Authorized Gas Test

5/24/2018 AuthorizedGasTest(2)-slidepdf.
com
TUTIS TRAINING
Authorized Gas Testing
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/authorized-gas-test-2 1/106
5/24/2018 AuthorizedGasTest(2)-slidepdf.com
C OURSE DESCRIPTION
C OURSE D ESCRIPTION
 Course designed in accordance with:
 ANSI Z390.1
 API RP 49
 API RP 55
 Standard Requires refresher training on an

annual basis
W HY DO WE NEED TO TEST FOR GAS ?
W HY T EST G AS ?

Some of the gasses we work with can be
very dangerous, so we need to make sure the
atmosphere is safe to work in Before any work
starts AND during the time the work is taking
place
W HY T EST G AS ?
• To make sure there are no toxic (poisonous) gasses

present in the air, and that the atmosphere is safe to
breath.
• To make sure there is sufficient Oxygen in the air to

support life.
• To make sure there are no explosive gasses, and so

minimize the possibility of an explosion happening.
W HY T EST G AS ?
H2S and SO2 under certain circumstances, it is possible that
these toxic gasses can be found in the atmosphere.

Methane this explosive gas could be present if there was a
leak in the (CH4) processing equipment or many flow lines.
Oxygen Before we enter any ‘Confined Space’, we must

make (O2) there is sufficient life supporting oxygen to
support human life.
W HO CAN CARRY OUT GAS TESTING ?
W HO CAN CARRY ?
Only those people who have attended Authorized

Gas Tester training can certify a gas test.
S OME ABBREVIATIONS
AGT - Authorized Gas Tester.

CH4 - Methane (A Flammable Hydrocarbon Gas).
H2S - Hydrogen Sulphide (a toxic gas).
LEL - Lower Explosive Limit.
UEL - Upper Explosive Limit.
PPM - Parts per million.
W HERE EXPECT TO FIND EXPLOSIVE GAS ?
W HERE EXPLOSIVE GAS ?

Hazardous Area Classification
The classification in zones or “zoning” is the partition of the installation into volumes in
which a
flammable atmosphere may be present (refer to the definition of a hazardous area).
W HERE EXPLOSIVE GAS ?
Zone 0
That part of a hazardous area in which a flammable atmosphere is continuously

present or present for long periods.
• Zone 1
That part of a hazardous area in which a flammable atmosphere is likely to occur in
normal operation.
• Zone 2
That part of a hazardous area in which a flammable atmosphere is not likely to occur
in normal operation, and, if it occurs, will exist only for a short period.
M OST IMPORTANT PLACE TO BE

TESTED ?
 Voids/cofferdams Flanges
 casing vents • Low points
 Drain valves • Sludge
 Valve spindles • Open pits/ditches
 Empty flow lines • High points
• Open drains
E XPLOSIVE LIMIT
E XPLOSIVE L IMIT
All combustible gases and vapours have an ‘eexplosive limit’,

between which the gas or vapour, mixed with air, is capable of
sustaining the spread of flame.
These can be referred to as the ‘explosive’ or ‘flammable’ limits.
E XPLOSIVE L IMIT
The lower explosive limit (LEL) refers to the lowest

concentration of a gas in the atmosphere which results in a
combustible mixture. For example, the LEL of Methane in Air is 5%
by volume.
This means that if there is less than 5% by volume of Methane in
air the mixture is too lean to support combustion.
When
5% by Methane Gas
volume of Test equipment
Methane in the test indicates 100% LEL, there is
atmosphere.
E XPLOSIVE L IMIT
The Upper Explosive Limit (UEL) refers to the highest

concentration of a gas in the atmosphere which results in a
combustible
For example,mixture.
the UEL of Methane in air is 15% by volume,
which means that if there is more than 15% of Methane in
the air by volume the mixture is too rich to support
combustion.
T IPS OF UEL
If an atmosphere exceeds the UEL, then as the

gas slowly disperses, it will have to pass through
its ‘explosive range’ before it gets to its LEL.
This is a very the dangerous time!
E XAMPLE OF UEL/LEL
SUBSTANCE LEL (Vol%) UEL (Vol%)

