HSEP09-07 HydrogenSulfideRev1

Document No: Page:
HSE Procedure HSEP 9.7 1 of 14
Supersedes: Revision:
Hydrogen Sulfide Rev. 0 1
Issuing Department: Approval: Previous Rev. Date: Effective Date:
Corporate HSE Vice President HSE 18-May-07 01-Sep-12
Table of Contents
1.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE.......................................................................................................................................................1
2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES...........................................................................................................................................................1
3.0 DEFINITIONS......................................................................................................................................................................1
4.0 PROPERTIES.......................................................................................................................................................................2
4.2. Physical Characteristics.................................................................................................................................. 2
4.3. Health Effects.................................................................................................................................................. 3
4.4. Physical and Fire Hazards............................................................................................................................... 3
5.0 PROCEDURE....................................................................................................................................................................... 3
5.1. Exposure Limits............................................................................................................................................... 3
5.2. Workplace H2S Evaluation............................................................................................................................... 4
5.3. Detecting and Measuring H2S.......................................................................................................................... 4
5.3.1. Odor.............................................................................................................................................................. 4
5.3.2. Fixed Systems.............................................................................................................................................. 4
5.3.3. H2S Detector Tubes...................................................................................................................................... 5
5.3.4. Portable Gas Detectors................................................................................................................................ 5
5.3.5. Personal Monitoring System Specifications.................................................................................................5
5.3.6. Personal Monitoring System Use................................................................................................................. 6
5.3.7. Personal Monitoring System Alarms............................................................................................................6
5.4. Emergency Action........................................................................................................................................... 7
5.5. Respiratory Protection..................................................................................................................................... 7
6.0 TRAINING............................................................................................................................................................................ 7
7.0 REFERENCES AND RELATED DOCUMENTS............................................................................................................7
8.0 FIGURES................................................................................................................................................................................ 8
.
1.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This HSEP is intended to provide steps to protect the health and safety of workers, who may
encounter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in their work environment.
2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
General responsibilities for HSE Program implementation are stated in HSEP 1.5. Additional
management, staff, employee, and subcontractor responsibilities that address duties specific to
this topic are stated in this procedure.
3.0 DEFINITIONS
Action Level (AL) Half the exposure limit established by Jacobs and defined in paragraph 5.1.
Cautionary Areas Cautionary H2S areas are designated near process equipment or locations
where hazardous concentrations of H2S are not expected to be present
during normal operating conditions but could be released during a process
upset. Such cautionary H2S areas are marked with an “H2S Caution” sign.
Copyright © 2012 Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

All rights reserved. The contents of this document are proprietary and produced for the exclusive benefit of Jacobs Engineering
Group Inc and its affiliated companies. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written approval of
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.
The applicable version of this document resides in the Business Practices section of http://JNet.jacobs.com.. All copies are considered to be
uncontrolled.
File Name: 728923987.doc

HSE Procedure 9.7 Page 2 of 14
Hydrogen Sulfide Rev. 1, 01-Sep-12
Ceiling The airborne concentration, which shall at no time be exceeded. If

