h2s Hand Book[2]

ARAMCO POCKET GUIDE ON HEALTH HAZARDS of 34

ON A STILL, QUIET MORNING IN OCTOBER 1980, A BLOW

OUT OCCURRED ON AN OFFSHORE DRILLING RIG IN THE

ARABIAN GULF. WITHEN MINUTES, NINETEEN MEN

WERE DEAD.

...ALL VICTIMS OF

H2S

THE INVISIBLE KILLER

H2S (hydrogen sulfide gas or “sour gas”) is found wherever sour

crude oil or gas is handled. H2S is a potentially deadly partner in

the oil and gas industry. Yet, through safe handling and proper

training, the risk of personal injury from H2S can be virtually

eliminated. What YOU LEARN about this poisonous and

flammable gas MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE, or the life of your

friend?

WITH PROPER TRAINING, EQUIPMENT AND

PROCEDURES, YOU CAN WORK SAFELY IN H2S AREAS.


Hydrogen sulfide gas:

The invisible killer

H2S or hydrogen sulfide gas is a leading cause of SUDDEN

DEATH in the work place. Such deaths are very rare, but they can

happen if proper precautions are not taken.

H2S is present during almost every phase of petroleum and gas

production and processing at ARAMCO. Whether you work on a

drilling rig or at the Ras Tanura refinery, at a GOSP or a gas

plant, you probably work near a source of hydrogen sulfide gas.

Normally, H2S is safely contained within the vessels and lines,

which store or carry ARAMCO products. For this reason, there is

only a small risk of exposure to deadly amounts of this gas. But

human error or equipment failure can cause a gas leak in your

work area, and therefore you have a NEED TO KNOW:

What is H2S? And

How does H2S harm you?

Hazardous properties of the gas Page 4

Poisonous effects on the human body 8

Where is H2S present? And

How and when can

You “detect” H2S?

High risk areas in ARAMCO Page 9

Gas detector instrument 15

Explanation of parts per million 18

Continuous H2S monitors 20

Confined space entry 23


What can you do in a

Gas emergency? And

How can you protect

Yourself and rescue others?

Emergency response plan 25

Respiratory protection 26

Scott - air Pak 28

Rescuing an H2S victim 29

Reviving an H2S victim 32


What is H2S?

H2S Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic colorless transparent gas

heaver than air.

HAZARDOUS PROPERTIES OF THE GAS

POISONOUS: Hydrogen sulfide is an extremely poisonous, or

toxic, gas. A single breath of high concentrated H2S can paralyze

your breathing system and is enough to kill a grown man.

The amount you inhale determines the effect on you:

EXTREMLY SMALL AMOUNTS of H2S smell strongly of rotten

eggs, but otherwise are harmless. Slightly higher amounts burn

your eyes, nose and throat and cause dizziness and nausea along

with vomits

SMALL AMOUNTS of H2S gas in air rapidly deaden your sense

of smell, loss of consciousness and Death may occur in less than

one hour.

MODERATE AMOUNTS of H2S paralyze your Breathing system:

a victim will die within minutes unless he is rescued and normal

breathing restored. Therefore…

THE No. 1 HAZARD OF H2S IS

DEATH BY INHALATION

SMELLS FOUL: H2S smells like rotten eggs. This odor is so

distinctive that one might think the smell would warn you of

dangerous amounts. However, H2S deadens your sense of smell,

so you must never rely on your nose to check if a vessel or an area

is free of hydrogen sulfide.

CAUTION: ODOR IS NOT

A REL RELIABLE WARNING


INVISIBLE: H2S Hydrogen Sulfide gas is colorless. The danger

is that LEAKS MAY NOT BE SEEN. H2S has killed many people

who entered areas they thought “looked safe”.

