
,equipment and Material
 Safety and health regulations is sound barrier between the

production resources and the workplace hazards .
 Accidents and injuries are more expensive than any realize.
 The production objectives & accident prevention can not be

achieved without sound safety management.
Hazards Classification
 Physical hazards
 Chemical hazards
 Mechanical hazards
 Fire hazards
 Passive hazards
 Biological hazards
HA
Hazard Effect
ZA
 Work Injuries RD
 Occupational illness ( ill healthS)
 Property Damage
EF
FE
 Damage to work environment
CT
Chemical exposure may cause :

Heart ailment
Central nervous system
Lung and kidney damages
Cancer
Burns
Sterility
Rashes
Toxic Gases:
 Many toxic gases which result from working in oil and gas
field which has chemical and physical properties,
psychological effect which affect on the health of the human,
damage property (corrosion of pipeline containing hydrogen
sulphide) and damage to the environment
 These gases (hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide, sulphure

dioxide, nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide) will be
discussed indicating their characteristics, heath effect,
detection system, respiratory protection equipment and
emergency procedures in details
Threshold Limit Value

TLV
Time Weighted
Average Ceiling Limit
( TLV – TWA ) ( TLV – C )
Short – Term Exposure

Limit
( TLV – STEL )
Definitions:
 TLV: Therefore limit based on 8 hours-day or 40 hour’s
per week exposures (established by OSHA)
 PEL: Permissible exposure limit based on 8 hours-day or 40
hours week exposure “workers compensation board”
 Threshold limit value time weighted average (TLV-TWA):
It is the maximum concentration of chemical compound at
the working area which labor is exposed for 8 hours per
day (40 hour per week) along his age without affecting on
his health.
Threshold limit value short-term exposure limit

(TLV- STEL): It is the maximum concentration of
chemical compound at the working area which labor
is exposed for 15 minutes with condition this
exposure is not repeated more than four times per
shift and the period between each time must be not
less than one hour.
Ceiling threshold limit value (TLV-C): It is the
concentration of chemical compound which labors
are not allowed to expose for any time period.
Route of entry in to the human body :

Inhalation:
 Dust or gases are absorbed through breathing , lead to lung
irritation, development of lung cancer and ultimately lung
damage, e.g. Asbestos, silica, sulfur dioxide gas, chlorine and
welding fumes.
Ingestion:
 it is caused by mouth , the gas into intestinal system. Causes
brain damage, liver disease, kidney disease and lung damage.
Absorbed through the skin:
 It is absorbed through the skin to the blood Causes skin
disease, vascular diseases,... etc. formaldehyde, acids, alkalis,
nickel fumes,... etc causes bloods cell damage and leukemia.
• Units of concentration:
 For gases: part per million (ppm) volume basis.
 For Dusts and Particulate: milligram per cubic meter

(mg/m3).
Hydrogen sulphide
 Hydrogen Sulphide Characteristics:
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is a colorless gas that smells like
rotten eggs.
Hydrogen sulphide is called ” sewer gas”
hydrogen sulfide is highly poisonous.
It is found in petroleum and natural gas and sometimes
present in ground water.
Health Effects:
 Hydrogen Sulphide is a potent chemical asphyxiant, combining with
hemoglobin and thus rapidly stopping oxygen from access to cellular
metabolism (just like gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen
cyanide). Indeed H2S is arguably as toxic as Hydrogen Cyanide HCN.
 Hydrogen Sulphide very foul smells but very quickly paralyses the
sense of smell, and can go on to overcome the victim and eventually
cause death
 Hydrogen Sulphide is also an irritant of mucous membranes including
the eyes and respiratory tract
 How Hydrogen Sulphide is Formed?

 Hydrogen sulphide is formed as a result of decomposing animal
manure.
 Properties of Hydrogen Sulphide:
• Colorless gas
• “Rotten-egg” odor (low concentration less than 1 ppm).
• Approximately 20 % percent heavier than air, with a specific
gravity of 1.19.
• In concentrations of 150 ppm or greater ,the ability to smell the gas
is lost instantaneously and relying on sense of smell is very
dangerous.
 Chemical and Physical Information:
 Chemical Identity:
• Chemical Formula H2S(hydrogen sulphide)
• Odour Rotten Egg (low concentration)
• Boiling Point 600 C
• TLV- TWA 10 PPM
• TLV- STEL 15 PPM
• Specific Gravity 1.19
• CAS registry 7783-06-4

 Explosive Limits – Flammable Range:

