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Solas Marine Services Co. L.L.C
Solas Marine Services Co. L.L.C
Course Name
Hydrogen Sulphide Awareness
Document Type
Delegate Handout
1
Prepared By: Tejpal A Bangera Designation: Branch Manager
Approved By: Devesh Alwa Designation: Divisional Manager
File Name: SMS-TRNG-M002 6th November 2013
Company SOLAS MARINE SERVICES CO. L.L.C Doc: Hydrogen Sulphide Delegate Handout
Course: Hydrogen Sulphide & Breathing Apparatus 6th November 2013
Originator: Bhushan Rai Divisional Manager Devesh Alwa
Document Approvals
Solas Marine Services Co. L.L.C ensures that all delegate/trainee handouts are accurate to the latest
standards of practice.
Management Signatures
Description Name Position Date
Originator Bhushan Rai Lead Engineer 1st January 2012
Quality Management Tejpal A Bangera Branch Manager 1st January 2012
Senior Management Devesh Alwa Divisional Manager 1st January 2012
Review Process
Review
Review Date Name Position Actions Approval
1st January 2014
Information
This document has been provided by Solas Marine Services Co. L.L.C as a delegate/trainee handout
for Hydrogen Sulphide Awareness to the OPITO Standard. This document is specifically for
training purposes only.
2
Prepared By: Tejpal A Bangera Designation: Branch Manager
Approved By: Devesh Alwa Designation: Divisional Manager
File Name: SMS-TRNG-M002 6th November 2013
Company SOLAS MARINE SERVICES CO. L.L.C Doc: Hydrogen Sulphide Delegate Handout
Course: Hydrogen Sulphide & Breathing Apparatus 6th November 2013
Originator: Bhushan Rai Divisional Manager Devesh Alwa
Solas Marine Services Co. L.L.C shall at all time’s ensure the safety of its clients/delegates attending
all course modules with our academy. The below attachment provides you the delegate an overview
of the academy layout and emergency exits in the unlikely event of a Fire or Evacuation of the
Academy.
3
Prepared By: Tejpal A Bangera Designation: Branch Manager
Approved By: Devesh Alwa Designation: Divisional Manager
File Name: SMS-TRNG-M002 6th November 2013
Company SOLAS MARINE SERVICES CO. L.L.C Doc: Hydrogen Sulphide Delegate Handout
Course: Hydrogen Sulphide & Breathing Apparatus 6th November 2013
Originator: Bhushan Rai Divisional Manager Devesh Alwa
Introduction
The purpose of this Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S Training Module is to provide delegates with the necessary
knowledge, skills and ability to work safely in an environment where H2S may be present and to respond to a
H2S emergency. On successful completion of this course module delegates shall be issued with certification
valid for one year.
During this Basic H2S Course, delegates shall be required to demonstrate their skills and understanding of the
following key areas:
4
Prepared By: Tejpal A Bangera Designation: Branch Manager
Approved By: Devesh Alwa Designation: Divisional Manager
File Name: SMS-TRNG-M002 6th November 2013
Company SOLAS MARINE SERVICES CO. L.L.C Doc: Hydrogen Sulphide Delegate Handout
Course: Hydrogen Sulphide & Breathing Apparatus 6th November 2013
Originator: Bhushan Rai Divisional Manager Devesh Alwa
Hydrogen Sulphide is a molecule composed of one atom of Sulphur and two atoms of Hydrogen. It may be
produced through various chemical processes, but for the oilfield we are concerned with natural production.
The Hydrogen Sulphide we find is produced by the anaerobic (without oxygen) breakdown of proteins and
Sulphur containing hydrocarbons by bacteria. These bacteria may have been present when the oil was formed,
or may be introduced by such activities as water flooding. The bacteria join the hydrogen and Sulphur atoms
to produce the Hydrogen Sulphide.
Common Names
Hydrogen Sulphide is most commonly referred to by its chemical composition “H 2 S”, but you may also hear
or see it referred to as;
Stink Gas
Sour Gas
Rotten Egg Gas
These common names are all derived from Hydrogen Sulphides smell at very low concentrations.
5
Prepared By: Tejpal A Bangera Designation: Branch Manager
Approved By: Devesh Alwa Designation: Divisional Manager
File Name: SMS-TRNG-M002 6th November 2013
Company SOLAS MARINE SERVICES CO. L.L.C Doc: Hydrogen Sulphide Delegate Handout
Course: Hydrogen Sulphide & Breathing Apparatus 6th November 2013
Originator: Bhushan Rai Divisional Manager Devesh Alwa
Toxicity
H2S is an acutely toxic gas at concentrations over 700 PPM. At very low concentrations (as low as 2 PPM) it
will have a rotten egg smell, but at slightly higher concentrations, it will deaden the sense of smell. This is
important as Hydrogen Sulphide is considered dangerous at a concentration of 10 parts per million (10 parts
per million or PPM is 0.001 % in air), can kill you over 100 PPM with extended exposure, and will rapidly
incapacitate and kill you above 700 PPM. This gas is considered acutely toxic, as the effects are immediate.
H2S has a vapour density, which is 1.189 times that of air. This means that it is roughly 19% heavier than air.
Being heavier than air, H2S will collect in low-lying areas. Even small leaks then can accumulate to a dangerous
level. Be aware if mixed with other gases and released under high temperatures or pressures, H2S can be
initially carried upwards and then settle. This is the case while venting from tanker cargo tanks.