HEAVIER THAN AIR: Some gases are lighter than air and rise

when released, but H2S tend to sink into low-lying areas such as

pipe trenches, valve boxes, sumps and sewers, excavations and

around rig platforms. In confined spaces, H2S settles to the bottom,

forming a deadly gas Layer. In windy or foggy weather H2S moves

as invisible cloud, usually in the direction the wind is blowing to

accumulate in low places in dangerous concentration. Windsocks

at work sites show you the wind direction.

FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE: Whereas a moderate

amount of H2S in air rapidly poisons, high concentrations of gas in

air are extremely flammable and explosive. When hydrogen sulfide

burns, it produces another very dangerous gas, sulfur dioxide

(SO2). A sour gas leak may travel some distance to a source of

ignition and flash back. Therefore open flames must be

extinguished, heat-producing equipment including car engines

must be switched off, and frictional or electrical sparking must be

avoided when there is a flare outage or suspected gas leak.

CORROSIVE: H2S combines with moisture in air to form

corrosive acid, which embrittles metal and eats away pipes, valves

and other equipment. Gas leaks can occur when corroded lines fail:

one more good reason for carrying out through inspections and

regular maintenance.


IMPORTANT FACT TO LEARN

AND REMEMBER ABOUT H2S:

HYDROGEN SULFIDE IS DANGROUS BECAUSE IT IS

In high concentrations, a single breath can paralyze your

respiratory center and kill you.

DEADENING TO YOUR

SENSE OF SMELL

The “rotten-egg” smell is not a reliable warning

INVISIBLE

Leaks cannot always be seen.

EXTREMELY

POISONOUS

DANGER

DANGER


HEAVIER THAN AIR

H2S tends to sink and accumulate in low-lying areas.

FLAMMABLE AND

EXPLOSIVE

Very high mixtures of sour gas in air are a fire hazard.

H2S is acidic: it irritates the eyes, mucous membranes, and

corrodes lines and vessels.

CORROSIVE


How does H2S harm you?

POISONOUS OR TOXIC EFFECTS

ON THE HUMAN BODY

When hydrogen sulfide is inhaled it goes from the lungs into the

bloodstream immediately. There, small amount of H2S are quickly

broken down into harmless compounds. But moderate amounts

will rapidly overpower the body’s Defense system. Moderate

amounts of H2S soon paralyze the breathing control center in the

brain: lungs cease to function, death from asphyxiation follows in

minutes.

H2S is poisonous in such low concentrations that we measure the

amount of gas in air in parts per million, usually written “ppm”.

The concentration

of H2S in the air Determines The effect on

your body

1 ppm Rotten egg smell is noticeable

10 ppm Safe work limit for an 8-hour

shift

WEAR A SCOTT AIR PAK AT LEVELS ABOVE 10 PPM

20 ppm Irritates eyes and throat.

150 ppm Deadens sense of smell.


350 ppm Fatal in less than one hour without

Scott Air Pak

600 ppm Rapid loss of consciousness,

breathing stops, death within

minutes

THIS CONCENTRATION

COULD OCCUR IN ARAMCO

DURING A GAS EMERGENCY

40,000 ppm

4%

EXPLODES AND BURNS.

Remember, H2S is dangerous in very small quantities. It really

takes very little to kill you.

Where is H2S present?

HIGH RISK AREAS

H2S is formed when organic matter rots or decomposes, just as

petroleum and other hydrocarbons were formed millions of year

ago. This explains both the rotten smell of H2S and why sour gas is

associated with most crude oil and natural gas. H2S is also a

common contaminant in mining, leather tanning, fish processing

and chemical manufacturing. Hazardous sour gas atmospheres are

common in sewers, tunnels, mines and wells.

At ARAMCO, H2S hydrogen sulfide gas is present at most

operating areas, from the well site producing sour crude, through

the processing and treatment plants, to the oil tankers at the

terminals.


MOST ARABIAN CRUDES ARE SOUR

Almost every producing field in Saudi Arabia yields “sour” crude,

that is, crude oil containing H2S hydrogen sulfide. Some of the

operations at risk therefore include:

Drilling and workover…

GOSPs and gas plants


… and spheroids.

