Stolt Offshore

Operations Management

Operations in Areas with Potential Release of

Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)

GR-OPS-009

Prepared by : Georges Arnoux Group Diving Manager

Approved by : Ken London Group HSEQ Manager

1.0 Approved for Implementation Feb.11.02

Version Reason for Issue Issue Date Prepared by Approved by

 Stolt Offshore Division Process Date of Issue
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Document Title: Document No & Version

Operations in Areas with Potential Release GR-OPS-009 Ver 1.0 Page 2 of 13
of Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)
This is an electronically generated document which has been reviewed and approved in accordance with Stolt Offshore’s Management
System. An audit trail of review and approval is available within the electronic system and a master approved copy is available from
the HSEQ Department.

The screen version of this document is the CONTROLLED COPY at all times. When printed it is considered a FOR INFORMATION
ONLY copy, and it is the holder’s responsibility that he / she holds the latest valid version

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS........................................................................................................................................2
1. INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................................3
1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY..............................................................................................................................................................3
1.2 RESPONSIBILITIES.......................................................................................................................................................................3

2. HYDROGEN SULPHIDE H2S..........................................................................................................................4

2.1 GENERAL INFORMATION..........................................................................................................................................................4
2.2 H2S DETECTION............................................................................................................................................................................5

3. PROTECTION FROM H2S WITH SHIP/BARGE OPERATIONS.............................................................6

3.1 POSITION VESSEL UPWIND.......................................................................................................................................................6
3.2 SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS........................................................................................................................6
3.3 SUPPLIED AIR BREATHING APPARATUS...............................................................................................................................6
3.4 AIR INTAKES................................................................................................................................................................................6

4. CONTINGENCY PLAN....................................................................................................................................7
4.1 PROBABILITY OF RELEASE.......................................................................................................................................................7
4.2 RISK ASSESSMENT......................................................................................................................................................................7
4.3 PLANS.............................................................................................................................................................................................7
4.4 TECHNICAL SUPPORT................................................................................................................................................................7

5. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES......................................................................................................................8
5.1 PLATFORM BASED H2S ALARMS ACTIVATED......................................................................................................................8
5.2 PORTABLE H2S ALARM(S) ACTIVATED..................................................................................................................................9
5.3 FIXED H2S ALARMS.....................................................................................................................................................................9
5.4 RED ALERT / GENERAL ALARM.............................................................................................................................................10
5.5 CASUALTY RECOVERY / RESCUE / FIRST AID....................................................................................................................11
5.6 STANDING DOWN OPERATIONS............................................................................................................................................12

6. TRAINING ASSOCIATED WITH POTENTIAL H 2S OPERATIONS.....................................................14

6.1 BREATHING APPARATUS TRAINING....................................................................................................................................14
6.2 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FAMILIARISATION................................................................................................................14
6.3 TECHNICIANS TRAINING.........................................................................................................................................................14
6.4 MUSTER DRILLS........................................................................................................................................................................14
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of Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The purpose of this document is to describe the safety precautions required when
operations are carried out in an area where there is a risk of potential release of H2S.

1.2 RESPONSIBILITIES
The Manager responsible for the site must ensure that the required equipment exists at
the site or on board the ship or barge in sufficient quantity.

The Project Manager is responsible for ensuring that the Risks posed by the possible
release of H2S have been evaluated and been the subject of a formal Hazard
Identification and Risk Assessment exercise, that relevant specific procedures, based on
the precautions identified herein have been developed, including emergency procedures,
and that familiarisation / training processes are in place.

With regards to ships and barges, the Offshore Manager and the Captain shall ensure
that the relevant equipment is on board, maintained, certified and in working order, that
level two and three Risk Assessments have been performed, that the appropriate
procedures have been developed and that the appropriate people have been familiarised
and trained accordingly.
.
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of Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)

2. HYDROGEN SULPHIDE H2S

2.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

 H2S is a highly toxic gas, found in a variety of natural and industrial operations /
situations, for example in natural gas and petroleum, mines, sewers, etc., formed by
de-composition of organic matter.
 Colourless, extremely toxic gas.
 Heavier than air, it tends to settle in low areas but can be readily dispersed by
wind/drafts.
 But, if warmer than the surrounding air, it tends to rise. Foggy, and still conditions
may allow it to accumulate in low places in dangerous concentrations.
 Odour of rotten eggs at low concentrations only. Deadens the sense of smell at
concentrations above 70 ppm.
 Forms explosive mixtures with air/oxygen.
 Burns with a blue flame, producing Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) which is also very toxic.
 Highly corrosive to certain metals.

