CNLC STANDARD 13

Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness

(H2S)
H2S Safety Training Program
Purpose - to be qualified to work in or visit H2S areas.
The employee will learn the following-
H2S hazard control guidelines
Where H2S is found, its characteristics and how it affects
people
The purpose and function of H2S monitoring equipment
How to work in a H2S environment
The functions of a self-contained breathing apparatus
used in Schlumberger wellsite operations
Responsibility and procedures for rescue and first aid for
victims
What is H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide)?
Generalities:
Found worldwide
Formed from decomposition of animal/vegetable
materials by bacteria.
Hydrogen Sulfide gas is referred to by a variety of
names:
H2S
Sour Crude
Acid Gas
Rotten-egg Gas
Sewer Gas
Devils Breath
Characteristics & Properties Of H2S

Extremely toxic
Colorless
Heavier than air (specific gravity = 1.189)
Offensive odor (rotten eggs)
Odor Threshold value = 0.028 mg/m3 (0.002 ppm)
Vapor pressure 20 atm @ 260 C
Produces Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) when burning
Causes corrosion
Soluble in oil and water
Fire & Explosion Hazards

Explosive between 4.3% to 46% by volume

Auto ignition temperatures = 260 C
Extinguishing media : CO2,Dry powder
Special procedures : wear SCBA
How Does H2S Affect You?

The way H2S affects you depends on the following

factors:
Duration:
The length of time the individual is exposed.
Frequency:
How often the individual has been exposed.
Intensity:
How much dosage (concentration) the individual was
exposed to.
Individual Susceptibility:
The individuals physiological make-up.
How Does H2S Affect You?

When a person breathes in H2S:

It goes directly through the lungs and into the blood
stream
It builds up in blood and the individual becomes
poisoned
Nerve centers in the brain are paralyzed
The lungs stop working and the person is asphyxiated
Symptoms of H2S Exposure
The effect of H2S on the body at different concentration
levels is as follow:
1 ppm The odor of rotten eggs can be distinctly smelled.
10 ppm Obvious and unpleasant odor. Threshold limit value.
Limited to 8 hours continuous work.
100 ppm Sense of smell will be deadened within 3 to 15
minutes. Eyes and throat may be burned.
Symptoms of headache, upset stomach and
increased pulse rate.
700 ppm The victim will become unconscious. Breathing
stops and permanent brain damage and death
may result if not rescued promptly.
1000 ppm The victim is unconscious immediately.
Imminent death.
2000 ppm Immediate respiratory paralysis.
Examples of Potentially Hazardous Areas

Many deaths occurred while workers were involved in

routine tasks as follows:
Operation of oil/gas wells
Oil & gas well drilling operations
Operating and gauging battery tanks
Well servicing
Well blowout
Natural gas processing plant
H2S Hazard Control Guidelines

Permissible Exposure- These rules must be followed

when the H2S monitor indicates that H2S is present.
0-10 ppm: No protection needed by employees. Employees
can work continuously at this level. If the employee has
exposure at 15 ppm for 15 minutes, the employee has
reached the short-term exposure limit (STEL). The
employee must leave the area for a minimum of 60 minutes.

Over 10 ppm: Normal work is not allowed. In an

emergency, all personnel exposed to H2S must wear a self-
contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Note: The Area or Region Manager must give authorization

to Schlumberger employees to work in areas where the level
of H2S is above 10 ppm.
Tailgate Safety Meeting Checklist for a Known H2S Area

0-10 PPM
No protection is needed. Limit time of exposure to 8
hours.
Over 10 PPM
Normal work not allowed. In an emergency, exposed
personnel must wear a self-contained breathing
apparatus.
Check alarm system and signals. Alarm should be set for
10 ppm
Note location of wind socks.
Tailgate Safety Meeting Checklist for a Known H2S Area

Over 10 PPM continued

Designate an escape route and alternate.
Designate an assembly area and alternate.

Designate a two-person rescue team

Designate an individual to monitor H2S instruments.

Identify the location of emergency air packs.

Review the symptoms of overexposure.

Review first aid procedures.

Rescue Procedures

Scenario
Alarm sounds and the blender operator collapses.
Action
Warn others. Shutdown equipment and assemble in pre-
determined upwind location.
Don the air pack. Use the buddy system.
Carry victim to a non-contaminated area. Use the monitor.
Revive the victim using artificial respiration and (CPR) as
necessary.
Get medical attention as soon as possible.
H2S Safety Steps

Detection
Use detector not your nose
Make sure detectors are working set at 10 ppm

Locate them where you can see the visual warning

Adjust sound level to surrounding noise

Escape
Know the escape routes & alarms
Check for wind direction
Escape to Gathering Point
Remember H2S is heavier than air
H2S Safety Steps

Protection
Wear SCBA
Always have a back up
Bring victim out of contaminated area
Give First-Aid
Measure
Wear SCBA
Use the sniffer
Return to area only after measurement completed &
when all the alarms have stopped.
SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus)

30 minutes of Air Supply

Monthly Inspections on Apparatus
Special Training Required
Used by Designated Team
Proper Storage Required
H2S effects on equipment

General corrosion
Corrosion that appears all over the exposed area of metal
Pitting corrosion
When FeS is scratched/removed metal become anodic to
surrounding film covered metal
Stress corrosion cracking
Stress corrosion cracking occurs in places where stress is
imposed to the material & around welds where inadequate
heat control has created internal stress, the total stress may
exceed the yield strength of the material.
Hydrogen embrittlement
Causes spontaneous brittle fracture of steel when exposed to
water & H2S weakening them at 15% of their yield strength
Summary - Guidelines to Work in H2S Suspect Area

Spot wind sock - note wind direction.

Note location of monitor alarms
Attend the tailgate meeting
Know the rescue team identified by the Service
Supervisor.
A survey will be conducted to detect existing
concentrations of H2S.
Common problem area might be:
Tanks, tubs, and blender openings present the most likely
places for lethal concentrations.
Flow back from well to mud pit
Pumping crude oil through blender
Acidizing the well