It has a wide explosive range (4.3 – 44%).
Flammability – H2S burns with a distinctive blue flame

that produced sulphur dioxide (SO2),this hazardous gas
irritates the eyes and lungs, and can be potentially fatal.
 If the concentration is below the LEL the mixture is to

lean to burn, if it is above the UEL it is to rich to burn.
H2S
Methane
UEL
LEL UEL
AT the LEL point, 100% will show on the gas monitor. This tells you
that you are in the explosive range of the gas. The range of methane
gas is from 5% to 15%. H2S gas has a range of 4.3% to 44%. If the
concentration is below the LEL the mixture is too lean to burn, if it is
above the UEL it is too rich to burn.
 Physiological Response of Adult Humans to Hydrogen Sulphide:

 Effect of H2S (10,000 parts per million = 1 percent)
• 1 ppm - - - Can be smelled.
• 10 ppm - - - Occupational Exposure Limit ( TLV ) for 8 hours
• 15 ppm - - - STEL , allowable for 15 minutes of exposure.
• 20 ppm - - - Ceiling . At this level workers must wear appropriate breathing
apparatus.
• 100 ppm - - - Loss of sense of smell in 2 to 15 minutes. Possible headache, nausea,
throat irritation.
• 200 ppm - - - Sense of smell lost rapidly. Burns eyes and throat.
• 300 ppm - - - Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) level. Positive
pressure breathing apparatus required.
• 500 ppm - - - Loss of reasoning and balance. Respiratory disturbances in 2 to 15
minutes.
• 700 ppm - - - Immediate unconsciousness. Death will result if not rescued promptly.
• 1000 ppm - - - Causes immediate unconsciousness. Causes loss of control of bowel and
bladder. Breathing will stop and death will result if not rescued promptly. Immediate
resuscitation needed.
51 serious H2S incidents are recorded in BP Quarterly Safety Bulletins:
 16 occurred when breaking containment;
 12 occurred during 'normal' operations (from leaks, pipe rupture...);
 11 occurred during draining operations;
 5 occurred during maintenance operations;
 5 occurred during (un)loading operations (2 on ships);
 2 occurred when changing molecular sieves.
The number of workers affected in each incident varies from 1 to 12 intoxicated.
8 of these incidents proved fatal for 11 workers.

Typical incidents
An instrument mechanic was draining the reference lines of an instrument on hydrogen sulphide duty on the
sulphur plant without wearing an airline mask. He inhaled some of the gas, but was able to stagger out of the area before
collapsing. Fortunately he recovered quickly.
The fitter, equipped with breathing apparatus, has removed a relief valve from a line and replaced it with a
blank flange. He removed his breathing equipment to inspect the flange, but because of incorrect installation, H 2 S was
escaping from one side of the flange and it was at this stage that the fitter was overcome and collapsed.
Two inspectors and one crew member were gassed during sampling/measuring of the ship’s crude tanks. One
inspector was discharged from hospital after a 10 days. The second inspector has been in a coma for 2 weeks and
permanent body damage is feared. The crew member did not survive.
How can hydrogen sulphide enter and leave my

body?
Hydrogen sulfide enters your body through :
 The air you breathe.
 Through the skin.
 Hydrogen sulfide is a gas, so you would not likely be
exposed to it by ingestion.
When you breathe air containing hydrogen sulfide or
when hydrogen sulfide comes into contact with skin, it is
absorbed into the blood stream and distributed
throughout the body. In the body, hydrogen sulfide is
primarily converted to sulfate and is excreted in the urine.
How might I be exposed to hydrogen sulfide?

Your body makes small amounts of hydrogen sulfide,
Hydrogen sulfide is produced by the natural bacteria in
your mouth.
Hydrogen sulfide readily evaporates from water in surface
and waste waters.
Through misuse of drain cleaning materials.
It can be found in hot water heater giving tap water rotten
gas
Cigarette smoke and emissions from gasoline vehicles contain

hydrogen sulfide.
People who work in certain industries can be exposed to
higher levels of hydrogen sulfide such as petroleum and
natural gas drilling operations, wastewater treatment plants
and pulp and paper mills.
 Workers on farms with manure storage pits or landfills can
be exposed to higher levels of hydrogen sulfide
 How can hydrogen sulfide affect my health?

 Exposure to low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide may cause
irritation to the eyes, nose ,or throat.
 Exposures to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide ( greater than

500 ppm) can cause a loss of consciousness.
 Permanent or long-term effects such as headaches, poor attention

span, poor memory, and poor motor function.
Deaths due to breathing in large amounts of

hydrogen sulfide including sewers, animal
processing plants, waste dumps, sludge plants, oil
and gas well drilling sites and tanks.
Hydrogen sulfide has not been classified for its

ability to cause cancer.
 How can hydrogen sulfide affect children?

