Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training To Meet API-RP- 49 & 55 Requirements

10th

Edition

Hydrogen Sulphide Safety Training Course

10th

Edition

Meets API-RP 49 & 55 Requirements

Intended for: All personnel working offshore or onshore where the presence of Hydrogen

Sulfide is known or suspected.

Content: A. Introduction and Registration

B. Aims and Objectives

C. Sources of H2S

D. Chemical Properties of H2S and SO2

E. Hazards of H2S, Symptoms of Exposure F. Respiratory Protection

G. Monitoring & Detection

H. Safety Procedures & Contingency Plan

I. Rescue Techniques - basic

J. Donning and Doffing of SCBA

K. Connection of the SCBA to the cascade system

L. Written Test

As English is the predominant language used during emergencies, the attendees must be

able to understand spoken English. It is the responsibility of the sponsoring company to

ensure that the attendee is physically fit.

Aim: To give persons the necessary skills to respond correctly and safely in the event of

H2S gas release.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the attendee should be able to:

1. Describe the physical properties and hazards of H2S and SO2.

2. Show an understanding of proper work procedures while working in the presence of H2S. 3. Show an understanding of H2S detection and monitoring. 4. Show an understanding of the contingency plan.

5. Show an understanding of rescue plan in an H2S environment.

6. Safely don and start up Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.

7. Demonstrate the proper procedure for attaching to the cascade system via the

hose line connection.

8. Pass a written test.

Sources of H2S Where does Hydrogen Sulfide come from?

H2S is an extremely toxic gas that is formed by decomposing organic material. Organic material

can be comprised of plant or animal matter. Actually, the same process that provides us with

oil, sometimes gives us unwanted H2S. H2S is not strictly a problem associated only with the

oil & gas industry. It can be found in many other industries, also. You might encounter H2S

in:

Sewers Paper Mills

Septic Tanks Chemical Factories

Mines Tanneries

Several industries use hydrogen sulfide as an industrial chemical, such as heavy water producers

and pulp mills. However, most hydrogen sulfide is a waste or by-product encountered during

other operations.

Hydrogen Sulfide goes by many different names. Because of its distinctive foul odor at low

concentrations, these names include:

Rotten Egg Gas H2S

Sour Crude Swamp Gas

Sulfurated Hydrogen Stink Damp

Hydrosulfuric Acid Dihydrogen Sulfide

It must be stressed at this time that you can not depend on this odor in the detection of hydrogen

sulfide. H2S is a very sly gas that causes very few physical effects until hazardous

concentrations have been reached. When dangerous concentrations of hydrogen sulfide are

encountered, one of the first effects of this gas is on the sense of smell. At concentrations as low

as 10 ppm, the olfactory nerve becomes paralyzed in a very short time and the gas cannot be

detected by the nose.

Chemical Properties of H2S and SO2

We have briefly discussed the problem we have with H2S because it’s characteristic of

deadening our sense of smell. Let’s discuss some of the other properties of H2S. Hydrogen

Sulfide belongs to the Inorganic Sulfide family of Chemicals. The chemical formula is H2S or

2 parts hydrogen and 1 part sulfur. You would normally find H2S in a gaseous state, as its

melting point (where a solid turns into a liquid) is -85° C or – 121° F, and its boiling point

(where a liquid turns into a gas) is -60° C or -76° F.

The physical properties of H2S that we will be discussing

are:

1. Toxicity

2. Color

3. Odor

4. Density

5. Boiling Point

6. Flammability

7. Solubility

8. Corrosiveness

1. Toxicity We have said that hydrogen sulfide is a toxic gas. This means that this gas can be deadly.

One term we use for this gas is Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health, or I. D. L. H.

When we discuss the toxicity of H2S, we will use the term ppm or Parts per Million.

Incidentally, does everyone here understand what we mean by part per million? If we say

one part per million we are saying that we have one molecule of hydrogen sulfide mixed in one

million molecules of breathing air, by volume.

Another way of looking at this is:

One second in 11 ½ days, one inch in 15 ½ miles in distance, or 2.5 centimeters in 24.5

Kilometers.

One Per Cent of H2S by volume in the atmosphere equals 10,000 parts per million.

We can smell Hydrogen sulfide in quantities as little as one ppm. H2S can kill you in quantities

as little as 700 ppm.