ACETONE 2.15 13
ACETYLENE 2.4 88
BUTANE 1.5 8.5

ETHANE 3 15.5
ETHYLENE 2.7 34
HEXANE 1.2 7.4
HYDROGEN 4 75.6
METHANE 5 15
PROPANE 2 9.5
Note : Meters must be calibrated for each individual gas.
T IPS OF G AS T EST
For most practical Gas Testing purposes it is the

LEL which is significant.
The AGT is responsible for recording the

percentage of LEL for the specific flammable gas
being tested on the permit.
TOXIC GAS
TOXIC GAS ?
The two main toxic gasses we are concerned are :
SULPHUR DIOXIDE SO2
HYDROGEN SULPHIDE (SULFIDE) H2S
Important Note:
H2S is ALSO EXPLOSIVE
C HARACTRISTICS OF H2S?

• Potentially lethal.
• Colourless.
• Heavier than air.
• Readily dispersed by wind or air currents.
• Flammable - burns with a blue flame.
• Odour of rotten eggs (below concentration of 100ppm).
• Highly corrosive to certain materials (e.g. steel).
C HARACTRISTICS OF H2S?
The way in which H2S affects you depends on the length

of time the individual is exposed, and on the
concentration
Long-term exposure limit. (LTEL)

(over on 8 hour reference period) of
10ppm.
Short-term exposure limit. (STEL)
(over a 10 minute reference period)
of 15ppm.
A BOUT S02
Sulphur Dioxide SO2
SO2 is not combustible but is hazardous to health.
Low level alarm 2ppm
High level alarm 5ppm
Precautions
If SO2 is detected - vacate the area.
C ONFINED S PACE
5/24/2018
H AZARDS IN C ONFINED
AuthorizedGasTest(2)-slidepdf.com
S PACES
• TOXIC OR FLAMMABLE GASES
• LOW OXYGEN CONTENT
• ROTATING OR MOVING EQUIPMENT NOT ISOLATED

• FLUID OR GAS INLETS OR OUTLETS NOT ISOLATED
• RESIDUE FROM PREVIOUS CONTENTS
• SLIP TRIP OR FALL HAZARDS

• LACK OF ADEQUATE LIGHTING
5/24/2018
D ANGEROUS
C IRCUMSTANCES

Concentrations of gases or vapors can arise from sources
both inside and outside confined spaces.
Some examples are:
5/24/2018
D ANGEROUS
C IRCUMSTANCES
Gas or vapor remaining from a process which has previously
been carried out in the confined space.
O XYGEN
• Oxygen content may be low or absent due to a variety of

reasons
• Purging with Inert Gas such as nitrogen
• Displacement by other gases from adjoining plant area
• Depletion due to oxidation ( rusting ) of metals
• Depletion due to fire or welding / cutting process
Low Oxygen remains as the single biggest hazard in

Confined Spaces
D ANGEROUS C IRCUMSTANCES
• Gas or vapor from adjoining plant due to ineffective isolation.

Fumes emitted when sludge deposits are disturbed during
inspection / cleaning
• Fumes produced by an operation inside a confined space, e.g.

welding, flame cutting, lead lining, rubber lining, brush and
spray painting, molding GRP (fiberglass), use of adhesives,
solvents , etc.
The production or combustion of various fuels.

•
5/24/2018
T ESTING IN C ONFINED
S PACES
The tests should check for the
presence of gas or toxic fumes
and the adequacy of the supply and content of Oxygen.
 The tests must start from outside the confined space, and/or
the AGT must wear a SCBA.

 Never enter in a confined space without a stand-by man.
 Gas can be trapped at a high level.
 The tests must be done at different places and at different
levels.
I NSTRUMENT FOR G AS D ETECTION
5/24/2018
I NSTRUMENTS FOR GAS
DETECTION
• Describe use and limitations of detector tubes
• Identify major components of detector tube devices
• Demonstrate pre use inspection and operation of

detector tube devices
• Identify major components of personal H2S monitors
5/24/2018
1-D ETECTOR T UBE D EVICES :

 Detector Tube devices are portable, measure

the presence of gas and identify approximate
concentrations.
point in time, butThey testgive
do not an atmosphere
a continuousat a
reading.
2 -PISTON TYPE UNIT
The piston type unit is a pump operated by the action of a piston to

create a vacuum. The unit consists of:
1. A cylinder 2. A piston with handle.
3. An Inlet. 4. Vacuum indicator.