concentration instantaneous monitoring is not feasible, then the ceiling shall be assessed
as a 15-minute time weighted average exposure, which shall not be
exceeded at any time during the working day.
Control A measure taken to reduce the risk to an acceptable or manageable level by
reducing severity, probability, or both.
Hazard A condition, situation, activity, or characteristic that has the potential to cause
harm.
Hazard Analysis The process of hazard identification, risk assessment, and hazard control.
IDLH Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health. Any atmosphere containing -
>100 ppm hydrogen sulfide is considered an IDLH atmosphere.
Incident Assessment of the likelihood or probability of occurrence of an incident over
Likelihood or a prescribed exposure interval.
Probability
Incident Severity Assessment of the most credible outcome of an incident based on human
error, environmental conditions, design inadequacies, procedural
deficiencies, or component/system failure.
Pyrophoric bursting into flames spontaneously when exposed to air
Residual Risk Risk that remains after controls are taken into consideration.
Restricted Areas Restricted areas are those where there is the potential for exposure to H2S to
exceed the established TLV-TWA or PEL. These areas shall be designated
with an “H2S Restricted Area” warning sign. In the case of a storage tank,
such shall be posted at the foot of the tank staircase.
Risk A measure of the likelihood or probability of a hazard-related incident
occurring and the severity of harm or damage that could result. For the
purpose of qualitatively assessing risk, it is defined as the product of severity
of the incident outcome times the likelihood of occurrence.
Sour Service Any tank, vessel, or piping with liquids which contain, or may contain, >1.0%
dissolved H2S or >10 ppm in the vapor space.
4.0 PROPERTIES
4.1. Occurrence
H2S is formed during the decomposition of organic materials. It is found in natural gas and crude
oil, in mines, wells, and sewer systems. It is typically present in shipping and storage equipment
and containers related to gas and oil handling and in certain refinery processes and hydrocarbon
streams due to its natural occurrence in natural gas and crude oil.
Examples of where H2S may be found and the necessary steps to evaluate the risk and arrange
for appropriate protection for workers are provided in Figure 1.
4.2. Physical Characteristics
At ambient conditions, H2S is a colorless and flammable gas possessing a sweetish taste and an
offensive odor similar, in low concentrations, to that of “rotten eggs”.
It is slightly heavier than air but will, even in low concentrations, mix uniformly in open air, settling
to the ground only in stagnant air such as found in unventilated confined spaces and in trenches
and deep depressions.
H2S is soluble in water, crude oil, and other petroleum distillates.
Copyright © 2012 Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. 2

H2S forms explosive mixtures with air. The lower explosive limit is about 4.3% in the air and the
upper explosive limit is about 45% in the air.
4.3. Health Effects
H2S is a colorless gas with an odor resembling rotten eggs at low concentrations. Most people
can smell H2S at concentrations ranging from 0.003 to 0.3 ppm. However, at low concentrations,
olfactory fatigue (loss of the sense of smell) can occur.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, olfactory fatigue occurs at
about 100 ppm, mild conjunctivitis can occur in the range of 50 to 100 ppm, and rapid
unconsciousness, cessation of respiration, and death can occur in the range of about 700 to
1,000 ppm.
H2S can be irritating at low concentrations to the eyes (conjunctivitis), skin, and respiratory tract.
Adverse effects produced by H2S vary considerably with the concentration.
In low concentrations, it produces an irritant effect on the eyes and air passages.
In moderate concentrations, H2S reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, causing
unconsciousness. In such cases, breathing may resume spontaneously if the victim is removed
from the H2S contaminated area soon enough.
In high concentrations, H2S causes respiratory paralysis, and breathing does not resume without
prompt application of artificial respiration.
4.4. Physical and Fire Hazards
H2S is a flammable gas — LEL 4.3% by volume, UEL, 45% by volume
With a vapor density of 1.17, H2S is heavier than air. In very still air, it can settle in low-lying
areas such as sewers, pits, tank bottoms, tank dike areas.
H2S is corrosive to many materials in the presence of water or water vapor and is reactive with
oxidizing agents. H2S can convert to SO2 when burned and can be converted to elemental sulfur
when burned in an oxygen deficient environment.
Sulfides of iron will oxidize to iron oxides fairly rapidly in moist air. In the presence of other
readily oxidized combustibles, such as some oily materials and under certain conditions, the heat
liberated from this oxidation is sufficient to result in spontaneous ignition.
5.0 PROCEDURE
5.1. Exposure Limits
No persons should be permitted to be exposed to H2S concentrations in air above these
occupational exposure limits:
 10 ppm, ACGIH 8-Hour TWA-TLV and NIOSH 10-minute Ceiling REL
 15 ppm, ACGIH 15-Minute STEL-TLV
Regulatory limits are:
 20 ppm, OSHA PEL and Ceiling
 50 ppm, OSHA 10-minute maximum duration, once only if no other exposure occurs
If a worker’s personal monitor alarms at 50 ppm for 10 minute maximum duration, there can be
no more safe exposure to H2S for that worker for the remainder of that shift. The worker must go
to an environment free of H2S for the remainder of their shift or don an air-supplied respirator for
all tasks with the potential for H2S exposure.
In countries or states where exposure limits differ from those stated above, the lower limits of the
two shall be used and enforced.