2. Color The best way to show the color of H2S is this; take a deep breath and hold it for three

seconds. Now breathe into your hands. H2S is the same color as that breath. Colorless! You

cannot see H2S. This is one of the reasons it is so dangerous, it’s the Invisible Killer.

3. Odor We stated earlier that H2S smells like rotten eggs in low quantities. This is another reason

why this gas is so deadly. When the quantity of H2S reaches the levels where it is harmful to

the human body, it has no odor. YOU CANNOT DEPEND ON THE SENSE OF SMELL

TO DETECT H2S. Whenever you smell H2S and the odor goes away, it is easy to believe

that the gas has gone away. This is the wrong assumption, because the quantity of H2S might

have risen to the level where your olfactory nerves have been deadened. Remember when

you assume, you make an ass out of you and me! Assume = ASS / U / ME

4. Density When we speak of density we are talking about the weight of the gas. You might think that it is

very light. But we are talking about its weight as compared to the ambient air. (Ambient means

the free air in the atmosphere around you.) Hydrogen Sulfide is heavier than air. If the air

around you has a specific gravity of 1, then H2S has a specific gravity of 1.189.

This is one of the characteristics of H2S that we use to our advantage. H2S is heavier

than air so it will travel with the wind. When there is no wind it will tend to find the lowest point

possible to settle in. So if we know the wind direction, we can determine where the gas will spread.

WARNING!! Even though this gas is heavier than air, there are still some reasons why it

will not always immediately settle. If the gas is warmer than the surrounding air, it will tend

to rise. If the gas is under pressure, it will go wherever the pressure directs it. Hydrogen Sulfide is easily diluted by air movement because the volume of air to H2S

changes more rapidly than it would in still air. We use the wind direction to our advantage,

so knowing the wind direction is very important to us. We can detect wind direction by use of:

1. Wind Socks

2. Streamers

3. Flags

4. Smoke from the flare stack

WIND DIRECTION

You should move upwind. H2S

You must always remember to move upwind or crosswind (if you cannot move upwind due

to circumstances). Breathing apparatus, detection equipment, and the safe briefing areas are

placed with prevailing wind direction in mind. Wind direction and movement can be your

best friend when dealing with H2S. Because H2S is heavier than air, it has a tendency to “Stack” or displace air to higher levels

in areas of poor ventilation. This is the reason we use artificial ventilation or “Bug-Blowers” in

areas where wind movement might be non-existent, or if we are trying to move the gas away

from our work area.

ALWAYS BE AWARE OF WIND DIRECTION. H2S WILL MOVE WITH THE WIND

AND TEND TO COLLECT IN LOWER AREAS.

5. Boiling Point Hydrogen Sulfide has a boiling point of – 76° Fahrenheit or – 60° Centigrade. Why do we

mention this? This is a significant fact because this means that under all circumstances in

which we will encounter H2S it will be in a gaseous form. When a liquid boils, it produces gas

or vapor.

6. Flammability Hydrogen Sulfide is a highly flammable gas with an LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) of 4.3 %,

(43,000 ppm) at sea level, and UEL (Upper Explosive Limit) of 46 %, (460,000 ppm) by

volume. The auto ignition temperature is approximately 500° F or 260° C. (Auto ignition

means the temperature where the gas will ignite without a spark, arc, or flame.)

Once the temperature has reached the auto-ignition temperature and gas is within the explosive

limits or burn range, hydrogen sulfide will ignite. H2S burns with a bright blue flame and

produces sulphur dioxide, or SO2.

Sulphur Dioxide is also a toxic gas. It is even heavier than Hydrogen sulfide with a specific

gravity of 2.264 by volume. SO2 has no color but does have a pungent odor that gives ample

warning of its presence. The threshold limit value for SO2 is 2 ppm, and is immediately

dangerous to life at a concentration of 500 ppm. Throat irritation, coughing, and tearing are side

effects of SO2 exposure. Studies have shown that prolonged or repeated exposure to SO2

without breathing protection can scar tissues in the lungs.

At this point you might be asking yourself, “Why do we burn a dangerous gas to protect

ourselves, when by burning it we produce a more dangerous gas which can kill us even

quicker?” This is a good question. The answer is that, as explained earlier, one of the ways to

get gas to rise initially is to ensure that it is hotter than the ambient air. By flaring the H2S,

producing SO2, we allow the gas to rise, and move away from the rig with the wind. As the gas

cools, it will drop to the lowest point. This is the reason we only flare gas so that it moves

with the wind and away from the rig. We do not flare gas when there is no wind movement

because the gas would fall back on to the rigs.