5. Valves and seals.
3 - BELLOWS TYPE UNIT
In the unit, a bellows pump is used to create the vacuum necessary to take a
sample. Bellows type unit consists of:
1. A spring loaded bellows (with hand grip).
2. An inlet. 3. Vacuum indicator.
4. Stroke counter. 5. A valve and seals
5/24/2018
4- E LECTRONIC H2S
M ONITORS .
 Electronic monitors use sophisticated electronic to detect

H2S and other gases.
 Some units are capable of monitoring more than one gas.
They provide very accurate readings, if functioning properly.
These units are designed to continuously monitor gas levels.
The purpose of these devices is to protect your safety be
warning of the presence of the hazardous gas.
5/24/2018
M AJOR COMPONENTS OF
E LECTRONIC H2S M ONITORS
Whether it is personal, portable or fixed monitor, the

basic components of the unit include:
 A power source.
 Sensor.
 Visual display (may be a flashing light and red).
 An audible alarm.
5/24/2018
5 - FIXED MONITORS
Fixed monitors are permanently installed units and

usually found in gas plants and oil batteries. This is the
most sophisticated type of electronic monitors.
The system consists of:
1. A central control unit. 2. Remote sensors.
3. Alarms.
G AS D ETECTOR
G AS D ETECTOR
MSA ORION
MULTI-HEAD
GAS MONITOR
AfSTC
G AS T EST I NFO
L.E.L - 0%
C0 - 0 PPM
H2S - 0 PPM
02 - 20.8 %
NOTE: An acceptable result must be obtained
before work in any area proceeds.
C ALIBRATION I NFO
Gas tester must be re-calibrated every 6 months, or
after having shown a great amount of gas.
G AS T EST I NFO
MAXIMUM CONCENTRATIONS OF TOXIC GAS (PPM) FOR ENTRY
Entry Entry With

without Suitable No Entry Purge
Gas
Breathing Breathing and Reset
Apparatus Apparatus
Hydrogen Sulphide < 1 PPM 1 to 20 PPM > 20 PPM

(H2S)
Carbon Monoxide (CO) < 1 PPM 1 to 250 PPM > 250 PPM
M INI WARN G AS D ETECTOR
Miniwarn gas detector with

telescopic probe
• The battery charge will be

reduced by running the pump.
• Make sure no liquids are allowed

to enter the probe because it will
damage the sensor heads
M INI WARN G AS D ETECTOR
Important
When performing an atmospheric test for a confined
space put the probe into the confined space, NOT your
head.
C ALIBRATION I NFO
Meters must be calibrated - IN ACCORDANCE WITH

MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDATIONS (normally every 6
months)
Meters must be calibrated by AN AUTHORISED AGENT .
Do not use meters without an in-date calibration sticker.
D ETECTION E QUIPMENT
 Manufacturer’s recommendations
should be followed for the
installation, maintenance, calibration,
and repair of detection equipment.

An adequate number of fixed or
portable or both type detectors
should be provided for the safety of
personnel working.
Fixed Monitoring Detection Systems
 Fixed hydrogen sulfide monitoring systems

shall include visual and audible alarms, located
where the alarm can be seen or heard
throughout the work area.
 Monitoring equipment should be used during

all drilling, work over, and well servicing
operations where there

release of hydrogen is a above
sulfide possibility of a
the allowed
levels.
5/24/2018 F IXED D ETECTION
E QUIPMENT
 Sensors for fixed detections systems should be used at the following
• Locations as appropriate:
• Bell nipple
• Mud-return line
• Shale shaker
• Trip tank
Well control fluid pit area

• Driller/operator’s station
• Living quarters
• All other areas where h2S may accumulate
P ORTABLE D ETECTORS
There are three main types of portable detection

methods available.
 Lead Acetate tapes can be used to reveal the

presence of Hydrogen Sulfide. H S reacts with
2
lead acetate and stains the paper. The amount
of staining is directly proportional to the
concentration.
 Requires constant monitoring as there is no

alarm.
 Takes about three minutes to take a sample.
 Colormetric tubes
 Chemical Specific