5.2. Workplace H2S Evaluation

A risk evaluation, as set forth in HSEP 12.1, Health Hazard Evaluation, shall be conducted.
The HHE shall identify work areas and work activities that have potential for H2S exposure.
For non-routine and upset condition exposures, the HHE shall determine the estimated maximum
H2S release conditions and estimated work area exposure concentrations.
Normal operating exposures shall also be evaluated to estimate H2S exposure characteristics.
H2S exposure scenarios with appropriate H2S exposure monitoring requirements and respiratory
protection requirements are provided in this table.
Table 1
Exposure Air Monitoring & Respiratory
Exposure Potential
Scenarios Protection Requirements
Normal Exposure potential less than AL and Conduct periodic direct-reading
conditions based on odor instrument monitoring.
Normal Exposure below AL and with infrequent Workers must wear personal
conditions releases with a maximum exposure monitors or rely on a fixed system
concentration of less than the allowable and carry an escape respirator.
ceiling concentration of 20 ppm
Normal Exposure below AL and infrequent Workers must wear a personal
conditions releases with exposure potentially monitor with audible alarm and
above the IDLH carry an escape respirator.
Confined Exposure potential above the IDLH Workers must wear a personal
space or line monitor with audible alarm and wear
breaking a supplied air respirator.
For tasks not evaluated in the HHE but with exposure potential above the AL, an amendment to
the HHE must be provided to address this work activity prior to work execution.
As set forth above, a Health Hazard Evaluation shall be conducted to identify work areas and
work activities that would be reasonably expected to exceed the action level. In such areas,
personal air monitoring must be conducted
5.3. Detecting and Measuring H2S
5.3.1.Odor
Low concentrations of H2S in air can be detected by the characteristic “rotten egg” odor.
Such usually indicates that the gas has been released somewhere nearby and that
higher concentrations may exist close to the point of release.
Moderate concentrations of airborne H2S have the potential to rapidly paralyze the
olfactory nerve and decrease the sense of smell.
It is dangerous and wrong to conclude that, when you think you smell rotten eggs, the
concentration of H2S is below harmful levels. The sense of smell cannot reliably warn of
the presence or concentration level of hydrogen sulfide.
5.3.2.Fixed Systems
No matter how well designed the facility and how good the operation and maintenance,
when H2S is present accidental releases are possible. Therefore, installation of fixed H2S
detection systems is recommended for areas with potential for H2S exposure.
Detection equipment should be of a fail-safe design.
The presence of fixed H2S detection systems does not constitute personnel protection.

Fixed sensors and alarms should be regularly calibrated.