TYPICAL ARAMCO worksites where YOU are at risk from

poisonous gas:

Swinging a blind or breaking a flange

…working on or near a leaking valve or a faulty seal….


… or maintenance work in gas compression area.

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY is often made into H2S risk Area.

This might include pumps, vessels, valve boxes, pipe, trenches, or

sewers.


Poison gas emergencies may be the result of flare outage. …

…or a well blowout during drilling operations.

IT’S YOUR LIFE, BE AWARE OF THE H2S HAZARDS

AT YOUR WORKSITE


How can you “detect” H2S? PORTABLE, HAND-OPERATED

“DETECTORS” ARE FOR ROUTINE USE ONLY, NOT FOR

WHEN A MASSIVE LEAK OCCURS

PURPOSE OF THE 3-IN-1 GAS MONITOR, MODEL LTX-

310:

The LTX-310 3-In-1 gas monitor is a solid-state, multi-purpose gas

detector. It monitor for H2S, flammable gases, and oxygen level.

You can replace the H2S sensor with different sensors to detect

others toxic gases. Before you issue a work permit, use the LTX-

310 to test for combustible gases, toxic gases, and oxygen levels.

Use the LTX-310 and SP-402 sampling pump with the extendible

probe to test in confined spaces and in areas that are difficult to get

to. Use the LTX-310 in the leather belt case and shoulder strap to

test the area around you continuously.

GAS DETECTOR TUBES: There is one type of hand- operated

detector used at ARAMCO, it is made by DRAGER, it measures

parts per million of H2S in air, and it consists of a hand pump and

glass detector tubes. The detector tubes contain chemical granules,

which change color when air containing hydrogen sulfide is pulled

through the tube by the hand pump. The DRAGER detector can be

ordered from ARAMCO stock:


DRAGER makes detector tubes for several different gases. Be sure

to use the tube for H2S, which measures 5-60 ppm.

S/N 21-323-181 detector tubes for H2S. S/N 21-323-000 bellows hand pump

USE ONLY DRAGER TUBES WITHEN

DRAGER HANDPUMP


SP-402 Sampling Pump

This is the battery-powered sampling pump you usually use with

the LTX-310. A nickel-cadmium rechargeable battery pack or a

lithium battery pack powers the detector. Visual and audible

alarms warn you of low flow and low battery condition.

The hand aspirator is a constant-flow hand

pump you can use it instead of the SP-402

battery-powered pump to draw in gas

samples.

The testing procedure for each type of detector is as follow:

BEFORE EACH TEST, check the SP-402 for leaks:

1. Start the SP-402 and block the air inlet with your

finger.

2. Observe for audible alarm warn you of low flow.

If the alarm displayed, it does not leak.

3. Compress the hand pump and insert an unbroken

tube.

4. Release the hand pump and observe for 1 minute.

If the pump remains compressed, it does not leak.


TO TEST FOR H2S FIRST BREAK OFF BOTH ENDS

Of the glass detection tube.

(1) Insert the arrow end of the Drager tube into the bellows

pump.

(2) Hold the detector at the lowest position to sample; squeeze

10 times, allowing the hand pump to re-inflate fully

between each Squeeze.

The length of color change in the tube corresponds to a reading in

parts per million, or “ppm”, marked in the tube.

What is a “part per million?”

It is difficult to comprehend how small concentrations expressed in

parts per million really are. Compare a one-gallon can to a million

gallon holding tank. The gallon then represents one part per

million (ppm). In fact, if you stacked up 10,000 of these one-gallon

cans, all together they can hold only one percent of the holding

tank! That is, there are 10,000 ppm in one percent.

If you write parts per million in terms of percentage, then 0.015%

(150 ppm) H2S deadens your sense of smell 0.06% (600ppm) is

RAPEDLY FATAL, and 4% (40,000 ppm) H2S in air explodes and

burns.