Works by chemical reaction
 Tube is graduated with unit of
measure
 Some chemicals have tubes

which cover different ranges
Electronic Gas Detectors are the most common type
of detector used. Some models are disposable and some
have a battery which can be replaced. These detectors usually
have an audible, visual, tactile, or combination type alarms. It
is important to read the manual from the manufacturer to
make sure the unit is used properly.
 Not keeping the detector clean can lead to

premature sensor failures. These detectors can
come as a single gas detector or a multi-gas
detector. Single gas detectors only test for one
gas and some multi-gas detectors can test up to
five different things. Single gas detectors are
generally more accurate than multi-gas
detectors. Sensors must be directly exposed to
the atmosphere to operate properly so don’t
keep it in your pocket.
5/24/2018
 Disposable gas detectors usually are maintenance free but do

require daily bump calibration. Bump calibration required
hooking the detector up to a cylinder with a known quantity
of test gas. If the detector reads the same as the cylinder
amount then the detector is calibrated and functioning
properly
P ERSONAL P ROTECTIVE E QUIPMENT
5/24/2018
P ERSONAL P ROTECTIVE
E QUIPMENT
Personal Protective Equipment or PPE should be provided to all personnel
expected to work in areas which may contain hazardous concentrations of
hydrogen sulfide. The primary PPE used for H2S is respiratory protection
which we will discuss further. For personnel working in these areas the
following items should be discussed:
 Location of Supplied Air Respirators
 Locations of spare cylinders, if applicable
 Site specific issues
 Situations that would require respirators
 Limitations and capabilities of positive pressure/full face piece respirators
 Limitations and capabilities of air supplied and air purifying respirators
 Brand/model/ size of respirators available
 A respiratory protection program should be in place
5/24/2018
P ERSONAL P ROTECTIVE
E QUIPMENT
 PPE is the least preferred method of

controlling hazards, all attempts
should be made to remove or limit
the hazards to personnel.
 Selection of PPE is very important

and to understand this personnel
must understand the equipment
available.
5/24/2018
R ESPIRATORS
 A respirator is a device designed to protect the wearer from

inhaling harmful dusts, fumes, vapors, and/or gases. Respirators
come in a wide range of types and sizes used by the military,
private industry, and the public. Respirators range from cheap
single-use disposable masks, to reusable models with replaceable
cartridges. There are two main types of respirators:
• Air Purifying Respirators
• Supplied Air Respirators
5/24/2018
A IR P URIFYING
R ESPIRATORS
All respirators have some type of face piece held to the wearer's head with
straps, a cloth harness, or some other method. Face pieces come in many
different styles and sizes, to accommodate all types of face shapes.
5/24/2018
S UPPLIED A IR
R ESPIRATORS
These respirators are supplied with an alternate source of air. Supplied air
respirators are the only type allowed to be used to protect workers from
exposure to H2S. There are two basic types of supplied air respirators.
The two types are the closed circuit and the open circuit. Open circuit
are the type most commonly used for working with Hydrogen Sulfide and
will be the type covered here.
Open Circuit Closed Circuit
5/24/2018
C LOSED C IRCUIT SCBA
OXYGEN
5/24/2018
S UPPLIED A IR
R ESPIRATORS
 There are three basic types of Supplied Air Respirators
(SAR).
 There are many manufactures of fresh air equipment

on the market here are a few.
 Scott and MSA are the two most common

manufacturers and most widely used.
• MSA
• Scott
• Draeger
• ISI
• SurviveAir
Cairns
5/24/2018
E SCAPE U NITS
 The escape Unit can be used for only one

