Fuel

H2SManagement
Slips, Exposure
Trips & Falls

November 2017
Notes for Guidance
What the Engagement Pack includes
• Key points the supervisor should cover in their discussion
• Questions the supervisor can ask the group
Purpose of the Engagement Pack
To help supervisors provide their staff with a platform to have a
meaningful safety discussion and encourage sharing of
experiences and discussions around their learning outcomes.
Using the Engagement Pack
This pack has been designed for use by a supervisor in front of a
group of no more than 10 people. The pack should be placed on a
table with the pictures facing the group and the notes facing the
supervisor. Use practical demonstration where possible. The notes
are memory joggers to highlight key points but should not be read
word for word.
Preparing for an Engagement Session
Before beginning the session the supervisor should familiarise
themselves with the content and its purpose. Make sure there is
enough space and time for the staff to interact with each other.
H2S Exposure – November 2017
Who is to be Engaged?
For the use of vessel crews and all those who are involved in
marine operations.
Where?
Engagement should be carried out in a quiet room/area where
they will not be disturbed. The vessel’s office, mess room, or quiet
area in a workshop would be suitable.
When to hold the Engagement
Choose a time that is suitable for all staff. This should be when
they are alert and most likely to contribute to the discussion. This
will help in absorbing and retaining the information for much
longer.
This Engagement Pack IS NOT to be used for skills
training or a task requiring a licensed operator. This IS
NOT a tool box talk. This is an opportunity for staff on
board to talk about safety without feeling rushed to
commence their work. The rate of learning is more
important than completing the pack so allow two or more
sessions if necessary.
Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Characteristics of H2S
 Characteristics of H2S

Characteristics of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)

Key Message: Be aware of the H2S exposure
• A colourless, flammable, toxic and corrosive gas which is heavier
than air risks on board.
• Both black and clean cargoes may contain H2S
• It occurs naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, and hot Discussion Points:
springs
1. What does H2S stand for?
• The only dependable method of determining H2S concentration
2. What are the characteristics or properties of H2S?
is by testing with proper instruments.
• Can be smelled at low levels (smells like rotten eggs), but with 3. Let’s share some experiences where you or someone you
continuous low level exposure or at higher concentrations you know has been involved in an incident related to H2S
lose your ability to smell the gas even though it is still present.
• At high concentrations ability to smell the gas can be lost
instantly
• Generated from decomposing organic materials
• Burns with a blue flame and produces sulfur dioxide which is less
toxic than H2S but highly irritation to eyes and lungs and can
cause serious injury.
• Soluble in water and liquid hydrocarbons. H2S dissolves in water
forming a weak hydro-sulfurous acid.

Products that may contain significant concentrations of H2S:

Crude oils, particularly sour crudes Cutter stock
Gas oils Condensates
Blending components Unfinished kerosene
Naphtha Raffinate
Fuel oil including bunkers Bitumen
Health Effects of H2S

* Typical effects of exposure to Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)

 Health Effects of H2S

Health Effects:
• Chemical asphyxiation Key Message: Do not rely on your sense of
• Rapid loss of smell (olfactory fatigue) smell to indicate the presence of H2S
• Low concentrations irritate the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory
system
• Moderate concentrations can cause more severe eye and
respiratory irritation, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, Discussion Points:
difficulty breathing, staggering and excitability 1. What does TWA mean?
• High concentrations can cause shock, convulsions, inability to 2. What should you do if your H2S monitor alarm sounds?
breathe, extremely rapid unconsciousness, coma and death
• Repeated or prolonged exposures may cause eye inflammation,
headache, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, digestive disturbances and
weight loss

Always pay special attention to:

• H2S produces toxic vapours and gases such as sulfur dioxide if
ignited
• Always having appropriate PPE available in areas where H2S may
be present
• Avoidance of exposure is always best, however a Time Weighted
Average (TWA) of 5 ppm should never be exceeded to avoid
adverse health effects.
Operations involving H2S
 Operations involving H2S

Operations on board:
• Whenever possible closed operations are always required Key Message: Personal protection and safety
• Use suitable instrumentation for detecting and measuring the gas
concentration in cargo and bunker spaces (e.g. Draeger tubes) onboard is everyone's responsibility
• Personnel engaged in cargo operations must use personal H2S
monitoring instruments
• You should be aware, trained and understand your company policy
and procedures related to H2S
Discussion Points:
• Follow the guidance in ISGOTT 1. What are the extra safety procedures to be followed when carrying
cargoes with high H2S content?
• Potential H2S exposure for the planned operations should be shared
2. Demonstrate use of H2S gas detector or tubes available on board.
prior to the start of operations
3. What is the difference between H2S in liquid and vapour?
4. What actions can you take to help maintain your safety when
Always pay special attention to: moving around a cargo deck where H2S may be present?
• The fact that the H2S MSDS value is stated in liquid and does not
directly reflect the ppm in the vapour space
• The corrosive nature of the gas can have damaging effect on many
electronic measuring instruments
• All crew members must be trained in the hazards associated to H2S
and the precautions to be taken to reduce the risks
• During sampling, ullaging, etc. try to stand at right angles to the
direction of the wind
Emergency response
Emergency response

Emergency response actions:

Key Message: Use your knowledge and training
• Exercise extreme caution when providing assistance to impacted
workers in an emergency
• Provide immediate, emergency medical care for affected personnel
• Ensure the correct PPE is being worn
• Don self contained breathing apparatus Discussion Points:
• If an individual is overcome by H2S, it’s important to get the victim 1. How should we react to an emergency due to accidental
into clean air release?
• In the event of a spill or leak, stop the cargo transfer operations 2. What are the hazards and risks should we be aware of when
immediately responding to a H2S emergency?
• Sound the emergency alarm
• Evacuate the area
• Isolate and ventilate the area/ space
• Remove any ignition sources
• Stop or reduce the leakage
• Keep away all nonessential and unprotected personnel
Family, Friends, and Colleagues

Remember
YOUR FAMILY NEEDS YOU

H2S Exposure – November 2017 Health, Safety, Security and Environment

Family, Friends, and Colleagues

Notes:
• Taking care of ourselves can improve our relationships with Key message: We all want to get home safely
family and friends
• Demonstrating better safety behaviours and choices also
benefits our family, crew, and others too Discussion points:
• Achieving work/life balance is important in keeping the mind and 1. Why is taking care of yourself important for your home life?
body primed to deal with challenging situations
2. How can we set good examples of safety for our friends and
colleagues so that we can all go back safely to our families?

H2S Exposure – November 2017 Health, Safety, Security and Environment