Beacons or lights should be designed to activate at 10 ppm.
5.3.3.H2S Detector Tubes
H2S detector tubes consist of a glass tube that contains a chemical that is reactive to H2S.
An aspirating device (hand pump) draws a sample of the atmosphere through the tube.
The length of the travel of the discoloration through the granules is proportional to the
concentration in parts per million (ppm) of H2S to atmosphere in the sample under test.
The H2S concentration is read directly on the scale on the glass tube.
Detector tubes should be used as a screening tool and not for exposure measurements.
They can determine the concentration of H2S to about ± 25 percent accuracy. Decisions
based on detector tube results must take into account this accuracy.
5.3.4.Portable Gas Detectors
Portable direct reading electrochemical detectors determine the presence of hydrogen
sulfide through changes in the electrochemical potential in the cell. This change is
amplified and displayed as a needle deflection or LED display.
Before using a portable H2S monitor, alarm sound and zero set must be checked.
The person using the meter must be trained and have the authority to make tests
necessary to determine the presence and concentration of H2S.
5.3.5.Personal Monitoring System Specifications
Personal monitoring systems, which will give an early warning of increased atmospheric
concentrations of H2S in the work area, must be provided to workers assigned to areas
with an increased potential for exposure to H2S. See Table 1.
These systems are based on the diffusion characteristics of toxic gases and usually
incorporate an electrochemical detector, which generates an electric current as the toxic
gas passes over it. This current is converted into an audible or visual display signal (or
both).
In selecting a personal H2S monitor, the following points should be considered.
 Intrinsic Safety — The equipment must be certified safe to use in
potentially flammable atmospheres, including hydrogen/air mixtures, where
appropriate.
 Measuring Range —This should provide continuous read-out in the 0 –
50 ppm range.
 Alarm Level — This is normally pre-set by the manufacturer at either one
or two different levels (warning and evacuation levels). It is recommended that
units be purchased which alarm at 10 ppm.
 Alarm Signal — Monitors giving an audible alarm. Where high noise
levels may mask the audible signal, use a warning light or vibration that can be
tested.
 Accuracy — The accuracy of H2S personal monitors is typically ± 15%.
 Humidity — The monitor should be capable of functioning within the
limits of its accuracy in humidity ranging from 10 to 95%. It should function at
greater than 95% humidity if water is kept off the sensor head and will tend to
respond at lower H2S levels, i.e. the 10 ppm alarm could be activated at lower
levels. The unit should return to normal readings for H2S when returned to lower
humidity conditions.

 Temperature — The monitor should normally be capable of functioning

over a range of 32 to 120 °F. Where the equipment is required for use in sub-
zero temperatures, the manufacturer/supplier should be contacted because units
powered by special lithium batteries are available which function over a range of
-40 to 120 °F.
 Battery Check — The monitor should be fitted with a check device to
indicate the power level in the battery. The battery should be capable of
operating for a minimum of 10 hours.
 Alarm Response Time — The monitor should be capable of alarming
nearly instantaneously at the 10-ppm level.
 Interfering Compounds — Substances such as hydrocarbons and sulfur
dioxide should not adversely influence the detector system within the range of 0
to 50 ppm of H2S.
 Monitor Calibration — Calibration, daily bump tests, etc. should be conducted, at
least once per day or shift before use, in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
 Services — The availability of service and spare parts should be of
primary consideration when selecting a particular system.
Use only H2S monitors with internal fail-safe checks that will sound the alarm or trigger a
warning light if there is a defect in the monitor.
5.3.6.Personal Monitoring System Use
Personal monitors must be maintained in good working condition.
All persons required to wear a personal H2S monitor shall be provided training on:
 Proper use and care of the monitor
 Hazards of H2S gas
 What to do in case of an alarm condition.
Monitors shall have two distinct settings:
 Low alarm at 10 parts per million (ppm) or other applicable exposure limit
or other applicable ceiling exposure limit.
 High alarm at 15 ppm
Monitors shall be equipped with both a vibrating alarm and an audio alarm.
Monitors shall be placed in the breathing zone and worn outside of clothing, tools,
earmuffs, etc.
If a monitor gets wet, it may provide a false alarm. Allow the sensor screen to completely
dry and bump test the monitor to ensure proper function before re-entry.
Store monitors in areas free of H2S.
5.3.7.Personal Monitoring System Alarms
When a personal monitor alarm sounds, workers shall immediately leave the area,
notifying fellow employees on the way out and using the safest route possible, moving in
a crosswind direction and away from process units.
If a worker hears a co-worker’s alarm, they should immediately notify that person and
react as though their own alarm had sounded.
Windsocks or steam shall be used as a guide for wind direction.

