Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness - Student Handout

Summary and NOTES

Conclusion

Disclaimer

The information presented during this training is for

educational purposes only. It should not be used to provide
guidance in lieu of professional legal advice. All parties
involved in the development of this course shall not be liable
for any information contained within. It is incumbent upon
each participant to verify any and all information presented
during this course as needed. As a student, it is your
responsibility to adhere to all current laws and regulations
pertaining to the material covered in this course.

Pre Assessment Quiz

Before starting this section you will be given a

Pre Assessment Quiz to determine your prior
knowledge of this subject matter.

This quiz is for your benefit only and the

results are not tracked.

Pre Assessment Quiz

Section Objectives

During this lesson we will discuss the following topics:

 Characteristics of
hydrogen sulfide;
 Protecting yourself;
 Detection and
monitoring;
 Contingency Plan; and
 Emergency response.

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Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness - Student Handout

Introduction NOTES

Hydrogen sulfide is an extremely dangerous gas, made more

so by its insidious nature—the gas is invisible to the human
eye, able to deaden one’s sense of smell, and dangerous at
very low concentration.

At the same time you understand that with proper safety

precautions and awareness you can avoid being poisoned by
the gas and respond promptly and effectively if you discover
someone who has.

Let’s do a quick review of the topics we’ve covered.

Characteristics of Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, flammable gas

that is toxic at low concentrations and deadly
at higher concentrations.

The gas is created by the breakdown of

organic material in low-oxygen areas and is
often associated with oil well drilling and
refineries.

The gas is often referred to as H2S and can be identified by

its characteristic odor of rotten eggs.

However, the gas kills one’s sense of smell at low

concentrations, making it extremely dangerous because you
may not be aware of its presence until it’s too late.

Symptoms and Effects

Hydrogen sulfide can cause eye and throat irritation at low

concentrations and short exposures.

Longer exposures can cause headaches and permanent eye

damage.

The maximum recommended exposure to the gas is 10 ppm

time-weighted average over a 40-hour work week.

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Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness - Student Handout

Higher exposures can cause pulmonary edema, respiratory NOTES

arrest and loss of consciousness in as little as a single
breath, and death.

Existing medical conditions, narcotics, prescription medicine,

and prior exposure can make some people more susceptible
to the effects of hydrogen sulfide.

Protecting Yourself

Because hydrogen sulfide is capable of killing

one’s sense of smell at a relatively low
concentration, it’s important to have controls in
place that will either keep concentrations at safe
levels or isolate the gas entirely.

This can be done through ventilation with fans or

confinement of the gas within piping.

Where these engineering controls are not feasible,

SCBAs should be readily available.

Using safe work practices, such as the buddy system,

working upwind of H2S sources, preventing sparks, and
adhering to the precautions laid out in the Contingency Plan
will also go a long way toward keeping you out of harm’s way.

Detection and Monitoring

Detection systems such as lead acetate tape and colorimetric

tubes are excellent safety measures that help determine
whether or not hydrogen sulfide is present.

Permanent monitoring systems attached to visual and audio

alarms that constantly monitor the workplace atmosphere are
an even better option since they do not require the worker to
constantly check personal detectors.

However, detectors should be subject to regular maintenance

to ensure they are functioning properly.

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Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness - Student Handout

Contingency Plan NOTES

Contingency Plans are a means of identifying workplace

hazards, listing resources, and indicating what controls and
safeguards are in place to eliminate workplace hazards or
reduce them to acceptable levels.

If you work in an area where hydrogen sulfide may be

present, you should be familiar with this plan, as well as with
your responsibilities within the framework of this plan.

The Contingency Plan is considered a living document and

should be reviewed and updated whenever changes in the
workplace warrant.

Emergency Response

Emergency response is extremely important in areas where

hydrogen sulfide is present since poor rescue attempts can
mean death for both the original victim and the rescuer as
well.

Be familiar with the rescue steps:

 Sound the alarm;

 Protect yourself;
 Remove the victim;
 Begin resuscitation;
and, if necessary,
 Begin CPR.

The faster a rescue is underway, the better chance the victim

has of surviving and avoiding permanent effects from H2S
poisoning.

Summary

Armed with this information, you are well on your way to

being fully prepared to work in environments where hydrogen
sulfide may be present.

In order to be completely prepared, be sure you are familiar

with:

 Your employer’s contingency and emergency response

plans;

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Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness - Student Handout

 Your role within those plans; and NOTES

 The use and maintenance of SCBAs on your worksite.

Also, be sure to participate regularly in the drills that occur on

your worksite to familiarize yourself with your equipment and
responsibilities.

The better prepared you are, the better you will be able to
protect yourself and others.

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