purpose, ESCAPE. The unit has a minimal
quantity of air and is very limited in its
capabilities. It is designed as a simple easy
to use system with minimal parts and is
designed for quick donning. The cylinder
capacity can vary depending on
manufacturer. The most common are rated
at 5 minute, 10 minute, and 15 minute
capacities. Most models have an anti-fog
hood that lets you see where you're going
and fits comfortably over bulky eyeglasses
and full beards.
5/24/2018
E SCAPE U NIT
 The escape units are made to be donned very quickly and can
usually be applied using these few steps:
• If In a case , remove from the case
• Loop the strap over your neck or over your shoulder
• Slip hood over your head and tighten if the device has this
option
• Turn on the air cylinder
• Leave the area immediately !!!!
 After use, you should clean and air dry the hood. Refill the cylinder.
Return the unit to its proper location. The location of escape units
should have signs alerting personnel to their location.
5/24/2018
W ORKLINE U NIT
 Workline Units can be used to work

for extended periods of time in a
hazardous atmosphere. They are
commonly used of
entries because fortheir
confined space
relatively
small size
 They usually have a cylinder rated at 5,

10, or 15 minute capacity to be used
to escape in the event of an
emergency. During normal operation
the cylinder valve remains closed and
the user draws air from an external air
source such as a cascade system.
5/24/2018
W ORKLINE U NIT
5/24/2018
W ORKLINE U NITS
 Workline units are equipped with a fitting which allows connection to

external air supplies. In order to work with these units the air must be
drawn from the external source and not the escape cylinder. Care must
be taken to protect the supply hoses from getting caught or cut by
objects. The hose is also a hazard around rotating equipment. Make
sure the hose does not catch on any valve handles or operating controls.
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/authorized-gas-test-2
S ELF C ONTAINED B REATHING 71/106
A PPARATUS
(SCBA)
 The SCBA is filled with filtered

compressed air, the same air that we
breathe. The air should be grade “D” or
better in quality. Most new standards
require that the SCBA be of the positive-
pressure type. Positive pressure scba’s
maintain a positive pressure inside the
facepiece during inhalation and
exhalation. This is a safety measure
added to reduce the chance of
contaminated air entering through a
break in the seal of the mask.
5/24/2018
SCBA C OMPONENTS
 Backpack and Harness assembly is used to secure the cylinder in place. It

will have some type of strap configuration to attach the device to the
body. The design of these strap configurations can vary from different
manufacturer’s and different models.
5/24/2018
SCBA A IR C YLINDER
A SSEMBLY
5/24/2018
SCBA C YLINDER
 SCBA Cylinders come in a variety of sizes, volumes,

and operating pressures. It is important to use the
correct cylinders with the correct model regulator. A
few of the configurations you will we are the
following:
• 30-minute, 3000 psi
5/24/2018
SCBA C YLINDERS
 The ratings that are given to

the cylinders do not take into
consideration the type of
activity being done nor the
physical condition of the user.
On low means they only get a
little over 20 minutes of air.
The harder the work, the
faster the person will breathe
and use up the air. So don’t be
fooled into thinking you have
30 actual minutes of breathing
time.
5/24/2018
SCBA C YLINDERS
 The cylinders can be made of solid

metal such as aluminum or a light
weight alloy which is wrapped with
some typeAll
strength. of cylinders
fiber for increased
must be
hydrostatically tested.
 Metal cylinders must be tested every

5 years and have an unlimited service
life while composite wrapped
cylinders must be tested every three
years and have a maximum service
life of 15 years
5/24/2018
R EGULATOR A SSEMBLY
 Most SCBA’s come with a two stage regulator.

They come in two basic configurations.
• Face Piece mounted regulator
• Belt mounted regulator
 Air moves from the cylinder, travels through

the high-pressure hose and into the regulator.
The regulator
cylinder air to reduces the pressure
slightly above of the
atmospheric
pressure and controls the flow of air to meet
the respiratory requirements of the wearer.
5/24/2018
 Most newer SCBA’s will have a regulator the connects to the face piece. Face piece
mounted regulators have many benefits compared to face mounted types:
• Communication is easier
•
Less likely to cut or damage low pressure hose
• Easier to shut off air in non hazardous locations which saves air
• Here are a few photos of some face piece mounted regulators
5/24/2018
 The regulator is equipped with a low air alarm to warn the user. This alarm
can be audible, visual, tactile, or a combination. Audible alarms are usually a
bell or whistle. Visual alarms are usually an LED display in the mask. Tactile
alarms are usually a vibration of the Regulator.
 Low air alarms should be set at 25% or 1/4th of the cylinder capacity. They
are not set by minutes because of the varying capacities of cylinders.
5/24/2018
 Always make sure that the cylinder