Toxicity Table
0.10 - 0.15 ppm: Minimal perceptible odour
5.0 ppm: Moderate odour
10 ppm: Minimum eye irritation
25 ppm: Strong, unpleasant odour
70 – 150 ppm: Coughing, eye irritation, loss of sense of smell after 2-5 minutes
200 – 300 ppm: Marked conjunctivitis (eye inflammation) and respiratory tract
irritation after one hour of exposure
500 – 700 ppm: Loss of consciousness and possibly death in 30 minutes to one
hour
700 - 1000 ppm: Rapid unconsciousness, cessation of respiration and death
1000 - 2000 Unconsciousness at once, with early cessation of respiration, and
ppm: death in a few minutes. Death may occur even if the individual
is moved to fresh air at once.

“ppm” = parts (of gas) per million parts of air (by volume)

Its effect on a person will depend on several factors such as:

Exposure duration
H2S concentration during the exposure
Number of exposures
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Individual susceptibility
H2S goes directly into the bloodstream via the lungs. Death occurs rapidly when the
nerve centres in the brain, which control breathing, are paralysed, resulting in asphyxia.

2.2 H2S DETECTION

There are three ways which can alert people to the presence of H2S gas.

2.2.1 Portable Personal Systems

Portable personal detection systems are utilised to give on the job readout/alarm
capability. These personal units should be provided to a proportion of people who
could be exposed to release of H2S.

Those people will also carry a radio and will inform the control room where the PTW is
issued, such as the bridge, in the event of sensor activation.

This is the primary method of detection to be used by Stolt Offshore people.

2.2.2 Fixed Electronic H2S Systems

H2S gas can be detected using fixed electrochemical H 2S sensors connected to visual
and audible alarm systems. These sensors would be located in areas where H 2S is first
likely to appear. They should be installed in such a way that should the alarm be
triggered, they are not likely to go unnoticed. Ideally, the alarms should be duplicated
to the control room or bridge from which PA announcements can be made.

2.2.3 Sense of Smell

The nose can be the first means to detect very low levels of H 2S, from as little as one
ppm in the atmosphere. However, at concentrations of 70 ppm and above the olfactory
nerves loose their ability to detect H2S. Using smell is totally unacceptable as a method
of detection within Stolt Offshore.
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3. PROTECTION FROM H2S WITH SHIP/BARGE OPERATIONS

3.1 POSITION VESSEL UPWIND

If possible, where the wind direction is reasonably constant, operating upwind from the
platform constitutes simple and effective prevention. The wind direction should be
monitored continuously.

3.2 SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS

This type of equipment supplies air from a cylinder worn on the front or back to a full-
face mask equipped with a demand valve. The purpose of these units is to give
individuals protection while they evacuate their working station and go to a place of
safety. The capacity of the cylinder shall be determined from conducting a Risk
Assessment.

A sufficient number (at least 1.5 times the POB) of these type of breathing apparatus
will need to be available on the vessel. These units will be strategically placed such that
they are within easy reach of all people onboard.

3.3 SUPPLIED AIR BREATHING APPARATUS

This is an alternative to the self-contained apparatus where, in addition to the back
pack, a hose connected to a large cylinder/distribution panel allows a far greater
breathing time. This allows the wearer to remain in the contaminated environment for
longer.
These supplied systems should be available to people such as diving supervisors, winch
drivers, etc., whose duties will include recovering various equipment before the vessel
can evacuate the contaminated area.

3.4 AIR INTAKES

Any ship or barge will be equipped with at least two categories of air intake, one for
cooling and supplying the propulsion engines & machinery, and one for supplying the
accommodation with fresh and conditioned air.

When confronted with H2S contamination, it may be necessary to temporarily shut

either or both of these types of air intakes down while the vessel aborts its operation
and leaves the area. This will be achieved by switching off the ventilation systems that
draw fresh air through the intakes.
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4. CONTINGENCY PLAN

4.1 PROBABILITY OF RELEASE

The first step will be to establish with the customer the potential probability of an H 2S
release during Stolt Offshore operations.

4.2 RISK ASSESSMENT

A preliminary Hazard Analyses must be performed by the Project at the outset.
Parameters such as vessel position in relation to the platform, prevailing winds, past
H2S releases, platform detection / alarm systems, type of work required, ability to free /
disentangle the vessel rapidly if required etc., must be taken into account .

A Stage One Risk Assessment, involving operational people must be performed to

confirm that all controls have been specified and contingency procedures covered
again, well in advance of the operations.