6. Solubility Hydrogen Sulfide is soluble in water. At 32° Fahrenheit (0° Centigrade) 4 parts of gas can be

retained in 1 part water, at 68° F, (20° C), 2.6 parts of gas will be retained in 1 part of water,

volumetrically. What this means to us is that the gas, H2S, can come up the drill string and be

dissolved in the mud without being detected by gas sensors. Please Note: H2S is also soluble

in oil. However, as the temperature of the oil increases, the solubility of the H2S gas increases.

There are several ways that this gas can be released from the mud.

1. Temperature change.

2. Pressure change.

3. Agitation by the shale shakers, degasser, or mud pits.

4. PH change.

7. Corrosiveness H2S is a corrosive gas. It reacts with metals, plastics, rubber, tissues, and nerves. H2S

reaction with some metals results in an effect known as Hydrogen Sulfide stress cracking.

This is a result of metals being subjected to high stress levels in a corrosive environment where

H2S is present. H2S dissolves in water to form a weak acid that can cause some pitting

in the presence of oxygen and/or carbon dioxide. The most significant action of H2S is its ability

to form hydrogen embrittlement. The harder the steel, the greater sensitivity to sulfide stress

cracking. This is the reason that great care is taken when determining which materials are to

be used when designing the drill string to be used when H2S presence is expected.

For the purpose of this course we will not get deeper into the corrosive nature of Hydrogen

Sulfide. The important thing to remember is that this gas can cause serious damage to the

metal used in drilling and production, as well as the seals used to keep the fluids and

pressures within the system. A preventative maintenance program should be maintained so

that the equipment is protected as much as possible in an H2S environment so that equipment

failure can be kept at a minimum.

Hazards and Symptoms of H2S Exposure

When a person breathes in H2S it goes directly through the lungs and into the bloodstream. For

protection, the body "oxidizes" (breaks down) the H2S as rapidly as possible into a harmless

compound. If the individual breathes in so much H2S that the body can't oxidize it

all, the H2S will build up in the blood and the individual becomes poisoned.

The nerve centers in the brain that control breathing become paralyzed. The lungs stop working

and the person is asphyxiated.

The way H2S affects you depends on the following factors:

1. Duration: The length of time you are exposed.

2. Frequency: How often you are exposed.

3. Intensity: The concentration to which you are exposed.

4. Individual Susceptibility: Your physiological make-up.

It is worth mentioning that persons who have consumed alcohol within 24 hours of exposure

have been overcome by unusually small concentrations of H2S. H2S and Alcohol

consumption DO NOT MIX. Research studies show that symptoms of H2S exposure vary considerable because of individual

physiological make-up. Some industrial studies indicate that persons previously exposed to

H2S tend to be hyper-susceptible to the gas rather than build up a tolerance. Other studies

indicate that previous exposure has no effect either way. Without conclusive proof, we must

consider those previously exposed as hypersensitive to H2S.

Low Concentrations Symptoms of Exposure

Irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat

Moderate Concentrations

Excitement

Headache

Dizziness

Nausea

Vomiting and coughing

Loss of Equilibrium

Pulmonary Adema (chemical pneumonia)

High Concentrations Rapid loss of consciousness

DEATH

TOXIC EFFECTS OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE

PPM PHYSICAL EFFECTS/EXPOSURE LIMITS .013 Lower odor threshold – detectable rotten egg odor

4.6 Obvious odor of rotten eggs

10 Possible headache – PEL (permissible exposure limit) OSHA

15 Mild nausea – STEL (short term exposure limit) allowable for 15 min. OSHA

20 Possible fatigue – TLV Ceiling (ACGIH)

27 Upper odor threshold – very strong odor

50 Drowsiness – TLV Peak (ACGIH)

100 Loss of sense of smell in 2-15 minutes – dryness in eyes, nose and throat

200 Burning sensation in eyes, nose, throat and chest; rapid loss of sense of smell;

Stiffness in joints

300 Immediately dangerous to life or health – IDLH level

500 Loss of equilibrium; loss of mental function; respiratory disturbance

750 Rapid unconsciousness, followed by respiratory arrest

When considering working in an H2S environment you must be aware that your

capacity to tolerate exposure to this gas can be reduced by several special health problems.