Explosive
The explosive range for H2S is 4.3% - 46% by volume in air. This means that the gas will ignite very violently at
this concentration in air and exposed to an ignition source. The figure 4.3% or 43,000 PPM is the Lower
Explosive Limit. Below this level there is an insufficient gas concentration to be explosive. The figure 46% is
the Upper Explosive Limit. Above this level, the gas is too rich (not enough oxygen in the air) to support
ignition. In comparison to H2S, the explosive range of natural gas is much larger.
Solubility
H2S is soluble in water and most liquid hydrocarbons. When mixed with water it produces a weak sulphuric
acid. This interaction causes H2S to be irritating to your eyes, throat, respiratory tract and lungs as it mixes with
the water on your skin or in your body. Also, be aware that if a liquid containing H2S in solution is agitated or
raised in temperature the H2S may be released from solution as H2S gas.
Corrosive
In solution, H2S speeds up general corrosion and loss of wall thickness through electrolytic action. This will
cause Hydrogen Embrittlement in hard steels, and Sulfide Stress cracking in softer steels. The process is the
creation of hydrogen ions, which migrate into the metal and form hydrogen atoms, which in turn put extra
pressure on the metal from inside the steel. This process is then repeated and cracks appear. Hard steel is
then prone to breakage and softer steels show hairline cracks
Common definitions such as parts per million (PPM) and occupational & workplace exposure limits
(OEL/WEL)
TWA = 10 PPM. This is the maximum safe concentration of H2S. You can work in this concentration for 8
hrs/day 5 days/week without any additional respiratory protection.
IDLH = 100 PPM. You are not permitted to enter an IDLH atmosphere at any time. ERT members may
enter an IDLH environment, but only under controlled situations and using the BUDDY system at all times
6
Prepared By: Tejpal A Bangera Designation: Branch Manager
Approved By: Devesh Alwa Designation: Divisional Manager
File Name: SMS-TRNG-M002 6th November 2013
Company SOLAS MARINE SERVICES CO. L.L.C Doc: Hydrogen Sulphide Delegate Handout
Course: Hydrogen Sulphide & Breathing Apparatus 6th November 2013
Originator: Bhushan Rai Divisional Manager Devesh Alwa
As the production from most local Oil Companies averages above 1% H2S, Oil Companies consider that any
detection of H2S requires work to stop and for personnel to carry out emergency procedures. Additionally, any
activity-taking place in an environment at or above 10 PPM requires the use of breathing apparatus.
The “parts per million” or “PPM” scale is used to measure the concentration of H²S in the area. It divides the
total into 1,000,000 parts and tells us the concentration of the substance we are looking at. The smallest unit we
can measure is one part per million.
NOTE
- Olfactory Paralysis
- Excitement
- Eye Irritation
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Sneezing
- Nausea
- Irritation of the Respiratory System
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Respiratory Arrest
- Confusion
- Brain Damage
- Cardiac Arrest
How H2S is detected and the use of onsite & personal detection equipment
- Personal Detectors
- Portable Detectors
- Fixed Detectors
Instructor shall demonstrate the types of detectors available by demonstration for personal and portable. Fixed
shall be demonstrated by PowerPoint.
7
Prepared By: Tejpal A Bangera Designation: Branch Manager
Approved By: Devesh Alwa Designation: Divisional Manager
File Name: SMS-TRNG-M002 6th November 2013
Company SOLAS MARINE SERVICES CO. L.L.C Doc: Hydrogen Sulphide Delegate Handout
Course: Hydrogen Sulphide & Breathing Apparatus 6th November 2013
Originator: Bhushan Rai Divisional Manager Devesh Alwa
Personal gas detectors shall be worn by all personnel working in open process/plant areas where there is the
potential of gas being present.
Alarms:
• Visual
• Audible
Used by Authorized Gas Testers to check possible hazardous environments or leaks prior to commencement
or continuation of work.
Fixed Monitors
Fixed detectors are permanently installed in a chosen location and provide continuous monitoring of plant and
equipment.
They are particularly useful where there is the possibility of a leak into an enclosed or partially enclosed space
where flammable gases could accumulate
The emergency escape breathing apparatus set is designed to offer safe evacuation from hazardous
environments. They provide a short-term air supply 8(10 – 15) minutes and are simple to use.
Prepared By: Tejpal A Bangera Designation: Branch Manager
Approved By: Devesh Alwa Designation: Divisional Manager
File Name: SMS-TRNG-M002 6th November 2013
Company SOLAS MARINE SERVICES CO. L.L.C Doc: Hydrogen Sulphide Delegate Handout
Course: Hydrogen Sulphide & Breathing Apparatus 6th November 2013
Originator: Bhushan Rai Divisional Manager Devesh Alwa
A self contained breathing apparatus or SCBA, sometimes referred to as a compressed air breathing apparatus
is a device worn by rescue workers or fire fighters to provide breathable air in an environment immediately
dangerous to life and health (IDLH).
BA CHECKS
Cascade Connections
The cascade system is a bank of air bottles that supplies a long term air supply and thus protection for working
in hazardous areas and at muster stations where exposure to H2S may be possible
Connection
Only disconnect if given the all clear or if proceeding to Lifeboat to abandon vessel
The role of the emergency response team (ERT) is to respond to personnel exposed to H2S. On arrival to
your assigned muster station information shall be given to the muster coordinator on victims of H2S.
- Muster Coordinator
- Control Room
- Emergency Response Team Leader
- Emergency Response Team Members
9
Prepared By: Tejpal A Bangera Designation: Branch Manager
Approved By: Devesh Alwa Designation: Divisional Manager
File Name: SMS-TRNG-M002 6th November 2013