4.3 PLANS
Clearly detailed plans shall include:

 Choice of working procedures that would minimise vessel entanglement

 Permit to Work to incorporate steps in anticipation of an H2S release.
 Detection equipment and alarm installation, calibration, maintenance.
 Survival equipment for all, quantity, location, maintenance.
 Supplying all potentially exposed people with BA sets.
 Aborting operation on first alarm or confirmed alarm or on advice from
platform, etc.
 Taking all non essential people indoors.
 Clear policy regarding shutting down of air intakes, possible duration etc.
 Likely duration of safe recovery /operation abortion.
 Emergency procedures.
 Recovery / first aid provisions.
 People training / familiarisation.
 End of emergency criteria.
 Debrief.
 Resumption of operations criteria.

4.4 TECHNICAL SUPPORT

In some circumstances the company or the customer may provide specialised personnel
in order to advise, consult, assist in installing detection sensors, and / or assist in
training personnel, review emergency procedures, etc.
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5. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

5.1 PLATFORM BASED H2S ALARMS ACTIVATED

If a platform control room communicates to a ship or barge that H 2S has been detected,
the following procedures shall be initiated immediately:

1. Ship or barge Captain/Officer on watch shall initiate AMBER ALERT.

2. The status shall be communicated all control rooms onboard and ship or barge
prepared to move.

3. Appointed people (technicians) shall monitor all gas detectors onboard the ship or
barge.

4. If appropriate, Diving Supervisor shall immediately halt diving operations and

return divers to the bell clump weight and standby for instructions.
ROV pilots shall free their vehicles from tasks and initiate recovery
Other operations shall be similarly discontinued / stood down .

5. Diving / ROV / other Supervisors shall inform the bridge when the ship or barge
is clear to move off location.

6. Deck Foreman shall immediately halt further deck operations, assist with
abandonment of current tasks and await further instructions.

7. Any people deployed away from the ship or barge shall be instructed to move
upwind and standby.

8. Ship or barge shall remain on standby awaiting confirmation of a platform based

H2S incident before moving off location. In the event that alarms onboard the
ship or barge confirm presence of H2S, the Captain will order people to don their
BA sets and ship or barge air intakes to be shut before taking the necessary
decision to relocate.

9. The ship or barge shall be moved away and relocated upwind of the installation.

10. The ship or barge will only resume operational activities after having received
written confirmation from the platform that all H 2S has dispersed and all controls
are in place to prevent further releases.
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5.2 PORTABLE H2S ALARM(S) ACTIVATED

1. Any activation shall be reported to the control room or bridge by the carrier using
his radio or internal phone.

2. All people in the area shall evacuate that area.

3. The control room or bridge shall make a PA announcement:

 H2S detected at …………

 Evacuate area
 Standby to abort all operations

4. The control room or bridge shall dispatch appointed people to check/monitor fixed
detectors on board.

5. The control room or bridge shall contact the platform control room.

6. If no other fixed detector is activated, two people may return to the location wearing
BA sets and carrying two different personal H2S alarmed detectors.

7. If no H2S is detected, this may be reported to the control room or bridge where
upon, after a period of observation, they will put out a PA announcement and
allow operations to resume.

8. If H2S is detected again, this must be reported to the bridge. Bridge shall
immediately initiate AMBER ALERT.

5.3 FIXED H2S ALARMS

1. In the event that a single H2S sensor is activated, the ship or barge Captain/Officer
on watch shall initiate an AMBER ALERT and make an immediate PA
announcement indicating that a H2S alarm has been activated, identifying the area
concerned.

2. Ship or barge Captain/Officer on watch shall deploy appointed people

(Technicians) to the activated alarm location to confirm presence and level of
H2S.

3. Diving ROV Supervisor shall act in accordance with amber alert status for diving
operations and prepare to return divers to the bell or surface/recover ROV.
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4. Deck Foreman shall act in accordance with requirements of an amber alert by

suspending deck operations and awaiting instructions from the Captain/Officer on
watch.

5. Captain/Officer on watch shall inform all people operating away from the ship or
barge to relocate upwind of affected platform and standby for further instructions.

6. In the event that the H2S levels remain at 10 ppm or less, all people shall remain
on standby awaiting instructions.

In the event that additional alarms are activated in other areas of the ship or barge
or the technician reports that significant levels of H 2S are present (ie more than 10
ppm) the Captain / Officer on watch shall initiate an immediate RED ALERT
and GENERAL ALARM.

5.4 RED ALERT / GENERAL ALARM

1. After initiating the RED ALERT, the Captain/Officer shall sound the
GENERAL ALARM.

2. Dive Supervisor shall inform divers to immediately stop work and prepare for a
rapid return to the bell. Surface supplied divers return to the surface and remain
supplied through their umbilical/helmet while clearing their equipment until they
are ready to don a BA set.