ARAMCO LOSS PREVENTION recommends the following

ACTION to be taken when certain levels of H2S are detected with

glass detector tubes or LTX-310 devise:

Safe to work, but REMEMBER TO TEST

AGAIN because conditions can change.

This is the maximum safe working limit

for hydrogen sulfide.

WEAR A SCOTT AIR PAK and report

the concentration to your supervisor.

ONLY TRAINED CERTIFIED OPERATORS

SHOULD PERFORM GAS DETECTION TESTS

Training in the use of LTX-310 devise and DRAGER gas detection

instrument is available from ARAMCO LOSS PREVENTION

(call 8752464 or 8748425 in Dhahran, 6738902 In Ras Tanura and

572-8280 in Abqaiq, Udhailiyah 5776560).

ARAMCO G.I 2.100 outlines work permit requirements and

details how and when to test for hydrogen sulfide. Loss

Prevention’s Work Permit Training Course instructs in the Proper

use of gas detectors.

NOTE: UDHAILIYAH LOSS PREVENTION is conducting

refresher courses in Work permit and gas testing in

addition you can develop your self by visiting gas testing

& work permit CBT (course basic training) sights in loss

prevention safety courses at

<<http://home.aramco.com.sa/>> online learning.

10 PPM

ABOVE 10

BELOW 10

http://home.aramco.com.sa/


OTHER MEANS OF DETECTION

FIXED CONTINUOUS H2S MONITORS are installed in

ARAMCO operational areas, which have a high risk of H2S

release. These monitors consist of a detector, or sensing head,

beacon blue light and a horn installed out in the plant, and an

indicating meter and alarm inside the plant control room. When

H2S levels exceed the safe limit, a signal passes from the detector

to the meter and an alarm is sounded in the control room and plant

area. Continuous monitor MUST be regularly checked and

maintained, or they may fail to sound an alarm when a gas release

occurs. Routine maintenance also decreases the chance of a false

alarm from the monitor.

(1) Monitors must be checked by a qualified instrument

technician.(faulty monitors should be reported to be fixed

immediately)

(2) A known concentration must be used to calibrate the

monitor.

(3) A regular schedule must be observed to calibrate the

monitors. Keep a record of Calibration dates inside the

control

(4) When a monitor is being tested, EVERY PERSON in the

area should be informed that a Test, and not an actual gas

emergency, is in progress.


PORTABLE: continuous H2S monitors can be worn or carried.

These detectors measure H2S concentration electrically, and have

an audio alarm that sounds when Levels above 10 ppm are

detected.

LTX-310 devise or detector tubes are to be used:

(1) When you suspect a gas leak:

WEAR A SCOTT AIR PAK FOR PROTECTION WHEN AN

H2S LEAK IS SUSPECTED

The detector tubes or LTX-310 devise help you pinpoint the source

of gas leak so it may be repaired.


(2) When you must enter a CONFINED SPACE to Work a

confined space is any enclosed place or area having limited

means of entry and exit. This includes tanks, columns,

towers, pipelines, Sewers, sumps, valves boxes, and

excavations.

H2S Hydrogen sulfide is only one of several life-threatening

hazards, which may be present in a confined space. You

may not enter a confined space at ARAMCO until the

requirements of the confined space Work Permit and Form

924-4 have been satisfied. This permit requires that a

certified person check for:

FLAMMABLE HAZARDS OXYGEN DEFICIENCY

TOXIC HAZARDS

A certified employee is one who has successfully completed

ARAMCO LOSS PREVENTION’S Work Permit and Gas Test

Training Courses.


FLAMMBLE HAZARDS OF CONFINED SPACE

One flammable hazard is the combustible residue called

Pyrophoric Iron Sulfide. Traces of this unstable compound are

often left behind when a vessel containing sour crude is drained.

Hydrocarbon vapors are also flammable hazards in confined

spaces.

