H2S Safety Training – 1 Day course
Understand the importance of H2S Safety
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is a gas commonly found during the drilling and production of crude oil and natural gas, H2S is also found in wastewater treatment, utility facilities & sewers. H2S gas is produced as a result of microbial breakdown of organic waste in the absence of oxygen. H2S is Colorless, flammable, poisonous and corrosive gas. H2S gas is noticed by the rotten egg smell. H2S is a toxic gas, just like CO2 it prevents cellular respiration and cause sudden fatality. Effective monitoring and early detection of H2S could save lives.
Impact of H2S on Safety & wellbeing (Short Term)
Gas is a silent threat, often invisible to the body’s senses. Inhalation is the primary route of exposure to hydrogen sulfide. Though it may be easily smelled by some people at small concentrations, continuous exposure to even low levels of H2S quickly deadens the sense of smell (olfactory desensitization). Exposure to high levels of the gas can deaden the sense of smell instantly. Although the scent of H2S is a characteristic, smell is not a dependable indicator of H2S gas presence or for indicating increasing concentrations of the gas.
H2S irritates the mucous membranes of the body and the respiratory tract, among other things. Following exposure, short-term, or acute, symptoms may include a headache, nausea, convulsions, and eye and skin irritation. Injury to the central nervous system can be immediate and serious after exposure. At high concentrations, only a few breaths are needed to induce unconsciousness, coma, respiratory paralysis, seizures, even death.
Impact of H2S on Safety & wellbeing (Long Term)
Those having prolonged exposure to high enough levels of H2S gas to cause unconsciousness may continue to experience headaches, reduced attention span, and motor functions. Pulmonary effects of H2S gas exposure may not be apparent for up to 72 hours following removal from the affected environment. Delayed pulmonary edema, a buildup of excess fluid in the lungs, may also occur following exposure to high concentrations.
H2S does not accumulate in the body, but repeated/prolonged exposure to moderate levels can cause low blood pressure, headache, loss of appetite and weight loss. Prolonged exposure to low levels may cause painful skin rashes and irritated eyes. Repeated exposure over time to high levels of H2S may cause convulsions, coma, brain and heart damage, even death.
Impact on facilities
Heavier than air, H2S gas accumulates in low lying areas of poorly ventilated spaces. In oil and gas applications, sour gas (products containing H2S gas) in the presence of air and moisture may form sulfuric acid, capable of corroding metals. Facility equipment, including the internal surfaces of various components, faces reduced durability and impact strength, potentially leading to premature failure.
Detection of H2S gas
Hydrogen sulfide is a rapid-action poison, impacting many systems within the body. Wearable gas sensors are necessary for early detection and alerting, as the body’s senses are not reliable indicators. Importantly, gas detectors such as Blackline’s G7 wireless gas detector, should be considered as they alert live monitoring personnel of worker H2S gas exposure. Devices with fast response time and sturdy construction are important for use in harsh environments where H2S may occur. Additionally, as H2S may desensitize and render the body unconscious in no time at high concentrations, connected personal monitoring equipment is crucial.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) to H2S gas as follows:
- General Industry Ceiling Limit: 20 ppm
- General Industry Peak Limit: 50 ppm (up to 10 minutes if no other exposure during shift)
- Construction 8-hour Limit: 10 ppm
- Shipyard 8-hour limit: 10 ppm
Treatment
Those exposed to H2S gas should remove themselves from the toxic environment immediately. Rescuers need to take caution when approaching victims who cannot evacuate independently, as to not be harmed themselves by H2S exposure. Respiratory protection is recommended when entering an H2S environment, as is a safety line, because of the very rapid toxic effects of the gas. There are no proven antidotes to H2S gas poisoning, but side-effects and symptoms can be treated or managed. In serious cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) recommends you call your doctor or visit emergency should you develop any unusual side effects or symptoms within 24 hours:
- Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
- Stomach pain, vomiting
- Headache
- Increased redness, pain or pus from the area of a skin burn
It is important to remain vigilant and avoid complacency with your safety program. Gas detection equipment must be calibrated regularly and frequently bump tested.
Who needs this qualification ?
The H2S Awareness Training course is a must for specialists who deal with hydrogen sulfide, either directly or indirectly (the operations associated with handling, transportation, etc.). In simple terms, H2S is an extremely hazardous gas that may seriously harm or kill a person if the accident takes place. That is why one can never turn a blind eye to H2S awareness and safety precautions.
In this course, you will not only learn about H2S but also find out how to respond to emergencies, what equipment should be used when handling this gas, which contingency plans should be followed, and more. It is designed to help you meet all the standards of the OSHA General Duty Clause, ANSI Z390.1, and API RP 49.
Once you complete our H2S Awareness Training course, you will get a certificate and a wallet card with a validity period of one year. Afterward, you will need to take a re-certification course to refresh your knowledge and skills
Topics Covered:
- H2S explained
- How H2S is produced
- Chemical, scientific, and other common names
- Physical characteristics
- Color
- Odor
- Solubility
- Vapor density
- Flammability hazards
- Corrosive
- Exposure hazards
- H2S effects on humans
- Exposure risks
- Permissible exposure limits
- OSHA standards
- NIOSH standards
- Industry practices
- Occurrence of H2S
- Industrial areas
- Natural deposits
- H2S detection
- Electric H2S gas detectors
- Other H2S gas detection methods
- Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Basic requirements
- Respiratory protective equipment
- Safe work practices
- Implementation of the buddy system
- Engineering controls
- H2S containment
- Ventilation
- Removal
- Contingency planning
- Definition
- Personnel guidelines
- Emergency response
- Emergency plan
- Rescue cases
- Impact of H2S on Safety & Wellbeing (Short Term)
- Impact of H2S on Safety & Wellbeing (Long Term)
- Impact on facilities
- Detection of H2S gas
- Treatment
Assessment
Assessment method
This qualification is assessed by a MCQ based examination.
Learners Fees
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Fee per registration per candidate (excluding GST): 30’000 PKR only
For International Delegates (Outside Pakistan): 160 USD only
(Extra cost in USD covers the transaction difference and international courier charges, T&C’s apply)
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