Children are likely to be exposed to hydrogen sulfide in the
same manner as adults except for adults at work.
Because hydrogen sulfide is heavier than air and because

children are shorter than adults, children sometimes are
exposed to more hydrogen sulfide than adults.
 Is there a medical test to determine whether I have been

exposed to hydrogen sulfide?
 Hydrogen sulfide can be measured in exhaled air, but samples must be
taken within 2 hours after exposure to be useful.
 Determine if you have been exposed to hydrogen sulfide is the
measurement of thiosulfate levels in urine, this test must be done within
12 hours of exposure.
 This test cannot determine exactly how much hydrogen sulfide you have
been exposed to or whether harmful effects will occur
 What is the health effect of hydrogen sulphide?

I. Respiratory effect
 Exposure to very high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide
can result in respiratory arrest and/or pulmonary edema
 A low concentration, hydrogen sulfide is a respiratory
irritant so residents living near industries emitting
hydrogen sulfide, such as paper mills, animal slaughter
facilities reported nasal symptoms, cough, or increased
visits to the hospital emergency
II. Neurological effects.

 Exposure to hydrogen sulfide can in neurobehavioral effects in
humans and animals.
 Alterations in balance, reaction time, visual field, and verbal
recall were observed in individuals exposed to high
concentrations of hydrogen sulfide for an acute duration.
 The severity of effects appeared to be related to the duration of
exposure as well as the exposure concentration.
Pyrophoric phenomena
• Hydrogen sulfide react with iron / steel to form
iron sulfide (Fe S) which in turn reacts with air to
form iron oxide . The later exothermic reaction can
generate sufficient heat to ignite flammable vapors
, the entire surface should be kept wet with water
during handling . The exposure of that surface to
air should be minimized until the surface with Fe S
is buried properly
• When equipment is taken out of services for an
extended period of time a good practices
required to ensure proper decommission or
dismantled it to prevent unexpected loss of
containment and release of H2S or ignition of
pyrophoric iron sulfide
• Proper entry into confined spaces where H2S

and pyrophoric iron sulfide could be present.
• Material selection – based on sulfur content ,
temperature , pressures, anticipated corrosion
rate.
• Piping design – such as eliminating screwed piping

, low points , and dead end piping.
– Closed sampling systems must be used when
sampling hydrogen sulfide streams.
– Process sewers and drains must be vented to safe

locations so as to prevent employee or community
exposures.
• Occupied buildings and control rooms used as
“Shelter-In-Place or Secured” locations during
toxic releases of hydrogen sulfide must have a
hydrogen sulfide monitor placed in the fresh air
intake if there is a significant likelihood
hydrogen sulfide could be admitted through the
air intake.
• The use of chemical cartridge type respirators to
protect employees against hydrogen sulfide exposure is
prohibited except for emergency egress.
• “Ten minutes escape packs” must be available to

employees who are routinely working on elevated
platforms where there is the potential for hydrogen
sulfide concentrations to be greater than the IDLH.
• Any work areas where H2S may be present must
be approached from upwind if possible.
• Portable hydrogen sulfide monitors must be

available to provide an easy method for locating
small hydrogen sulfide leaks
VEDIO
Detection and Alarm System:

The purpose of the fire and gas detection system shall be:
• Detect at an early stage the presence of flammable and
toxic gases.
• Detect at an early stage the presence of fire and initiate
actions as required.
• Initiate signal to the audible and visible as required to warn
of the detected hazard.
 To determine the presence of H2S in your work area,

one of the following means of detection should be used
I. Gas Detector Tubes
II. Continuous monitors
III. Personal monitors
IV. Portable monitors
 Types of detection systems

I. Fixed gas detectors
II. Portable gas detector
 Fixed gas detector
A. Gas Detection System provides a comprehensive
plant-wide controller/sensor system for
monitoring combustible gas, oxygen deficiency
and toxic gases to maintain safety in a plant.
 Fixed gas detector

B. In-Stream Hydrogen Sulfide Analyzer.
o In-Stream Hydrogen Sulfide Analyzer is used to continuously
verify the H2S content of a natural gas sample for the presence of
0-100 ppm levels of Hydrogen Sulfide, This system is used to
ensure that H2S levels in natural gas collection lines
remains at acceptable levels to help guard against the
corrosive effects of H2S on compressors, pipelines and
process equipment.
 Portable gas detector:

