Elkhorn Construction, Inc.
Title: Hydrogen Sulfide Protection Policy
1.
2.
Requirements
1.1
No person shall enter an area where H2S concentrations are known or suspected to be greater
than 10 parts per million (PPM) by volume in air in the employee-owners breathing zone
without utilizing properly supplied air respiratory protection equipment.
1.2
All subcontractor personnel working for Elkhorn Construction, Inc. shall be required to
comply with the same H2S safety requirements as do Elkhorn personnel.
Description and Characteristics
2.1
H2S is an extremely toxic, colorless, flammable gas.
2.2
All names come form the characteristics of the gas, either its rotten egg odor or its
corrosiveness.
2.3
2.2.1
Sour Gas
2.2.2
Sulfured Hydrogen
2.2.3
Black Damp
2.2.4
Hydrogen Sulfide
2.2.5
Rotten Egg Gas
2.2.6
Stink Damp
2.2.7
Sewer Gas
H2S is formed by the decomposition of organic animal and/or vegetable (previously living)
materials. It is found in natural gas and oil, sewers and cesspools (stagnant water) such as
found in swamps and are produced in a variety of industrial and biological processes.
2.3.1
3.
Safety Manual
Review Date: 12-15-2008
Aerobic or anaerobic - with or without oxygen.
Physical/Chemical Properties
3.1
Deadly, extremely toxic gas.
3.2
More deadly than carbon monoxide (CO), and second only to hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas,
which is used for execution in gas chambers.
3.3
Heavier than air, specific gravity of 1.189 (air sp. gr.=1.00); therefore, H2S will have a
tendency to be found at ground or lower levels, i.e., pits, trenches, etc.
3.4
Readily dispersed by wind movement of air currents.
3.4.1
3.5
Exception: Mixture of up to 70% H2S mixed with 30% methane are still lighter than air
until the mixture has had time to separate.
It is a colorless gas.
Document No: 2E-0155
Revision 0
Page 1 of 9
Elkhorn Construction, Inc.
Title: Hydrogen Sulfide Protection Policy
4.
Safety Manual
Review Date: 12-15-2008
3.6
Odor of rotten eggs only in low concentrations – in high concentrations it rapidly deadens the
sense of smell – DO NOT DEPEND ON THE SENSE OF SMELL TO DETECT H2S.
3.7
The boiling point is -75 degrees Fahrenheit.
3.8
Vapor Pressure: 17.7 ATM @ 68 degrees Fahrenheit – 14.696 psia.
3.9
Hydrogen Sulfide is soluble in water and petroleum hydrocarbons. Solubility decreases as
the fluid temperature increases. There is a pH of approximately 4.
3.10
In the presence of water, Hydrogen Sulfide gas will form a corrosive acid and react with
most metals, causing metal loss, loss of strength, and metal fatigue. This metal loss could
lead to failure or be the primary cause of fatigue failures or stress-corrosion cracking (SCC).
3.11
Hydrogen Sulfide gas can cause failure due to Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE) or Sulfide
Stress Cracking (SSC). Under the right environment, some steel can crack almost instantly.
3.12
Hydrogen Sulfide gas forms an explosive/flammable mixture from 4.3% to 45.5% by volume
of air.
3.13
Ignition Temperature: 500 degrees Fahrenheit, 260 degrees Celsius.
3.14
Vessels containing H2S may spontaneously ignite when the vessels are opened to the
atmosphere. Ignition is caused by reaction of pyrophoric iron sulfide with air. Conversion of
sulfide to oxide spontaneously generates enough heat to ignite flammable vapors. Special
precautions must be taken to prevent these spontaneous fires. It is recommended that the
inside of tanks or vessels be kept wet, with water, until the vessels are gas-free or until it has
been determined that iron sulfide does not exist in the vessel.
3.15
Burns with a blue flame and produces Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) gas, and like H2S, it can cause
injury or death to persons exposed to it.
Physiological Effects
Concentrations
Physiological Effects
.2 PPM
Odor Threshold
10 PPM
Obvious odor. Threshold Limit Value (TLS) – Time Weight
Average (TWA). PEL/TVL – level of contaminant permissible for
8 hour period of constant exposure.
15 PPM
Employee/owner’s 15 minute Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL),
PEL/STEL – level of contaminant permissible or 15 minutes or
less.
100 PPM
Loss of sense of smell after 2-15 minutes of exposure. Difficult
breathing after 1-4 hours of exposure.
150 PPM
Throat and eye irritation after 15-30 minutes of exposure. Difficult
breathing after 1-4 hours of exposure.
Document No: 2E-0155
Revision 0
Page 2 of 9
Elkhorn Construction, Inc.
Title: Hydrogen Sulfide Protection Policy
300 PPM
Level Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) per
NIOSH – level of contaminant that one could escape within 30
minutes without respiratory protection and not experience any
escape impairing or irreversible side effects.
500 PPM
Dizziness, severe pain in eyes and head, breathing stops in a few
minutes, prompt resuscitation needed, 1-4 hours of exposure =
death.