3. All ship or barge air intakes shall be shut down and where appropriate blanked off
to arrest the spread of gas.

4. On reports that bell / surface divers / ROV / or other deployed equipment have
been recovered, the Captain/Officer shall move the ship or barge off in a
controlled manner and position it upwind.

5. All remote water tight doors shall be closed.

6. All non essential below deck people shall immediately leave their posts and report
to their Supervisor.

7. Essential people with duties which prevents them from leaving their work
stations, i.e. Dive Supervisors, Life Support Supervisors, Life Support
Technicians, ROV pilots or other select deck crew members and the bridge crew,
shall prepare their BA sets in readiness for donning, “plugging in” to the low
pressure air supply where appropriate and await further instructions.

8. All non-essential people shall report to their muster stations and put on their BA
sets. They must ensure that the bottle of their BA set is turned on and that the air
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contents gauge reads full (200 bar). All people will remain on standby awaiting
further instructions with the face mask in their hand in readiness for donning.

9. In the event that the H2S levels are seen to increase beyond 10 ppm, the ship or
barge Captain shall instruct all stations that the vessel is about to relocate to a
position upwind of the affected platform.

10. People shall only don their face masks and breathe from their BA sets after an
instruction from the Captain/Officer on watch or if the situation becomes obvious,
i.e. visible or audible signs of gas leaks, erratic flaring, equipment failure, etc.
The Officer in charge at the muster station shall carry a portable H 2S detector and
will give instructions accordingly.

11. In the event that the ship or barge is “connected“ to the platform, typically by
winch wire, static rigging, etc. which could prevent rapid relocation, then
contingency measures such as cutting the wires must be initiated to allow
immediate relocation.

11. If a ship or barge has relocated due to an H 2S escape, operational activities may
only resume after having received written confirmation from the platform that all
H2S has dispersed and all controls are in place to prevent further releases.

5.5 CASUALTY RECOVERY / RESCUE / FIRST AID

During the onset of an H2S gas incident, should a casualty be found in either a semi or
unconscious state, the “finder”/ rescuer should:

If wearing a BA set: If not wearing a BA set:

no BA present BA present
 raise alarm  leave area  hold breath
 raise alarm  put on BA set
 move casualty to
a safe area  put on BA  raise alarm
 return and move  move casualty to
casualty to a safe a safe area
area
Thereafter:
 If the casualty is breathing, administer O2.
 If casualty is not breathing, start artificial respiration and then administer O 2.
 When breathing, after 5 – 10 mins on O2, put casualty in recovery position.
 Keep casualty warm and do not leave unattended.
 If eyes are affected, wash with clean water if possible.
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 Handover to ship medic or barge doctor when he arrives.

5.6 STANDING DOWN OPERATIONS

When the ship or barge has moved away and is located safely upwind of the
installation:

 The platform shall be informed.

 If no assistance is required by the platform, the air intakes should be re-
opened and all areas of the ship or barge thoroughly ventilated.
 The status of all H2S sensors shall be checked.
 A check shall establish that all people onboard are accounted for.
 Any missing person will be the object of an immediate search and of calls
over the PA system.
 The BA sets shall be collected, inspected, repaired, recharged and relocated.
 The H2S sensors and alarms should be inspected, tested and reinstated.
 The operation must be reported on the Undesired Event Report so that
lessons can be learned and used to modify / improve procedures etc.
 A report must be established for the Project Manager, Group Operations and
HSEQ. The Captain of the ship or barge and the Offshore Manager are
responsible for liaison / reporting to the customer’s representative.
 Operations may be resumed in agreement with the platform control room,
or as specified in the Project bridging documentation.
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6. TRAINING ASSOCIATED WITH POTENTIAL H2S OPERATIONS

In view of the possible serious consequencies, all people onboard must be prepared by
adequate training for all operations where there is a risk of H2S contamination.

6.1 BREATHING APPARATUS TRAINING

All people onboard must be fully trained in the use of BA sets and must have the
opportunity to fit and wear them at least once.

6.2 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FAMILIARISATION

All people onboard will need to be familiar with the ship or barge alert levels and
Emergency Procedures. They must have an understanding of the overall picture and a
clear knowledge of what is expected of them personally.

6.3 TECHNICIANS TRAINING

The technicians designated to check/monitor/maintain/repair H2S sensors and their
alarms will require to have been trained in those devices and to be familiar with their
own duties.

6.4 MUSTER DRILLS

Muster drills involving some BA apparatus will require to be carried out regularly
throughout the project duration.