Some of the physical limitations that can impair your ability to work in an H2S environment

are:

1. Emphysema

2. Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive disease or Bronchial Asthma

3. Progressive or Severe Hypertension

4. Diabetes

5. Anemia

6. Alcoholism

7. Smoking tobacco products

8. Physical condition or age factors.

The target organs of H2S poisoning are the olfactory nerves, lungs, brain, respiratory control

center and the eyes. When hydrogen sulfide combines with water, a sulfurous acid is produced.

This is why you feel a burning sensation in your eyes when exposed. You will experience a

burning sensation in your nose, throat and lungs because of the presence of water in the

mucous membranes.

Respiratory Protection One of our greatest weapons in dealing with an outbreak of Hydrogen Sulfide is the use of

breathing apparatus. However, there are several problems to consider if we are to utilize this

equipment to its full potential.

Special Problems in Respirator Use

1. Facial Hair:

Facial hair between the sealing surface of the respirator facemask and the wearer's

skin will prevent an effective seal. Even one day's growth of stubble can permit

excessive contaminant penetration.

2. Contact Lens:

Contact lens are a definite hazard and should not be worn while wearing a respirator

in an H2S environment.

3. Corrective Spectacles:

Glasses with temple bars or straps that interfere with the respirator face seal should

not be worn.

4. Psychological Disturbances:

Psychological problems, such as claustrophobia, are a definite hazard to the wearer of

a respirator.

5. Miscellaneous Sealing Problems:

Sealing problems vary according to the individual. The most noticeable ones are

scars, hollow temples, very prominent cheekbones, deep scar creases, lack of teeth, or dentures.

5. Discomfort:

Any person wearing a breathing apparatus will experience some discomfort because

breathing is more difficult and vision, movement and communication are restricted.

The only way to determine whether or not an individual can wear a breathing apparatus

safely is to perform a fit test on the individual, and allow them to don the apparatus to

experience the awkwardness firsthand. Only through training and familiarization can the

discomforts of wearing a breathing apparatus be reduced to a minimum.

Self Contained Breathing Apparatus

There are three basic types of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA):

1 Rescue Unit 2. Work Unit 3. Escape Unit

Escape Units

Escape units are designed to be quickly and easily donned in an emergency situation. They

usually have from between five and fifteen minutes of air in a self-contained storage cylinder

and are designed for escape purposes only. An escape unit cannot be used to effect a rescue

or to accomplish any task other than evacuation of a hazard zone. Ordinarily an escape unit does

not have a warning alarm to alert the wearer of low air supply. This unit is of limited air

supply and must not be worn to approach a hazardous area.

Escape/Work Units This is a combination escape unit and supplied air respirator (SAR) that can be connected to a

remote air supply for extended use. The supply airline used with this type of unit can be up to

250 ft. in length. The air cylinder used with this device should have 15 minutes of air to be used

upon failure of the remote air supply or when evacuating the work area. Once the escape

cylinder is turned on the breathing air unit is to be considered the same as an escape unit and

cannot be used to reenter the hazardous area. DO NOT open the escape cylinder valve while

you are still plugged into the remote air supply as you may bleed down the emergency air

supply before you need it. Bear in mind that the pressure inside the air cylinder is between

2,000 and 3,000 psi and that the pressure inside the air hose is 100 psi. If both are open at the

same time, the pressures will equalize, thus using up your emergency escape air supply leaving

you no chance of escape if necessary. As with the escape units, the escape/work unit has no low

pressure warning whistle or bell, so once the escape bottle is utilized, you must evacuate the

hazardous area as quickly as is safety possible.

Rescue Units Rescue units are normally thirty (30) minute back packs designed for use as a rescue unit or

as a working unit. However, with newer technology and use of lightweight materials, you

will find many 45 minute or 60 minute units in operation. Often the rescue unit is equipped with

an airline connection for use with a remote air source. As these units are designed to enter a

hazardous area for work or rescue purposes, they will have a low pressure alarm which

activates when the pressure in the cylinder drops to a level of about 500-700 psi or five to seven

minutes. Once this alarm bell or whistle activates, this unit is to be treated as though it were an

escape unit. EVACUATE the area immediately.