700 PPM
Quickly unconscious, will die without prompt rescue and artificial
respiration, 30-60 minutes of exposure = death.
1000 PPM
Immediate unconsciousness, possible permanent brain damage,
artificial respiration needed immediately, 2-15 minutes of exposure
= death.
4.1
5.
Safety Manual
Review Date: 12-15-2008
If one inch would represent one PPM of gas, this would be like comparing one inch in 15.5
miles in distance. If one second would represent one PPM of gas, this would be like
comparing one second to 11.5 days.
Symptoms of Exposure
5.1
Entrance into blood stream through the lungs.
5.2
Reaction with blood is similar to carbon dioxide.
5.3
The initial reaction is increased breathing rate.
5.4
Symptoms of low level exposure (<200 PPM):
5.5
5.6
5.4.1
Dizziness
5.4.2
Nausea
5.4.3
Tight chest
5.4.4
Coughing
Dangers of high level exposure (>200 PPM):
5.5.1
Unconsciousness
5.5.2
Respiratory arrest
5.5.3
Cardiac arrest
5.5.4
Death
Effects of H2S depend upon:
5.6.1
Duration – the length of time the individual is exposed.
5.6.2
Frequency - how often the individual has been exposed.
Document No: 2E-0155
Revision 0
Page 3 of 9
Elkhorn Construction, Inc.
Title: Hydrogen Sulfide Protection Policy
6.
Intensity – how much the individual was exposed to.
5.6.4
Individual Susceptibility – the individual’s physiological makeup.
Physical/Chemical Properties
6.1.1
Chemical formula: SO2
6.1.2
Molecular weight: 64
6.1.3
Boiling point: 14 degrees Fahrenheit
6.1.4
Non-combustible (produced by burning H2S gas)
6.1.5
Heavier than air, specific gravity of 2.26
6.1.6
Sulfur Dioxide is a colorless gas that is very irritating to the eyes and lungs.
6.1.7
Sulfur Dioxide has a pungent odor and like H2S, it can cause injury or death to
persons exposed to it.
Toxicity of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
7.1
8.
5.6.3
Description of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
6.1
7.
Safety Manual
Review Date: 12-15-2008
The physiological effects on humans when inhalation of SO2 occurs, varies at different levels
of concentrations and may be as follows:
Concentrations
Physiological Effects
0.3 – 1 PPM
Detection level – pungent odor
2 PPM
Threshold Limit Value (TLV) – Time Weight Average
5 PPM
15 minutes Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) permitted by
OSHA
6 – 12 PPM
Irritation of the throat and nose
20 PPM
Eye irritation
100 PPM
Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) set by NIOSH
Sources and Locations of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
8.1
Oil production and processing (look at H2S survey for the area)
8.1.1
When H2S is burned it produces SO2
8.1.2
Sour inlet gas or oil system
8.1.3
Enclosed buildings and processing vessels
8.1.4
Sour gas compressor and pump leaks
8.1.5
By-products of acidizing and cleaning operations
Document No: 2E-0155
Revision 0
Page 4 of 9
Elkhorn Construction, Inc.
Title: Hydrogen Sulfide Protection Policy
8.2
9.
10.
8.1.6
Amine treating units
8.1.7
Production and storage tanks
8.1.8
Other sources too numerous to name
Safety Manual
Review Date: 12-15-2008
Other Industries
8.2.1
Wastewater treatment facilities
8.2.2
Paper pulp factories
8.2.3
Asphalt operations and storage
8.2.4
Industries where putrefaction occurs (tanning, fishing, stockyards, etc.)
Emergency Procedure
9.1
Personnel responsibilities during an H2S alarm or emergency shall be established by each
Elkhorn Construction, Inc. location. These responsibilities shall include personnel securing
the area, isolating the leak, etc.
9.2
Personnel will not respond to an H2S alarm/leak alone. The “Buddy System” must always be
used in response to alarm situations. The “Buddy System” requires an additional person
while one or more persons are working where H2S concentrations exceed or may reasonable
exceed 300 PPM. This additional person should maintain visual and /or audible contact in a
safe area, supplied with an independent air supply, and equipped with appropriate rescue
equipment.
9.3
Safe briefing areas shall be established for all manned H2S locations. Conspicuous signs
shall designate safe briefing areas.
H2S Detection Equipment
10.1
Fixed H2S detection systems shall be considered for areas that may experience H2S leaks
where personnel are present on a daily basis or where the locations are near residences or
other public buildings.
10.2
Sensors shall be set to annunciate at 10PPM for a low alarm and at a maximum of 300 PPM
for a high alarm on fixed systems.
10.3
The system shall be calibrated at least every 90 days.
10.4
All H2S alarms shall be treated as an actual gas release.
10.5
H2S alarms shall be distinctive from all other alarms and shall be consistent.
10.6
Hand held detection instruments are to be utilized for spot checking areas. All electronic
hand held instruments shall be calibrated per the manufacturer’s specifications. All
calibrations shall be documented and retained on file.