 Pocket-size single gas
monitor:
• Four Gases to choose
from: LEL, CO, H2S, or
O2
 Gas Watch Monitor:
o The gas watch is the first single – gas monitor that can be
comfortably worn on the wrist like a watch.
o The hands –free method of gas monitoring for personal.
o Protection of oxygen deficiency, carbon monoxide or hydrogen
sulfide.
o The built in vibrator, audible, and visual alarms immediately alert
the user of a dangerous gas condition
 Personnel sample draw 5 in 1 gas monitor
o It can monitor the standard confined space gases (LEL combustibles,
Oxygen deficiency, Carbon Monoxide, and Hydrogen Sulfide),
however it can also measure 100% volume combustibles and
dynamically display either % LEL, or % volume with its auto-
ranging ability.
 Emergency procedures:
 Emergency procedures should include the
following:
I. Introduction
II. definitions
III. Types of emergencies
IV. Organization and responsibilities
V. Emergency services
A. Local police
B. Hospital
C. Contractors
D. Public safety
E. transportation
VI. Internal and external communications
VI. Procedures for emergency cases
VI. Emergency drill
VI. Training
VI. Review and testing

Hydrogen Sulphide Rescue:

The safety of the rescue team is a prime consideration.
The rescue must not be carried out unless the rescuers are
protected by breathing apparatus and with taking into
account the fire hazard associated with a gas leak.
The rescue team should also consider delaying such an
operation if a sources of ignition is immediately downwind
of the leak.
Where possible remove the victim from the gas first then
stop the leak and allow the gas to blow away, or if it is
possible do both.
Hydrogen Sulphide Rescue (Cont’d):

Do not move the victim into a safe area unless you
are absolutely sure that the gas will not reach the
area where first aid is being done. If in doubt, move
farther out (upwind from the source of the gas.)
If breathing has stopped, some form of artificial

respiration is needed.
 Hydrogen Sulphide Rescue (Cont’d):

• Mouth to mouth artificial respiration
• There are three big advantages to mouth-to-mouth:
I. No chance for mistakes
You can feel the air go in and feel it come back out against
your cheeks.
II. Faster recovery – H2S
The extra carbon dioxide in our breath when we are doing
mouth to mouth seems to stimulate the remaining nerve
cells so that spontaneous breathing returns more quickly.
III.Rescuer doing mouth to mouth will be aware
• After the victim is breathing normally, allow them rest
quietly. Keep them warm by using a using a blanket this will
help to reduce shock.
• when a victim feels up to it they should change their clothes,
wash up, gather up their belongings, then they should be
taken to medical aid.
• People that have been involved and lost consciousness from
H2S exposure must be seen by a doctor because of the
chance of pulmonary edema (Swelling from excessive
accumulation of serous fluid in tissue).
• Do not allow them to make their one way or drive
themselves as their coordination has probably been affected.
 First Aid for H2S Poisoning:

I. Prevention is better than rescue (safe work to avoid exposure).
II. Avoid delays (response immediately) .
III. The safety of the rescuers is the prime consideration.
IV. Remove victim (stop gas leak-gas below).
V. Mouth to mouth artificial (breathing stopped).
VI. The position the rescuer.
VII. Rescue and resuscitation should be done calmly, quiet and gently
VIII. After the victim is breathing normally, let them rest quietly and use
blankets to reduce shock.
IX. Once the victim has recovered enough sitting and conversing normally,
drink such as water or milk for the sore throat.
X. Change his clothes, have shower
VEDIO
H2S Rescue
Respiratory Protection Equipment:

 Self – contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
 Supplied air breathing apparatus (SABA)
The reason for a respiratory protection program
Harmful materials can enter the body in four (4) ways:
• Inhalation into the lungs ( the body’s respiratory system)
• Absorption through the skin and eyes
• Ingestion through the stomach
• Injection by cut or incision
 Respiratory protection program requirements:
• Pass an appropriate medical evaluation
• Receive training initially and at least annually
• Protection equipment must be properly fit tested initially
and at least annually.
 Equipment Selection:
Selecting the correct respirator for the job is the first step in
protecting employees
1. Type of air contaminants present (i.e particles, vapors,
gases)
2. Hazard of exposure (i.e. IDLH, eye irritant, toxicity)
3. Warning properties of contaminants

