Presented By

Universal Voltas LLC

PURPOSE
This presentation covers the
physical properties and health
hazards of H2S, how to protect
oneself and basic rescue
techniques.

Safety is Everyones
Business

Hydrogen Sulphide Description

Hydrogen Sulphide can occur
naturally:
in crude oil and gas
sewage
in de-oxygenated seawater.
In addition, Hydrogen Sulphide can
be produced as a by-product:
while processing hydrocarbons
from the chemical action of
acids on metallic sulphides;

Properties and Characteristics of

Hydrogen Sulphide
Highly Toxic

Colourless

as

Very Offensive odour,

commonly referred to
odor of rotten eggs
Heavier than air
4.0 to 46 percent by
volume of air will cause
explosion
Forms explosive
mixtures with air or
oxygen

Table: Health Effects from Inhaling

H2S
Concentrations
Effect
10 ppm or less

No known short term effects from 8 hr exposures

20 50 ppm

Eye, nose, throat and lung irritation.

50 100 ppm

Marked eye, nose, throat and lung irritation.

100 150 ppm

Severe eye, nose, throat and lung irritation. Loss

of smell. Exposure duration of 8 hours or more
may be fatal.

200 300 ppm

Headaches, drowsiness. Prolonged exposures of

several hours may cause the lungs to fill with
fluids.

300 500 ppm

May cause unconsciousness and death in 1 to 4

hours.

500 700 ppm

Knockdown (may be fatal) with 1 hour exposure.

Greater
ppm

than

700

Immediate knockdown (may be fatal).

Be Aware Any Vapor Released Will Descent To The

Lowest Level (Ground)

H2S vapors are heavier than air!

Hydrogen Sulphide
Detection
concentrations of Hydrogen Sulphide can be detected

Very low
by the
offensive odour of rotten eggs. However, personnel working in areas
where Hydrogen Sulphide is present may become accustomed to the
smell because prolonged and repeated exposure will cause the sense of
smell to tire. Higher concentrations of Hydrogen Sulphide can paralyse the
sense of smell immediately.

Fixed Detector
Portable Detector
(Personal Gas Monitor)
Air Monitoring

Breathing Apparatus
positive pressure breathing apparatus
(self-contained and air-line sets).
Only fully trained personnel shall be
permitted to wear breathing apparatus
Remove breathing apparatus after
completing a job since there may still
be Hydrogen Sulphide present.
Use of escape breathing apparatus
sets carried by personnel

Emergency Response
1.Intermittent Siren
2. Blue Flashing Light & Alarm
3. Stop Work and Switch off Vehicle Engine
4. Wear Escape Mask
5. Escape through the emergency gate.
6. Take Cross Wind route
7. A person outside the H2S risk area should
oversee personnel working in an H2S
atmosphere or on equipment where H2S is
present.

In the event you find a coworker

unconscious at the worksite and
you suspect H2S vapors are
present, DO NOT attempt a rescue
until you have:
1. Notified other personnel, and
2. Donned breathing air (SCBA).

Training of Personnel
inform the hazards relating to Hydrogen
Sulphide
correct use of personal protective
equipment
Hydrogen Sulphide detectors, warning
systems and evacuation procedures.
Displaying of Information relating to H2S
safety measures at strategic locations.
basic first aid training to rescue team
applicable to victims of H2S exposure.
Training exercises and drills are being
carried out on a regular basis.

First Aid
Symptoms of acute Hydrogen Sulphide
poisoning reduce rapidly when inhalation
of the gas ceases. It is therefore vital to
get casualties into fresh air and to summon
medical aid immediately.
Casualties should be kept at rest. If their
breathing is slow, laboured or impaired,
artificial resuscitation (mouth to mouth or
by the use of a mechanical resuscitator)
may be necessary.
Note: Before commencing mouth to mouth
resuscitation, any gas in the casualtys
lungs should be first expelled by pressing
down on the chest.
Warning: Rescuers must wear positive
pressure
self-contained
breathing
apparatus (BA).

Although the information and

recommendations contained in this
presentation have been compiled from
reliable sources, Universal Voltas makes
no guarantee as to, and assumes no
responsibility for, the correctness,
sufficiency or completeness of such
information or recommendations. Other or
additional safety measures may be
required based on particular
circumstances.

THANK YOU
UNIVERSAL VOLTAS LLC