Cross-sensitivity may occur when the monitor is exposed to the following:

 Hydrogen
 Methyl mercaptan
 Sulfur dioxide
 Nitrogen dioxide
 Carbon monoxide
 Caustics
 Extremely low humidity atmospheres
False alarms may also be caused by:
 Radio frequency interference
 Remote radio microphones/speakers
5.4. Emergency Action
If an emergency develops due to escaping H2S gas:
 Evacuate the affected area and alert all personnel in the area to retreat to a safe location.
 Do not try to determine the source of the H2S escape by its odor.
 Do not enter the affected area without the minimum protection of an SCBA with a second
person on standby in a safe location with radio, who can contact site operations
management. Entering with SCBA should only be done to locate, and if quickly, to
secure the leakage or to effect a rescue.
 A H2S portable gas detector (or wetted lead acetate paper for a quick test) should be
used to determine the leak source.
 Should a person be overcome by H2S gas, get them quickly into fresh air.
 Commence artificial respiration and summon medical assistance but do not stop artificial
respiration to do so.
 Cease artificial respiration when normal breathing is regained but remain with the patient
until help arrives.
 Should it be necessary to transport the victim to the Medical Clinic ensure the medical
staff is aware that his illness results from exposure to H2S gas, to ensure the correct
treatment is given.
5.5. Respiratory Protection
Positive-pressure air-supplying respirators with 5-minute egress cylinders must be used at all
times in atmospheres with a hydrogen sulfide concentration >10 ppm or greater than the
applicable local exposure limit.
Other details related to respiratory protection can be found for specific applications in the text
above.
6.0 TRAINING
All workers with potential exposure to H2S must receive specific hazard awareness training.
Refer to H2S training modules found in HSE portion of JNet.
7.0 REFERENCES AND RELATED DOCUMENTS
US Department of Labor, OSHA, Oil and Gas Drilling

NIOSH Safety and Health Topic: Hydrogen Sulfide

Department of Health and Human Services
Documentation for Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentrations, NIOSH Chemical
Listing and Documentation of Revised IDLH Values
US Department of Labor, OSHA, 29 CFR 1928,800(j)(1)(v), Hydrogen Sulfide and Underground
Construction Work
8.0 FIGURES
Figure 1: Where H2S Is Found

Figure 1
Where H2S Is Found
Typical areas where H2S may be found in a refinery are the processing plant and tank area used for
processing “sour” crude oil or intermediate stock derived from sour crude oil.
It may also be found in some utilities that service plants handling only “sweet” stocks. For example, H2S
may be found in the refinery fuel gas, flare, and oily water sewer systems.
Since almost all sections of a refinery may be exposed in some way to possible release of H2S, working at
a facility, which processes only sweet stocks is no guarantee that H2S is not present in some part of that
plant
Areas, which may contain atmospheric concentrations of H2S in excess of the
exposure limit, should be designated as restricted areas and marked by a caution
sign.
Entry to such areas by persons other than trained operating staff, whose normal
duties require their presence or entry to the workplace, should be governed by a
strictly enforced work permit system.
Entry into an area known or suspected to contain H2S concentrations in excess of 10 ppm should only
take place when the following more stringent precautions are taken:
 full-face, self-contained breathing apparatus shall be worn instead of an emergency escape
respirator, and
 the co-worker, also equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus with full-face mask, shall at
all times remain within sight of or in communication with the person entering the area.
In addition the proposed operation should be carefully reviewed to determine whether any further back-up
precautions are required.
It may be considered necessary to notify a third co-worker to be present in a nearby safe area or in
contact.
9.0 OPENING EQUIPMENT CONTAINING H2S
The opening (without entry) of equipment shall only take place when a work permit has been
issued. In addition to the normal conditions and procedures for carrying out the type of work
proposed, the permits for opening equipment, which may contain more than the exposure limit,
H2S shall specify further precautions. These further precautions will depend on whether the
equipment can be totally depressurized.
Where the equipment can be depressurized, the permit shall specify that:
 the equipment be positively isolated, drained, and completely depressurized to
atmospheric pressure,
 personal H2S monitors shall be worn by all personnel in the area of potential hazard,
and either
 the equipment be purged to a safe location with inert gas, steam, or water, and then
purged with air until testing indicates the hydrogen sulfide concentration is less than 10
ppm and the oxygen concentration is 20.8% by volume.
or
Copyright © 2012 Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