4. Level of exposure
5. Exposure time
6. Work activity
7. Characteristics and limitations of respiratory equipment
8. Level of protection needed
 Types of Respirators:
• Disposable dust masks
• The half- face cartridge respirator
• The full-face cartridge respirator
• Powered air purifying respirators (PAPR)
• Sandblasting hoods and helmets
• Air supplied respirators
 Function of respirator
• Air purifying: clean the air inhaled
• Air supplying: supply own air through hose and it
independent on surrounding air (contaminates
unknown, high contaminate concentration ,,,etc)
 Air purifying
Before using an air-purifying respirator, the following
conditions shall be assured:
• The atmosphere of the work area must contain at least 19.5%
oxygen
• Approximate concentration of contaminants must be known
to ensure that the respirator’s capabilities are not exceeded.
• Concentration of contaminants cannot exceed the “
Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health” (IDLH)
• Employee must be fit-tested to ensure the correct size of
respirator and must wear the respirator properly
• Employee must be medically capable of wearing an air
purifying respirator
 Types of respiratory protection equipment
I. Self-contained breathing apparatus respirator (SCBA):
 Characteristics:
• Air tank is carried on back of user, supplies air to full-face piece, tight fitting
mask
• Self-contained unit is not connected to outside equipment.
• It does not depend on outside air, it can be used where air purifying type
respirators are not acceptable
• This type of respirator provides maximum protection from contaminants and
maintains positive pressure inside face piece.
 Restrictions:
• Has limited supply of air (most Caltrans equipment has 1-hour air tanks with 1/2 hour
service life).
• Physically and psychologically demanding of user.
• Requires specialized training and extensive "hands-on"
• Equipment requires monthly inspection and annual service.
• Requires on site medical monitoring to prevent exhaustion
• requires fit-test of face mask.
II. Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus (Airline Supplied – “airline”

respirator
 Characteristics:
• Breathing air is supplied through a hose to a full face piece..
• Maintains positive pressure inside mask or hood.
• Connected to outside air supplying equipment with air hose.
• Extended duration work is possible and Full face piece type provides
maximum protection from contaminants
• Hood can also provide physical protection from particles ex.. Sandblasting
 Restrictions:
• Limited mobility because of air hose.
• Restricted vision
• Requires specialized training.
• Requires fit test of face mask
• Requires annual medical evaluation before use.
• Loose hoods provide lower protection factors
• Requires special air supplying equipment
 Inspection, Maintenance, Repair, and Storage:

 All respiratory protection equipment shall be
inspected before and after each use.
I. The inspection shall include examination of:
• The face piece.
• The head straps or head harness.
• The exhalation and inhalation valves.
• Breathing tube.
• The air supplying hoses.
• The tanks and harness for cuts, cracks, and defects.
• Rubber shall be inspected.
• If any part of the respirator is damaged or missing the respirator

shall not be used until it has been properly repaired.
• Replacement and repair of respirators by experienced persons.
• No attempt shall be made to replace components parts or make
adjustments or repairs to respirators unless the repair work is in full
compliance with the manufactures' instructions.
• New equipment shall be issued to replace worn or damaged
equipment.
II. The storage shall include :
• Filters, cartridges and other parts should be stored in a clean dry
place, in a paper or plastic container.
• They should be protected from dust, sunlight, heat, extreme cold,
excessive moisture and chemicals.
• They should be stored in a single layer

• Respirators shall not be stored in personal lockers
• Respirators and SCBA equipment that are not routinely used,,
shall be inspected after each use and at least monthly
• SCBA inspections shall be documented and maintained by the
supervisor. Respirators shall be cleaned as necessary or on a
weekly basis at a minimum.
III. The maintenance shall include
• Use a soft brush to facilitate cleaning
• Remove filters, cartridges or canisters, and dispose of as necessary.
• Wash face piece and breathing tube in mild soap, rinse thoroughly to
remove all residue.
• Clean all parts as recommended by the manufacturer.

• Inspect valves, head straps, and other parts and replace as necessary new filters.
• Make sure all seals are tight with cartridge gaskets in place.
• Single purpose dust mask and disposable respirators shall be thrown at the end of
shift
 Respiratory fit-testing:
 purpose:
 Match the respiratory device to the physical characteristics of the
individuals face
 Ensure that the respiratory protection equipment will work properly
under actual working conditions
 Special conditions:
Before starting the fit-test process, the following conditions must be evaluate:
• Fair-hair
• Eye glasses
• Facial deformities
• Communications
• Physiological Response
 Specific details of the fit-testing process:
 Face fitting (respirator design, facial features)
 Negative pressure test (shutting off inlet canister)
 Positive pressure test (shutting of exhaling valve)
 Fit- test record ( Name, Type of respirator, date of test)
 Exposure record for hazardous material (MMS computer system-
medical data card)
SCBA Using and Testing
CONFINED SPACE
ENTRY
What is a Confined Space?