The instrument used to test for flammable gas or vapor is called

LTX-310. It measures in percentage of the lower explosive limit

(LEL) of a flammable gas or vapor.

PURPOSE OF THE 3-IN-1 GAS MONITOR,

MODEL LTX-310:

The LTX-310 3-In-1 gas monitor is a solid-state, multi-purpose gas

detector. It monitor for H2S, flammable gases, and oxygen level.

You can replace the H2S sensor with different sensors to detect

others toxic gases. Before you issue a work permit, use the LTX-

310 to test for combustible gases, toxic gases, and oxygen levels.

Use the LTX-310 and SP-402 sampling pump with the extendible

probe to test in confined spaces and in areas that are difficult to get

to. Use the LTX-310 in the leather belt case and shoulder strap to

test the area around you continuously.


OXYGEN DEFICIENCY: If the air in a confined space contains

less than 20 % (percent) oxygen, there is an “oxygen deficiency”.

Attempting to work in such an atmosphere may result in loss of

consciousness and death. For this reason, confined space must also

be proceeding. An oxygen detector like this one is used by a

certified operator.

TOXIC HAZARDS IN CONFINED SPACES: There are

several toxic (poisonous) gases, including H2S, and also toxic

sludge and scales, left in vessels that contained sour crude or its

products.

ARAMCO’s work permit for CONFINED SPACE ENTRY (green

permit form No.924-4) list safety precautions to be followed before

work is allowed. If there is a chance of H2S exposure in the area,

LTX-310 or glass tubes detector must be used as described. For

H2S detection in a confined space:

1. Wear a Scot Air Pak and a safety belt with a lifeline

attached.

2. Test each compartment in the confined space, using the

LTX-310 or a new tube for each test.

3. Perform gas tests more than once during the operation.

Stirred up sludge may release H2S.


WHAT CAN YOU DO IN A GAS EMERGENCY?

EMERGENCY RESPONSE, RESPIRATORS, RESCUE

AND REVIVAL

Each operation at ARAMCO, whether drilling rig, gas plant,

refinery or tank farm, should have an EMERGENCY RESPONSE

PLAN FOR H2S release. The plan will differ depending on the

operation, but basically each operation employee MUST KNOW

how to:

(1) SOUND AN ALARM to warn other people in the area.

(2) DO A BREATHING APPARATUS to protect himself and

the others immediately.

(3) RESCUE AND REVIVE ANY VICTEMS OF H2S.

(4) EVACUATE TO AN UPWIND OR CROSSWIND

LOCATION after checking the wind direction.

(5) INVESTIGATE THE LEAK AND SHUT OFF THE

SOURCE OF GAS RELEASE.


To avoid panic when a gas emergency occurs, regular

EMERGENCY DRILLS are essential. Workers MUST be trained

in the use of the breathing apparatus BEFORE an Emergency

occurs. YOU MUST BE AWARE of the meaning of warning

lights and alarms at your worksite. YOU MUST KNOW the

location of Scott Air Paks in your work area. YOU MUST KNOW

where the windsock is so you can tell at a glance which way an

H2S cloud is likely to move. Employees must attend the safety

orientation conducting in the operation-training center.

DRILL MUST BE PRACTICED IN ASERIOUS AND

PROFESSIONAL MANNER

RESPIRATORS USED IN ARAMCO

FOR ESCAPE ONLY: The Scott 15-minutes Emergency Escape

Breathing Apparatus is to be used in a gas emergency ONLY for

evacuating the hazardous area. Also the 5-minutes escape bottle

shown at the top of the next page provides ONLY enough air to

allow evacuation. DO NOT use either for rescue or emergency

maintenance.


Drilling rigs have airline respirator systems, which include a 5

minutes escape bottle. In the event of a gas emergency, disconnect

the airline hose and evacuate using the escape bottle. If you must

rescue a fellow worker, use the escape bottle to reach the nearest

Scott Air Pak upwind of the gas release. Don the Scott Air Pak

before attempting rescue.