gauge and regulator gauge read
approximately the same. In low air
situations they may differ so use
the lower. If the cylinder gauge and
regulator gauge differ by more than
100 psi the unit must be taken out
of service and repaired.
 In the event of regulator failure use

the red by-pass. Open, breath,
then close until next breath to save
air. Immediately leave area.
5/24/2018
FACEPIECE A SSEMBLY
The facepiece assembly is made of four basic parts:
• Facepiece
• Nose cup
•
Exhalation valve
• Head harness
 Facial hair can interfere with the seal of the mask an

put personnel at risk. Many companies have a “no
facial hair” policy for workers in areas in which they
may need to use respiratory equipment. Here
culturally, many males grow facial hair, so just be
aware you are putting yourself at risk. The mask to
face seal is one of the most important parts of the
system.
5/24/2018 FACEPIECE A SSEMBLY
 Some facepieces have a nose cup inside the mask.

The nose cup is there to minimize fogging to the
mask . If the cold air from the mask mixes with
your hot breath, the mask will fog up minimizing
visibility. The nose cup directs air out the exhaust
port instead of out into the facepiece.
 Always check the strap configuration on the head

harness. Even on the same types of SCBA’s they
may have mask with different strap configurations.
The straps can be rubber or a cloth type. Be
careful with rubber straps that you do not snap
them while tightening. Always pull straps toward
s the rear.
5/24/2018 FACEPIECE A SSEMBLY
Some masks have:
• Two straps
• Four straps
•
Five straps
 Don’t pull the straps to tight as it will actually

be harder to get a good seal. Most mask will
not be able to be used with glasses. Inserts
may have to be used. Masks do come in
different sizes and should be fit tested on
users to get the best possible seal. Always
read the documentation with the SCBA to
know the correct way to attach the regulator
to the mask.
5/24/2018 L IMITATIONS
 Facepiece only provides limited protection. It only provides limited

impact resistance. It will only protect the airway if:
• The mask is in good working condition
• The mask is donned properly and the seal is maintained
• Facial hair or improper mask size does not interfere with the
ability of the mask to seal to the face.
 Increased weight of the apparatus will affect stamina and can

cause discomfort in some cases.
 Decreased Mobility- The size of the pack may limit which areas are
accessible to the rescuer/worker. In confined space entries
sometimes it is necessary to remove the pack from the body while
still breathing through unit.
 Decreased Ability to Communicate- Users will

experience great difficulty in communicating while
breathing air. Some SCBA’s have amplifiers or radio
accessories installed in the facepiece to combat this
problem
 Limited Visibility- The user’s field of view is narrowed
because of the facepiece. It is important to be very
aware of footing when going up and down stairs or
when walking through areas with tripping hazards.
 Air Supply Limitations- The work or rescue time is

limited by the quantity of air in the cylinder. It is
important to make sure that the cylinders remain full to
capacity so the maximum amount of air is available. The
duration the cylinder lasts depends on a few factors:
• Physical condition of the user
• Degree of exertion
• Condition of the SCBA
•
Cylinder pressure before use
• Training and experience of the user
S TORAGE , I NSPECTION,
M AINTENANCE
 Personal breathing equipment shall be

located so that the equipment is
quickly and easily available to
essential personnel. Breathing
equipment shall be maintained and
stored in a clean sanitary location.
They should be stored to protect them
from damage, contamination, dust,
sunlight, extreme temperatures and
damaging chemicals. The equipment
should be packed and stored to
prevent deformation of the facepiece
and exhalation valve.
S TORAGE , I NSPECTION,
M AINTENANCE
 All breathing equipment shall be
checked before and after each use
and inspected at least monthly to
ensure that it is maintained in a
satisfactory condition. A record
should be kept documenting
inspection results, dates and
findings and maintained for one
year.
 SCBA Masks should be cleaned