A space that:
• Is large enough and so configured that an employee can
enter bodily and perform work;
• Has limited or restricted means of entry or exit;
• Is not designed for continuous human occupancy.
Examples of Confined Spaces:
• Tanks/Manholes
• Boilers/Furnaces
• Sewers/Silos
• Pipes/Trenches/Tunnels/Ducts
• Pits
Potential Hazards in Confined Spaces

• Oxygen Deficiency
• <19.5% or >23.5% oxygen concentration
• Combustibles
•Methane/Hydrogen/Acetylene/Propane/Gasoline fumes
• Toxic Materials
•Carbon Monoxide/Hydrogen Sulfide
•Welding fumes.
• Electricity
• Mechanical Hazards
•Mixers
•Crushers
Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres
•19.5 % Minimum acceptable oxygen level.
•15 - 19% Decreased ability to work strenuously. mpair coordination. Early

symptoms.
•12-14% Respiration increases. Poor judgment.
•10-12% Respiration increases. Lips blue.
•8-10% Mental failure. Fainting. Nausea Unconsciousness. Vomiting.
•6-8% 8 minutes - fatal, 6 minutes - 50% fatal , 4-5 minutes – possible

recovery.
•4-6% Coma in 40 seconds. Death
Testing The Atmosphere

• Verify presence of safe work atmosphere.
• Test all areas of a confined space.
•Top, Middle, Bottom
• Methane is lighter than air.
• Carbon Monoxide is the same as air.
• Hydrogen Sulfide is heavier than air.
• Oxygen Deficiency
Always test the

air at various levels
to be sure that the
Good Air
entire space is safe.
Poor Air
Good air near the
opening does
NOT mean there
is good air at the
Deadly Air
bottom!
Ventilate the Space

• Use mechanical ventilation
• Fans
• Air horns
• Ventilate at the rate of at least four (4) volumes per
hour
• Larger spaces require more ventilation
• Make sure air supply is not contaminated
• Ventilation air supply must be from fresh air uncontaminated
with flammables, toxins, etc.
Fresh Air
If concentrations of
materials are found to Fresh outside
be at harmful levels, air is blown into
??
the confined space the space to dilute
must be ventilated to and remove
remove them before contaminants, and
O2 ??
entry. supply oxygen.
??
O2
?? O2
O2
Carbon Monoxide:
 What are the Physical Properties?
 Colorless
 odorless.
 Burns with a violet flame.
 Slightly soluble in water/soluble in alcohol and benzene.
 What are the Major Sources of CO?
 Incomplete burning of carbon-containing fuels including coal, wood,
charcoal, natural gas, and fuel oil.
 It can be emitted by combustion sources such as unvented kerosene
and gas space heaters, furnaces, woodstoves, gas stoves, fireplaces and
water heaters, automobile exhaust from attached garages, and tobacco
smoke.
What is effect in atmosphere?

 Carbon monoxide has an indirect radiative forcing effect on
tropospheric ozone through chemical reactions with other
atmospheric constituents (e.g., the hydroxyl radical, OH) that would
otherwise destroy it.
 Carbon monoxide is short-lived in the atmosphere so it is eventually
oxidized to carbon dioxide.
 What Are the Health Effects?
 CO enters the bloodstream through the lungs and reduces oxygen
delivery to the body’s organs and tissues produce fatigue, headache,
weakness, confusion, disorientation and dizziness.
 Very high levels can cause death.

 People with heart and respiratory illnesses are particularly at high
risk for the adverse health effects of carbon monoxide.
 An estimated 300 people die each year as a result of carbon
monoxide poisoning and thousands of others end up in hospital
emergency rooms.
 What Are the Environmental Effects?
 It contributes in formation ground level a zone and leads to global
warming phenomena
What can be done to Prevent CO Poisoning?

 Ensure that appliances are properly adjusted according to
manufacturer’s instructions
 Obtain annual inspections for heating system, chimneys
 Do not use ovens and gas ranges to heat your home
 Never leave a car or lawn mower engine running in a shed or
orange, or in any enclosed space
 Make sure your furnace has adequate intake of outside air
 Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliance in any room with
closed doors or windows
 Do not use gasoline-powered tools and engines indoors
 Install a CO detector /alarm
 What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?

I. Low levels :can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild
headaches, and may have longer-term effects on your health
II. Moderate levels: you can get severe headaches, become dizzy,
mentally confused, nauseated or faint
III. High levels: you can not see or smell carbon monoxide so it can be
killed in minutes
IV. Health effects from exposure to CO levels of approximately 1 to 70
ppm are uncertain
V. 70 ppm, symptoms may become more noticeable (headache, fatigue,
nausea).
VI. 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation, unconsciousness, and death are
possible.
 What if I have Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

 You should get fresh air immediately.
 Open doors and windows.
 Turn off Combustion appliance and leave the house.
 What about CO detector?
 CO detectors/alarms always are designed to alarm before potentially
life-threatening levels of CO are reached
 CO alarms should be installed according to the manufacturer's
instructions
 Never ignore an alarming CO detector/alarm.
o If the detector/alarm sounds: Operate the reset button. Call your emergency
services. Immediately move to fresh air at outdoors or by an open door/window.
What is Nitrogen Monoxide?