10.7
See Business Partner’s (Employee-owner’s) Safety Manuel, Atmospheric Testing Instruments
3E-0225.
Document No: 2E-0155
Revision 0
Page 5 of 9
Elkhorn Construction, Inc.
Title: Hydrogen Sulfide Protection Policy
11.
Safety Manual
Review Date: 12-15-2008
Recommended Emergency Rescue
11.1
Call for help and have a backup person present (or on the way) then don appropriate
breathing apparatus before attempting the rescue.
11.2
Remove the victim from contaminated area to a safe area with fresh air by moving crosswind
then upwind.
11.3
If the person is not breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation immediately until normal
breathing has been restored or until medical attention is obtained. Administer
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary. When possible, replace mouth-to-mouth
with a bag mask or automatic oxygen resuscitator.
11.3.1 Oxygen Resuscitator Safe Operating Instructions
12.
11.3.1.1
Turn on the unit – high pressure gauge should red 1800+, low pressure
gauge should be at 10 liters.
11.3.1.2
Administering oxygen – check for proper seal, observe the chest rise.
11.3.1.3
Precautions for unit and oxygen – flammability of O2, high-pressure
delivery.
11.3.1.4
Effectiveness compared to mouth-to-mouth – five times the oxygen
content, pressure assisted delivery.
11.4
Treat for shock, keep the person warm and calm. Never leave the person alone.
11.5
All persons who are rendered unconscious must be taken to a hospital or doctor for
examination and evaluation.
11.6
If a medical examination is necessary, remove any H2S contaminated clothing prior
to transportation to a hospital.
Evacuation
12.1
Exit contaminated area.
12.2
Crosswind then upwind.
12.3
Uphill if possible, H2S is heavier than air unless it is mixed with methane or gas lighter than
air.
12.4
Don breathing protective gear if reentry is needed.
12.5
Comply with and complete the site specific SSHEP.
Document No: 2E-0155
Revision 0
Page 6 of 9
Elkhorn Construction, Inc.
Title: Hydrogen Sulfide Protection Policy
13.
Safety Manual
Review Date: 12-15-2008
Training
13.1
All training shall be documented on the Record of Training Form.
13.2
Additional training materials can be obtained from a Service District library and Safety
Director.
15 Testing and Certification
15.1.5
15.1.1
Project/ Safety Supervisor shall ensure that all testing is done in an ethical manner.
15.1.2
A written test shall be handed out after training material has been presented. The test is a
closed book test.
15.1.3
Any trainee who completes the test, missing more than three questions will be required to
review the training material with the instructor.
15.1.4
The instructor can present the test questions orally, one on one, with a trainee when
necessary.
The Record of Training and written test shall be kept at the local service area office.
Document No: 2E-0155
Revision 0
Page 7 of 9
Elkhorn Construction, Inc.
Title: Hydrogen Sulfide Protection Policy
Safety Manual
Review Date: 12-15-2008
Test
True or False
1.
Hydrogen Sulfide can deaden your sense of smell.
2.
H2S settles in low areas because it is lighter than air.
2.
Exposure to H2S can affect your reasoning and balance.
4.
1000 PPM can be a lethal dose of H2S.
5.
H2S will not burn.
6.
SO2 and H2S are the same compounds.
7.
SO2 is lighter than air.
8.
A strong wind will dissipate leaking H2S.
9.
10,000 PPM is 1%.
10. The “Buddy System” should be used when checking for a toxic or O2 deficient
atmosphere.
11. H2S is a gas that is found in many industries.
12. H2S is also called Sour Gas and Hydrogen Sulfide.
13. You can see H2S gas.
14. H2S may be detected by Electronic monitoring systems and air sampling pumps.
15. Areas containing H2S can be worked in safely by wearing the proper breathing
equipment.
________________________________________________ ________________________________________
Print Name
Date
Test Key
Document No: 2E-0155
Revision 0
Page 8 of 9
Elkhorn Construction, Inc.
Title: Hydrogen Sulfide Protection Policy
Safety Manual
Review Date: 12-15-2008
True or False
1. Hydrogen Sulfide can deaden your sense of smell.
2. H2S settles in low areas because it is lighter than air.
3. Exposure to H2S can affect your reasoning and balance.
4. 1000 PPM can be a lethal dose of H2S.
5. H2S will not burn..
6. SO2 and H2S are the same compounds.
7. SO2 is lighter than air.
8. A strong wind will dissipate leaking H2S.
9. 10,000 PPM is 1%.
10. The “Buddy System” should be used when checking for a toxic or O2 deficient
atmosphere.
11. H2S is a gas that is found in many industries.
12. H2S is also called Sour Gas and Hydrogen Sulfide.
13. You can see H2S gas.
14. H2S may be detected by Electronic monitoring systems and air sampling pumps.
15. Areas containing H2S can be worked in safely by wearing the proper breathing
equipment.
Document No: 2E-0155
Revision 0
Page 9 of 9