All rights reserved. The contents of this document are proprietary and produced for the exclusive benefit of Jacobs Engineering
Group Inc and its affiliated companies. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written approval of
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.
The applicable version of this document resides in the Business Practices section of http://JNet.jacobs.com.. All copies are considered to be
uncontrolled.

 in the rare situation where purging is not practicable, self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA) with full-face mask must be worn and a co-worker shall be present in a safe area,
also equipped with a full-face SCBA, until the level of H2S in the equipment has been
proved by testing to be below 10 ppm. These precautions are applicable to blind
installation for positive isolation of depressurized equipment. IDLH atmospheres shall not
be entered.
Where the equipment cannot be totally depressurized (e.g. connections to flare headers), the
permit shall specify that:
 the pressure be reduced to and maintained at the lowest practicable level, and
 self-contained breathing apparatus with full face mask be worn throughout the activity,
and
 a co-worker be present in a safe area, in direct visual contact with the worker and also
equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus with full face mask to provide
assistance in an emergency, and
 a second co-worker to remain on stand-by and in contact with the first co-worker, and
 personal H2S monitors to be worn by all personnel in the area of potential hazard, and
 work areas with good access and escape routes are provided.
Equipment that has contained H2S might contain iron sulfide. In the dry state iron sulfide can
spontaneously ignite in an oxygen-containing atmosphere and appropriate precautions need to
be taken.
10.0 ENTERING EQUIPMENT IN H2S SERVICES
Wherever possible, entry into equipment, which contains H2S, should be avoided. In all entry
situations procedures for escape and rescue should be established prior to starting the work.
Entry into vessels, tanks, holds, pits, or drains which have contained H2S (and may still contain
H2S or H2S-contaminated residues) shall be undertaken only after a vessel entry permit has been
issued. The equipment shall be completely depressurized to atmospheric pressure. Further
precautions, which shall be explicitly specified on the permit, shall include the requirements that:
 For fully enclosed equipment (such as pressure vessels), the equipment is drained of all
free liquid, then positive isolation be achieved by blinding all flanges and plugging all
connections on all process and utility connections or by removal of spool pieces, leaving
“live” flanges blanked off, and
 the equipment be purged to a safe location with inert gas, steam or water and
then be purged with air until the concentration of H2S is below detectable levels
and that the oxygen concentration is above 20.8% by volume, and
 any possible residues, which may be pyrophoric, be kept water-wet, and
 a flow of fresh air be established through the equipment if practicable, and
 a means of communication be established between the person entering the
equipment and a co-worker, and
 personal H2S monitors to be worn by all personnel in the area of potential hazard,
and
 the person entering the equipment and the co-worker shall wear full-face, self-
contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) until all liquid and/or solid residues which
might contain H2S have been removed and, during this period, a second co-
worker shall remain on stand-by and in contact with the first co-worker, and then,