after every use using mild soapy
water. Do not use bleach or
sanitizer as they may degrade the
rubber. Hang to dry not in
sunlight.
D ONNING P ROCEDURES
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/authorized-gas-test-2
SCBA S AFETY 90/106
P ROCEDURES
 Never remove or compromise the seal until you have

left the contaminated area.
 Always use the buddy system when working with

respiratory protection.
 Always use two people

have a back up team of and
twoin
onrescue situations and
stand-by.
 If there is a regulator malfunction, use the bypass and

immediately escape to fresh air.
 If making an entry into a confined space, taglines

should be used.
 If working in an IDLH atmospheres, a Rescue standby

team shall be on site comprised of personnel trained in
rescue techniques dealing with H 2S. They must have
the proper safety equipment to perform these types of
rescue.
9. E MERGENCY R E SPONSE
5/24/2018 E MERGENCY R E SPONSE
 Effective use of contingency plan, engineering controls,

and personal protective equipment (PPE) should reduce
the chances of personnel being exposed to hydrogen
sulfide gas. In event that these protective measures fail,
it is important to know how to respond to these
emergencies.
5/24/2018
E MERGENCY R E SPONSE
 Personnel should always be aware of wind

direction. When an H2S alarm goes off the first
thing personnel should do is check wind direction
and proceed to a safe muster point. All
unnecessary possible ignitions sources should be
eliminated. Equipment can be used to prevent
possible ignition sources:
• Intrinsically safe electronic equipment
• Non-sparking hand tools
• Spark arrestors
• Cooling systems on Rig Motor manifolds
F IRST A ID
 Always immediately remove injured personnel to

fresh air. Rescue personnel should always be
protected prior to attempting a rescue.
5/24/2018
I NHALATION E XPOSURE
 Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should

avoid self-exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas.
 Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and

note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not
breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is
labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
 Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the
local hospital for administration of an antidote or

performance of other invasive procedures.
 RUSH to a health care facility as one side effect of exposure

is delayed onset of pulmonary edema.
5/24/2018
D ERMAL /E YE E XPOSURE
 Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid

self- exposure to hydrogen sulfide.
 Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note
any trauma.
provide If norespiration.
artificial pulse is detected, provide
If breathing CPR. If not
is labored, breathing,
administer
oxygen or other respiratory support.
 Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
 If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm

water for at least 15 minutes.
 Wash exposed skin areas for at least 15 minutes with soap and
water.
 RUSH to a health care facility!
5/24/2018
 A well thought out emergency plan is essential

because improperly executed rescue attempts
are most often fatal to the rescuer. There are
many H2S emergencies on record in which there
are multiple fatalities because the personnel
were not properly prepared and educated on
how to deal with H2S emergencies.
 It is important that all rescues are made as soon
as possible. When a victim is not breathing it
takes approximately 6 minutes for brain death to
occur and permanent damage occurs prior to
that. The best chances of survival have been
recorded with personnel which were rescued and
resuscitated within 3 minutes.
5/24/2018
 A variety of techniques can be used to remove the injured from the

contaminated area. You can use carries and drags to accomplish this:
• Collar Drag
Extremity carry (2 people)

• Fireman’s Carry
• One arm or two arm carry
5/24/2018
D AILY C HECKS
 Daily Checks should be performed by the designated wellsite

supervisor prior to the beginning of each work day. The following
items should be checked:
• The worksite for the presence of hydrogen sulfide
• Wind direction indicators ( may require changing safe briefing

areas)
• Hydrogen sulfide monitoring or detection equipment
• Placement of personal protective breathing equipment
• Placement of fire protection equipment
• Appropriate first aid equipment
P RESSURE M AINT. A ND / OR WATER

F LOODING
 Pressure maintenance and/or

waterflooding operations may
introduce bacteria that can cause
water soluble hydrogen sulfide to
develop within the producing
formation over time and may be
present in produced fluids.
H YDROGEN S ULFIDE I GNITION