There are several factors to be considered when furnishing people with safe breathing air:

1. That the air is of acceptable quality. (Get copies of the certificate showing grade

of air and the date compressor unit was last certified).

2. Adequate amount - in most cases it is always better to have more breathing air

readily available than is needed.

1. Quality

The air supplied by the air compressor must meet the standards set forth by various certifying

bodies as grade "D". To meet these standards, the air compressor must purify the air produced

to contain the following:

Water Vapor (Should be </=50 Mg/M3)

Carbon Monoxide (Should be </=10 ppm)

Carbon Dioxide (Should be </=500 ppm)

Oil Mist (Should be </= .5 Mg/M3)

2. Amount

In reality, each man should be trained and drilled to determine his own duration by using self-

contained breathing apparatus under extremely strenuous working conditions. Since this is

usually not possible, we have taken the NIOSH (National Institute of Safety and Health)

which determines the rated duration in their testing at medium heavy work. So, if a breathing

apparatus has been rated as a 15 minute breathing apparatus, a person in good health should

be able to breathe on the unit for a minimum of 15 minutes under most conditions. To ensure

safety, we advise that a safety factor of 30 % be used to ensure that the person does not run

out of air. This would mean that you should be able to evacuate the danger zone within

approximately 10 to 11 minutes while using a 15-minute unit.

We use the following in determining air quantity:

Decimal System Metric System

One Cubic Foot = 28.3 Liters

30 minute Cylinder (45 Cubic Feet) = 1,273.5 Liters

300 C. F. Cylinder (in Cascade System) = 8,490 Liters by Volume

6 Cylinder Cascade Rack (1,800 C. F.) = 50,940 Liters by Volume

What does this mean in reality? • One man at Medium Work breathes approx. 1.5 Cubic Feet (40 liters) of air per min.

• One man at Maximum Work breathes approx. 4.6 Cubic Feet (131 liters) of air p/m.

Compressed

Breathing Air

Grade "D"

ONE MAN

Medium Work

Conditions

ONE MAN

Maximum

Work Conditions

SIX MAN

Medium Work

Conditions

SIX MAN

Maximum

Work

Conditions

One (1) Cylinder

300 Cubic Foot

Approximate

Consumption Rate

3 hrs.33 min.

Approximate

Consumption Rate

1 hr.

Approximate

Consumption Rate

33 min.

Approximate

Consumption

Rate

10 min.

Detection & Monitoring

The detection and monitoring of Hydrogen Sulfide in the work place is essential to

implementing a personnel safety program. No human sense can be relied on as a means of

detecting H2S. Emphasis on this effect is warranted due to the rotten egg odor of low

concentrations of the gas. A false sense of security may result when the rotten egg odor is at

first present and then seemingly disappears. The situation could be that:

A. The gas has dissipated.

B. The gas has increased and the sense of smell has been lost.

Until the area has been tested for H2S with a reliable H2S gas detection device, you

must assume that situation (B) above is in effect.

Detection and Monitoring Equipment

There are two basic types of detection devices available, electronic monitors and chemical

detectors. Both types of equipment have their advantages and disadvantages.

Chemical Detectors

Chemical detectors generally utilize lead acetate or cupric sulfate as an agent to react with

H2S to produce a stain on paper tape or on silica gel granules. The normal color change is

from white to brown. When using a color metric tube type detection device, suction is applied

to a tube by means of a mechanical pump in order to pull an ambient air sample through the

tube. Any H2S gas in the sample will result in a discoloration of the tube. Most color metric

tubes are direct reading.

Advantages

1. No power source necessary.

2. Relatively inexpensive.

3. No calibration is needed.

4. High degree of accuracy.

5. Wide range of measurement.

Disadvantages

1. No alarms.

2. Non-continuous monitoring must be done periodically.

3. Require manual operation.

4. Limited remote sampling capability.

Electronic Monitors

These devices can be fixed, solid-state, continuous monitoring systems with remote sensing

capabilities utilizing several remote sensing heads, or they can be single channel hand-held

portable units with one sensing head. Both work on the same principles.