 Nitrogen monoxide (sometimes known as nitric oxide) is a colorless
gas with a sharp sweet odor.
What are the sources ?
 High temperature burning of fuel ( vehicles, heaters and cookers)
 it is formed during welding and cutting processes due to the
oxidation of atmospheric nitrogen.
Where is it used?
 Nitrogen monoxide is used in the manufacture of nitric acid and
ammonium nitrate fertilizers.
 Nitrogen monoxide is also used in hospitals as a respiratory
stimulant in intensive care units
 What is the Key Health Hazard?

I. Low level: Irritates eye, nose, throat , cough and shortness of
breath
II. Long term exposure to low levels :Damage to lung in the form of
emphysema, respiratory problems and reduction in lung function
III. For long term exposure TLV(TWA) is 1 ppm.
 How does it get into the body?
 it enters the body by breathing it through the nose and/or the
mouth.
 How can I prevent exposing to nitrogen monoxide?
 Try to reduce the number of people and the time length exposure
to nitrogen monoxide
 Preventing exposure to nitrogen monoxide is not reasonably practicable (e.g. by

using a different substance), so you should adequately control exposure by a
combination of engineering and process control measures
 All employees who may be exposed to nitrogen monoxide should have

sufficient information, instruction and training to understand the potential
problems and the precautions they need to take.
 You must co-operate with your employer in using the control measures (such
as ventilation and personal protective equipment) provided and reporting any
defects found in the control measures
What is Nitrogen Dioxide?

 Nitrogen dioxide is resulting from oxidation of nitrogen
monoxide which its life time is short
 What are the sources ?
 The major sources of man-made NOx emissions are high-temperature
combustion processes such as those that occur in automobiles and
power plants ,home heaters
 Gas stoves can also produce substantial amounts of NO2 in indoor
settings
 nitrogen dioxide is a traffic-related pollutant, emissions are generally
highest in urban rather than rural areas
 What can be done to prevent Nitrogen Dioxide?

• Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
• Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an un-
vented one.
• Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
• Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
 How can Nitrogen Dioxide affect my health?
Respiratory Toxicants
 Short-term exposures (e.g., less than 3 hours) to low levels of NO2
may lead to changes in airway responsiveness and lung function in
individuals with preexisting respiratory illnesses. These exposures
may also increase respiratory illnesses in children.
 Long-term exposures to NO2 may lead to increased susceptibility to
respiratory infection and may cause irreversible alterations in lung
structure
 Exposure cause adverse effects on the respiratory system, which

consists of the nasal passages, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.
 Respiratory toxicity can include a variety of acute and chronic
pulmonary conditions, including local irritation, bronchitis,
pulmonary edema, emphysema, and cancer
Toxicity:
 The primary locus of NO2 toxicity is the lung. Exposure to NO2
induces pulmonary injury in a number of ways.
 Nitrogen dioxide is converted to NO, HNO3 (nitric acid), and HNO2
(nitrous acid) in the distal airways, where it exerts direct toxic effects
on type I pneumocytes and ciliated airway cells.
 Nitrogen dioxide initiates free radical generation in the terminal
bronchioles, resulting in protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation, and
subsequent cell membrane damage.
 Nitrogen dioxide also alters macrophage and immune function,
causing impaired resistance to infection.
 How can Nitrogen Dioxide affect on the Environment?

 NOx combined with other precursors in acid rain and ozone
which increased nitrogen inputs to aquatic ecosystems such
as which can lead to eutrophication (a condition that
promotes excessive algae growth, which can lead to a severe
depletion of dissolved oxygen and increased levels of toxins
harmful to aquatic life).
 Nitrogen, alone or in acid rain, also can acidify soils and
surface waters. Acidification of soils causes the loss of
essential plant nutrients and increased levels of soluble
aluminum that are toxic to plants.
 Acidification of surface waters creates conditions of low pH
and levels of aluminum that are toxic to fish and other
aquatic organisms.
 What is the Sulphur Dioxide (SO2):
 Sulphur Dioxide is a colorless liquid or pungent gas.
 it smells like burnt matches.
 It can be oxidized to sulphur trioxide, which in the presence of water
vapour is readily transformed to sulphuric acid mist
 What are the sources of Sulphur Dioxide?
 Sulphur dioxide occurs in volcanic gases
 metallurgical and chemical processes
 paper manufacture and the production of sulphuric acid via the Contact
Process
 What is it used?
 Reducing agent and is used for bleaching wool .
 It is used as food preservative.
 Large quantities of sulphur dioxide are used in the contact process for the
manufacture of sulphuric acid and liquid sulphur dioxide has been used in
purifying petroleum products
 What is the effect of sulphur dioxide on health?