S OURCES
 When mixed with air, hydrogen sulfide can be explosive. To

minimize potential sources of ignition, the following items
should be considered:
• Enforce “NO SMOKING” rules
• Locate portable generator units, dog houses, and

change rooms as far away from the well bore as
practical.
• Vehicles should be at least 100 ft from wellbore or

distance equal to the height of the derrick or mast.
• Spark arrestors should be used on all internal

combustion engines
• Restrict open flames, stoves, open fires, welding

operations, or other possible sources of ignition to
designated areas
S UMMARY
S UMMARY
 Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, odorless gas
 H2S at low concentrations smells like rotten eggs and quickly

deadens the sense of smell
 It is heavier than air and will settle in low lying areas or areas
where there is very little natural ventilation.
 Hydrogen sulfide is a flammable gas with an ignition point of 270

0
C and is can be explosive when mixed with air. It burns with a
blue flame and forms sulfur dioxide, another highly toxic gas.
 Hydrogen is soluble in water and can be dissolved in crude oil and
salt water from wells. It can be released anytime these liquids are
agitated, depressurized, or the temperature is increased.
S UMMARY
 H2S is commonly found in all phases of hydrocarbon production from drilling to

refining.
 Flaring is the most common way of controlling hydrogen sulfide out in the field.
 It is important to have continuous monitoring devices to detect hydrogen

sulfide because of its very poor warning characteristics.
 Personnel must recognize the signs and symptoms of exposure.
 Personnel must be trained to use the PPE available to protect them
 Emergency procedures must be established before work begins on a location.
 Although there are several protective systems in place to prevent exposure to

personnel it is still a very hazardous chemical to work around which causes
many deaths every year despite the training and protection available.

Authorized Gas Test

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

Authorized Gas Test

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Authorized Gas Test

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

5/24/2018 AuthorizedGasTest(2)-slidepdf.

Authorized Gas Testing

 Course designed in accordance with:

 Standard Requires refresher training on an

W HY DO WE NEED TO TEST FOR GAS ?

• To make sure there are no toxic (poisonous) gasses

• To make sure there is sufficient Oxygen in the air to

• To make sure there are no explosive gasses, and so

H2S and SO2 under certain circumstances, it is possible that

these toxic gasses can be found in the atmosphere.

Oxygen Before we enter any ‘Confined Space’, we must

W HO CAN CARRY OUT GAS TESTING ?

Only those people who have attended Authorized

AGT - Authorized Gas Tester.

PPM - Parts per million.

W HERE EXPECT TO FIND EXPLOSIVE GAS ?

W HERE EXPLOSIVE GAS ?

W HERE EXPLOSIVE GAS ?

That part of a hazardous area in which a flammable atmosphere is continuously

M OST IMPORTANT PLACE TO BE

All combustible gases and vapours have an ‘eexplosive limit’,

These can be referred to as the ‘explosive’ or ‘flammable’ limits.

The lower explosive limit (LEL) refers to the lowest

The Upper Explosive Limit (UEL) refers to the highest

If an atmosphere exceeds the UEL, then as the

This is a very the dangerous time!

SUBSTANCE LEL (Vol%) UEL (Vol%)

BUTANE 1.5 8.5

Note : Meters must be calibrated for each individual gas.

For most practical Gas Testing purposes it is the

The AGT is responsible for recording the

being tested on the permit.

The two main toxic gasses we are concerned are :

SULPHUR DIOXIDE SO2

HYDROGEN SULPHIDE (SULFIDE) H2S

The way in which H2S affects you depends on the length

Long-term exposure limit. (LTEL)

Sulphur Dioxide SO2

SO2 is not combustible but is hazardous to health.

Low level alarm 2ppm

High level alarm 5ppm

• TOXIC OR FLAMMABLE GASES

• LOW OXYGEN CONTENT

• ROTATING OR MOVING EQUIPMENT NOT ISOLATED

• RESIDUE FROM PREVIOUS CONTENTS

• SLIP TRIP OR FALL HAZARDS

Some examples are:

• Oxygen content may be low or absent due to a variety of

Low Oxygen remains as the single biggest hazard in

• Gas or vapor from adjoining plant due to ineffective isolation.

• Fumes produced by an operation inside a confined space, e.g.

The production or combustion of various fuels.

the AGT must wear a SCBA.

 Gas can be trapped at a high level.

 The tests must be done at different places and at different

I NSTRUMENT FOR G AS D ETECTION

• Describe use and limitations of detector tubes

• Identify major components of detector tube devices