Advantages

1. Quick reaction to gas.

2. Automatically actuated alarms.

3. Remote sensing capabilities.

4. Multiple gas sensors (fixed systems)

5. Continuous monitoring.

6. Capable of storing information to be downloaded at future times.

Disadvantages

1. Non-analytical. Maximum readout usually 99 ppm or less.

2. Very expensive, $ 600.00 to $ 1,500.00 per channel.

3. Moisture sensitive. Excess water can short out the sensor temporarily.

4. Sensors must be periodically exposed to H2S or they become sluggish.

As stated above, two of the advantages of an electronic multiple head fixed monitoring

system is its ability to monitor for gas in several locations simultaneously and automatically

actuated alarms.

Federal regulations in the United States have set certain limits for the amount of H2S to which

a worker can be exposed. These are referred to as Threshold Limit Values, or TLV. These values are listed as:

TLV-TWA (Time Weighted Average): are used when figuring average concentrations

for a normal 8-hour day or 40-hour work week of which nearly all workers may be repeatedly

exposed without adverse effects. For H2S, it is 10 ppm.

TLV-STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit): are used when calculating the maximum concentration to which a worker can be exposed for a period of up to 15 minutes continuously

without suffering any ill effects which would increase accident proneness, impair self rescue,

etc. For H2S, it is 15 ppm.

TLV-C (Ceiling): are used when the concentrations should not be exceeded, even for

an instant. For H2S, it is 20 ppm.

The alarms can be set to actuate at any desired level. Usually the alarm points are set at the

following levels:

Low Alarm set to actuate at 10 ppm. The low alarm is usually connected to a series

of flashing lights that are located in living areas or work areas.

This corresponds to the Time Weighted Average (TWA) level set by OSHA.

High Alarm set to actuate at 15 or 20 ppm. The high alarm is usually connected to a

series of sirens that are located in the living areas or work areas.

This corresponds to the Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) at 15 ppm or The

Acceptable Ceiling Concentration as set forth by OSHA, 20 ppm. Once the alarms

have been set, they will automatically actuate whenever any of the remote monitor heads

come in contact with H2S that exceeds the level set.

Safety Procedures & Contingency Plan Each location will have its own contingency plan, which will be written specifically for that

location and scope of operations. These plans and procedures should be posted so that all

personnel on location will know what is expected of the event of an H2S emergency. It is the

employer's responsibility to post these procedures. HOWEVER, it is the employee's

responsibility to become familiar with these procedures and understand them.

In all instances, the normal response to an emergency H2S situation without any prior warnings

(e. g., sudden gas leak, gas in the mud, H2S warning siren), the procedures should be:

1. Hold your breath and don breathing equipment if available.

2. Move upwind of the leak. Note wind direction.

3. Evacuate quickly to the "Safe briefing Area".

4. Alert all persons on your way to the briefing area who haven’t heard the alarms.

5. Report to the supervisor in charge of the safe area.

6. Await further instructions.

7. DO NOT PANIC.

As stated above, no two locations are the same. Even though you may have worked on

similar operations there will be something different to take into consideration. Some of the

differences you might encounter could be:

1. Personnel

a. experience of crew

b. language problems, different nationalities

c. number of personnel on location

2. Physical Location

a. Age of structure

b. Age of equipment

c. Escape routes

d. Living accommodations

3. Safety equipment used

a. Type of breathing apparatus

b. Monitoring equipment

c. Medical personnel, or lack of medical personnel

d. Lifesaving equipment, i.e. Lifeboats, capsules, etc.

4. Emergency response plan in effect

a. Station bill

b. Responsibilities

Remember, it is up to you to understand the safety policies in your place of work, whether it

is on an offshore drilling rig, production platform, ship, or other location where you might come

across H2S. The first question you should ask when arriving on an offshore facility is, "How do

I get off this location if something happened right now?" You will probably be met as soon as

you arrive at the facility. You will be given a safety lecture explaining the safety policies and

procedures. Please, if you do not understand ask question. Remember, "There is only stupid

question; the one you didn't ask."

Rescue Techniques - (Basic) When the effects of Hydrogen Sulfide gas overcome an individual, TIME becomes on of the

most important elements in executing a rescue. The H2S victim must be removed to an

uncontaminated area and resuscitated as soon as it becomes feasible to do so.

When a suspected H2S gas victim is located, an alarm should be sounded to alert other personnel

of the fact. By sounding the alarm, support teams can be formed, with proper back-up

equipment, such as a stretcher and resuscitator, made ready. Air-vac or medivac plans can be

implemented without unnecessary delay.