 following removal of any residues, a flow of fresh air be established through the
equipment and the H2S content of the outlet air be tested and confirmed as being
below detectable limits and the oxygen content as being 20.8% by volume before
entry be permitted with only an emergency escape set;
 Where positive isolation cannot be guaranteed (as in sewers) entry shall never be
permitted unless all of the following precautions have been explicitly specified on the
permit and implemented:
 any possible liquid or gas ingress has been identified and controlled, and
 the point of entry has been tested, the level of H2S shown to be below detectable
levels, and the level of oxygen is 20.8% vol., and
 a personal H2S monitor be worn and an emergency escape set of adequate
capacity be carried by all personnel entering the system, and
 a means of communication be established between those entering the system
and a stand-by co-worker, and
 the stand-by co-worker remain beside the point of entry throughout the operation
and be equipped with full-face, self-contained breathing apparatus;
 Where an atmosphere free of H2S cannot be guaranteed (as in large pits and tanks
containing sludge), entry shall never be permitted unless all of the following precautions
have been explicitly specified on the permit and implemented:
 full-face, self-contained breathing apparatus to be worn by each person entering
the system, and
 personal H2S monitors to be worn by all personnel in the area of potential hazard,
and
 a means of communication to be established between those entering the system
and a stand-by co-worker, and
 safety harness and lifeline is to be attached to the person(s) entering the system,
the lifeline secured outside the hazard area, provided this would expedite or
assist retrieval of an incapacitated person, and
 the stand-by co-worker to remain beside the point of entry throughout the
operation and to be wearing (without face mask in place) self-contained
breathing apparatus, and
 a second co-worker to remain on stand-by and in contact with the first co-worker.
11.0 POTENTIAL H2S RELEASE AREAS
The following lists, as examples, locations and circumstances where and when H2S might be
expected to be found.
 Vent Gases — H2S may be present in gas escaping from tank vents, pump and valve
glands, ejection exhausts from gas compressors, etc. Venting of equipment to
atmosphere preparatory to maintenance work should be viewed with caution. Swinging
blinds on unsweetened lines containing H2S must receive special precautions, including
donning air supplied respirators for involved personnel.
 Fuel Gas Systems — All fuel gas systems in all plants must be regarded as containing
H2S and venting the system to atmosphere for maintenance should be avoided and only
done after serious consideration of alternatives. The consideration should include
donning air-supplied respirators by personnel involved in the venting and maintenance
activities.

 Flare Systems — All sections of a refinery flare system likely contain large volumes and
high concentrations of H2S.
 Sewer Systems — The presence of H2S should always be suspected in the refinery oily
water drain systems. Strict control of any work on the oily water sewer system must be
maintained.
 Draining Water from Process Tanks & Vessels — H2S may be released when liquids
which have been in contact with gases, are released to atmosphere as at tank water
draws, reflux drums, water separators. Operators should be alert to these possibilities
when engaged in water drawing activities and stand upwind of the basin or catch pit.
 Spent Caustic and Foul Water Systems — Caustic treatment processes and spent
caustic systems will contain H2S as will refinery sour water facilities.
 Gas Sampling — One of the more potentially hazardous activities in process plants is gas
stream sampling. Operating and technical personnel collect these samples routinely.
Strict observance of the sampling procedure is required.
 When possible, closed loop sampling should be utilized. When venting or purging to
atmosphere, stand upwind side of the sample point. Elevated hydrogen sulfide
concentrations would be expected.
 Sampling may include process gas streams containing up to 80 percent H2 S. Self-
contained breathing apparatus or airline supplied respiratory equipment must be worn
when sampling any stream containing in excess of 100ppm H2S.
 Tank Gauging Hatches — When it is necessary to open a tank-gauging hatch, take all
precautions to avoid breathing the vapor. Even though H2S may not be present, the
vapor from light petroleum products can cause dizziness and a possible accident if
breathed. Stand upwind of hatch opening.
12.0 OPENING LINES OR VESSELS
Before opening lines or vessels where it is known or suspected that H2S may be present discuss
with the plant/or refinery operations manager and site safety the nature of the job and in
consultation determine:
 has the equipment been depressurized to flare?
 is further depressurizing to atmosphere required?
 are the line or vessel isolating block valves holding a tight shut-off?
 has the equipment been opened and cleaned?
 has the equipment been steamed to atmosphere?
 has gas testing been performed before allowing people to work in confined space?
Based on the discussion, the necessary precautions to be taken before opening the equipment
will be determined and carried out.
When doubt exists, air-supplied respiratory equipment shall be stipulated and enforced.
At the initial breaking of the line or opening of the vessel, an operator must stand by with a fire
hose at the ready.
13.0 PYROPHORIC IRON SULFIDE
Hydrogen sulfide gas inside process equipment can form an iron sulfide scale on the inside
surface of columns, tanks, lines, demister pads, etc.
Upon exposure to air, when equipment is opened, accumulations of this scale may ignite and
become a source of ignition for any gases or petroleum liquid present.
Keeping the material wetted with water can prevent ignition of these pyrophoric iron sulfide
deposits.
A fire hose must be on stand-by during equipment opening since heat radiation of pyrophoric iron
sulfide will be present without flame.
14.0 WELL DRILLING
Drilling sometimes encounters H2S and special equipment and precautions are needed.
In work locations with concentrations less than 10 ppm
 Post H2S warning sign with yellow flag warning device present.
 Keep all safety equipment in adequate working order.
 Store the equipment in accessible locations.
In work locations with concentrations greater than 10 ppm
 Post H2S warning sign with red flag warning device present.
 Post signs 500 feet from the location on each road leading to the location, warning of the
hydrogen sulfide hazard.
 Check all safety equipment to ensure readiness.
 Establish a means of communication or instruction for emergency procedures and
maintain them on location, along with contact information of persons to be informed in
case of emergencies.
 Ensure usability of two exits at each location.
 Do not permit employees on location without H2S training.
 Pay attention to audible and visual alarm systems.
 Store safety equipment in accessible locations. Provide
 A calibrated H2S detection instrument
 A resuscitator.
 Two NIOSH/MSHA 30-minute, self-contained breathing apparatus for emergency
escape.
 Wind socks and streamers. If the alarm sounds, look at the wind sock and walk
cross-wind to the nearest pre-selected rally point. Cease use of spark producing
equipment.
15.0 UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION
For work in underground environments, such as tunneling and areas connected to tunnels,
ensure that proper procedures are adhered to regarding H2S.
A competent person must test the air quality in the underground environment before the first shift
of the day and at approximately mid-way during the shift. Test for oxygen first, then for
flammable gases, carbon monoxide, and H2S.
If concentrations of H2S equal or exceed 5 ppm:
 Notify workers in the area of the presence of H2S.
 Ensure that the air is tested before the shift and every four hours until test results show
less than 5 ppm for three consecutive days.
 Increase ventilation to dilute the concentration.