 Exposure to very high levels of sulfur dioxide can be life
threatening.
 Exposure to (100 ppm) is considered immediately
dangerous to life and health.
 Lung functions are changed by long term exposure
 Respiratory system and vascular disease are resulted by
exposure to sulphur dioxide
 Acute exposure may cause asphyxiation
 Prolonged exposure is resulting chronic disease may cause
pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema .
 TLV(TWA)-2 ppm, TLV(STEL)-5 ppm

 AQI levels of sulphur dioxide are the followings
Health effects of different Air Quality Index (AQI) levels caused by sulphur dioxide
Category AQI Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
Very Good 0 - 15 No health effects are expected in healthy people.
Good 16 – 31 Damages some vegetation in combination with ozone.
Moderate 32 – 49 Damages some vegetation.
Poor 50 – 99 Odour; increasing vegetation damage.
Very Poor 100 or over Increasing sensitivity for asthmatics and people with bronchitis
 How might I be Exposed to Sulfur Dioxide?

 Breathing air containing it or touching it.
 Working in industries where it occurs as a by-product, such as copper
smelting or power plants.
 Working in the manufacture of sulfuric acid, paper, food
preservatives, or fertilizers.
 Living near heavily industrialized activities where sulfur dioxide
occurs.
 Is there a medical test to show whether I have been exposed
to sulfur dioxide?
 Sulfur dioxide in the body is changed into other sulfur-containing
chemicals in the body. These breakdown products can be measured in
blood and urine
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H2S & TOXIC GASES

Engineering for the Petroleum and Process Industries

Why is safety and health important ?

 Safety and health regulations is sound barrier between the

 Accidents and injuries are more expensive than any realize.

 The production objectives & accident prevention can not be

Chemical exposure may cause :

 These gases (hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide, sulphure

Threshold Limit Value

Short – Term Exposure

Threshold limit value short-term exposure limit

Route of entry in to the human body :

 For gases: part per million (ppm) volume basis.

 For Dusts and Particulate: milligram per cubic meter

 How Hydrogen Sulphide is Formed?

• Odour Rotten Egg (low concentration)

• Boiling Point 600 C

• TLV- TWA 10 PPM

• TLV- STEL 15 PPM

• Specific Gravity 1.19

• CAS registry 7783-06-4

 Explosive Limits – Flammable Range:

Flammability – H2S burns with a distinctive blue flame

 If the concentration is below the LEL the mixture is to

 Physiological Response of Adult Humans to Hydrogen Sulphide:

The number of workers affected in each incident varies from 1 to 12 intoxicated.

8 of these incidents proved fatal for 11 workers.

How can hydrogen sulphide enter and leave my

How might I be exposed to hydrogen sulfide?

Cigarette smoke and emissions from gasoline vehicles contain

 How can hydrogen sulfide affect my health?

 Exposures to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide ( greater than

 Permanent or long-term effects such as headaches, poor attention

Deaths due to breathing in large amounts of

Hydrogen sulfide has not been classified for its

 How can hydrogen sulfide affect children?

Because hydrogen sulfide is heavier than air and because

 Is there a medical test to determine whether I have been

 What is the health effect of hydrogen sulphide?

II. Neurological effects.

• Proper entry into confined spaces where H2S

• Piping design – such as eliminating screwed piping

– Process sewers and drains must be vented to safe

• “Ten minutes escape packs” must be available to

• Portable hydrogen sulfide monitors must be

Detection and Alarm System:

 To determine the presence of H2S in your work area,

 Types of detection systems

 Fixed gas detector

 Portable gas detector:

VI. Procedures for emergency cases

VI. Emergency drill

VI. Review and testing

Hydrogen Sulphide Rescue:

Hydrogen Sulphide Rescue (Cont’d):

If breathing has stopped, some form of artificial

 Hydrogen Sulphide Rescue (Cont’d):

 First Aid for H2S Poisoning:

Respiratory Protection Equipment:

3. Warning properties of contaminants

II. Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus (Airline Supplied – “airline”

 Inspection, Maintenance, Repair, and Storage:

• If any part of the respirator is damaged or missing the respirator

• They should be stored in a single layer