IN GAS EMERGENCY, YOUR MOST IMPOTANT

PIECE OF PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IS A SCOTT AIR

PAK

SCOTT AIR PAK: TRAINING AND REGULAR DRILLS ARE

ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL FOR THE CORRECT USE OF

THE BREATHING APPARATUS.

You must learn how to don the cylinder and harness, check the air

supply….

… and adjust the mask for an airtight face fit.

Quality maintenance of each Scott Air Pak is essential to prevent

unwanted deterioration.


Check for cracks in the face seal, broken head straps, cracked or

clogged hoses. Cylinders must also be checked to ensure they are

full of air and ready for use. It is very important that all these

checks be recorded and dated.

FOR TRAINING WITH SCOTT AIR PAKS, CALL

ARAMCO FIRE PROTECTION DEPT. 87-53602 OR

ABQAIQ TRAINING CENTER 572-8280.

Remember, ONLY a Scott Air Pak should be used to rescue a

victim of hydrogen sulfide, or to perform emergency maintenance

to repair a gas leak.

KNOW THE LOCATION OF ALL SCOTT AIR PAKS AT

YOUR WORKSITE. THIS KNOWLEDGE MAY SAVE

YOUR LIFE!

How can you protect yourself and rescue others?

WHEN YOU SEE A MAN IS DOWN, and you suspect an H2S

leak:

FIRST: SOUND AN ALARM CALL FOR HELP


SECOND: Check the wind direction, and then head for the nearest

Scott Air Pak which is either upwind or crosswind of the victim.

ALWAYS DON A SCOTT AIR PAK BEFORE GOING TO

THE RESCUE.

If you forget this basic rule, you may yourself fall victim to H2S

Hydrogen sulfide in your attempt to rescue someone else.


When you have a good face seal and have checked your air supply,

then pull the victim either upwind or crosswind into a safe area.

SPEED IS ESSENTIAL: ONCE YOU DON YOUR SCOTT

AIR PAK, PULL THE VICTIM OUT OF THE

CONTAMINATED AREA AND BEGIN MOUTH-TO- MOUTH

RESUSCITATION


Reviving an H2 S victim:

Almost all victims of H2S will have stopped breathing and require

resuscitation. Begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation as soon as you

are out of the contaminated area.

A DELAY OF JUST FIVE (5) MINUTES IS FATAL

Tilt the victim’s head and lift the neck to open the airway.


Pinch the victim’s nostrils closed, take a deep breath and blow into

his mouth, giving four quick breaths followed by one breath every

five seconds. Watch to see his chest rise as air fills his lungs.

Turn your head and listen for the victim to exhale. Repeat giving

breaths every five seconds until the victim recovers.


Once revived, NEVER LEAVE an H2S victim alone. He may have

convulsion, or be so confused that he returns to the danger zone.

TAKE A FIRST AID COURSE FROM ARAMCO HEALTH

EDUCATION OR ABQIAQ OPERATION TRAINING CENTER

(OJT). You will receive expert training in mouth-to-mouth

resuscitation, and learn to deal with other injuries caused by the

falling when overcome by H2S hydrogen sulfide gas.

FOR A FIRST AID AND / OR LIFE BASIC COURSE CALL:

874-8309 IN DHAHRAN

673-8860 IN RAS TANURA

572-8438 IN ABQAIQ

572-8280 IN ABQAIQ (OJT)

577-7871 IN UDHAILIYAH

Enroll now for a FIRST AID and LIFE BASIC COURSE if you

have not had one, also if your certificate is expired.

REMEMBER

Responsible action during a rescue is critical. It is the ONLY

HOPE for the victim, and it is the ONLY HOPE for you, and

the rescuer as well. YOU CANNOT RESCUE HIM IF YOU

ARE NOT PROTECTED YOURSELF!!

h2s Hand Book[2]

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Transcript of h2s Hand Book[2]