If concentrations of H2S equal or exceed 10 ppm:

 Inform workers in the area that concentrations have exceeded 10 ppm.
 Use a continuous sampling and indicating H2S meter to monitor the affected work
area(s).
 Post a notice at the entrance to the underground work area that concentrations have
exceeded 10 ppm.
 Take necessary measures to reduce or eliminate worker exposures to H2S.
If concentrations exceed 20 ppm, take necessary measures to reduce or eliminate worker
exposures to H2S. Such measures may include:
 Increasing ventilation velocity and volume,
 Use of respirators,
 Evacuation of the tunnel.
When the competent person determines, on the basis of air monitoring results or other
information, that air contaminants may be present in sufficient quantity to be dangerous to life,
then:
 Post a notice at all entrances to the underground jobsite to inform all entrants of the
hazardous condition, and
 Ensure that necessary precautions are taken to prevent exposure of workers to that
environment.
16.0 SEWER SYSTEMS
For work on and in sewer systems, assure that exposure concentrations do not exceed levels
prescribed above, that appropriate monitoring is conducted, as set forth above, and that
personnel are provided and wear PPE to avoid exposure of skin or eyes to corrosive and/or
polluted solids, liquids, gases, or vapors.
17.0 PULP AND PAPER INDUSTRY
Common sources of H2S in the paper industry are foul condensate streams and storage,
turpentine storage, and sewers.
H2S can also be generated from sulfur compounds that are in a mixture of pulping liquors in a low
pH stream. The low pH converts the sulfur compounds in the liquor to H2S. This is of particular
concern around sewers, where both liquor and low pH streams can potentially mix.


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HSE Procedure HSEP 9.7 1 of 14

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Ceiling The airborne concentration, which shall at no time be exceeded. If

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5.2. Workplace H2S Evaluation

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Fixed sensors and alarms should be regularly calibrated.

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 Temperature — The monitor should normally be capable of functioning

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Cross-sensitivity may occur when the monitor is exposed to the following:

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NIOSH Safety and Health Topic: Hydrogen Sulfide

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If concentrations of H2S equal or exceed 10 ppm:

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