Before we can perform an effective rescue, we must be assured of two things that will make the

operation both safe and successful.

1. We must have sufficient manpower to complete the rescue attempt.

If an attempt to rescue the victim is made without proper backup personnel the attempt could

seal the fate of the downed victim. The buddy system should always be in effect whenever

we are in an unknown or suspected H2S contaminated area. Avoid attempting a Solo rescue

as it is extremely difficult to manipulate an unconscious person alone, especially when restricted

by a breathing apparatus.

2. We must have sufficient air supply to perform the rescue safely for the rescuers.

Remember that you must put on your breathing apparatus before attempting a rescue.

Regulations require that a rescuer's air supply should be sufficient to enter a contaminated

area, complete the task (the rescue) and exit the contaminated area. This effectively eliminates

the possibility of attempting a rescue with anything other than a rescue type breathing apparatus.

Once you have established the two criteria above, you may proceed with the rescue attempt.

You are now in a position to retrieve the victim and remove him to fresh air. It is necessary

to remove the victim UPWIND from the source of the release of the H2S gas. You should

move the victim only as far as necessary to insure his safety and yours.

When you have settled upon a safe upwind position it will be necessary to remove your

respirator in order to evaluate the victim, your patient. One of your buddies should remain

with you to monitor wind direction. Should the wind shift, endangering your safety, your

buddy can immediately inform you so that you can protect yourself.

Again, NEVER work alone. “Use the Buddy System”

First Aid Once the patient is rescued and you are both in a safe upwind position, priority of care must

be established.

First priority of care is the continuing safety of the rescuer. As stated earlier, you need to

have a "buddy" with you to monitor wind direction and assist you in moving the patient if

necessary.

After your "buddy" has given the all-clear signal that there is no H2S present, you can

remove your mask to begin assessment of the patient. If at all possible, use barriers to protect

yourself against contaminated fluids. (i.e., gloves and one way mouth-to-mouth barrier)

Primary Assessment Check Sheet

1. Tap and shout. If no response,

2. Open Airway (try to protect the spine as much as possible).

3. Look, listen, and feel. Watch for chest movement, listen for breath, and feel for breath on

your cheek. IS HE BREATHING? If not, begin mouth-to-mouth breathing.

4. Check carotid pulse. IS THERE A PULSE? If not, begin chest compressions.

5. Check for and control serious bleeding.

6. Treat for shock. Keep warm, and elevate feet 8-10 inches, if no spinal injury is suspected

7. Monitor vital signs until medical help arrives.

Mouth to Mouth Resuscitation

The patient must not be left alone. Even patients who appear to be breathing normally can

go into shock at a moment's notice. Also, remember that one of the greatest

hazards from H2S poisoning is pulmonary edema (chemical pneumonia). The victim's

lungs fill up with water. Any time a person has been overcome by H2S poisoning, he must be

checked by a doctor to ensure that there is no lingering after effects. Only a doctor can give the

patient a clean bill of health.

Donning Procedure

Donning and Doffing of SCBA 1. Open the case.

2. Turn the Cylinder on

Slowly open the cylinder valve in a counter clockwise direction. The alarm whistle will

activate as the breathing system pressures up.

3. Check Demand Valve

Check demand valve to ensure that the red bypass knob is in the “OFF” position, and depress

black reset button. Check the pressure gauge to ensure that the cylinder is full.

4. Don Apparatus

With shoulder straps and waist belt fully slackened, don apparatus using the “coat” method. One

arm through the shoulder straps, swing apparatus behind you, then put other arm through the

other shoulder strap. Adjust straps for a comfortable fit and secure waist belt.

5. Don Mask

With head straps fully slackened, place chin into chin-cup and pull harness straps over back

of head, ensuring that the straps are not twisted and no hair is trapped under the face seal.

Tighten straps in sequence, BOTTOM, MIDDLE, TOP. Inhale sharply to activate the first

breath mechanism, breathe normally. Insert finger under face seal and check for steady flow

outward. Remove finger and allow facemask to reseal.

6. Recheck Check Bypass/Cylinder Pressure

Turn bypass on demand valve and check for steady flow of air. Close on completion. With

cylinder valve fully open; check pressure gauge to ensure that sufficient air is remaining for

anticipated tasks.

The question, “How fast is fast enough?” always comes up when people are discussing the

length of time needed to put on a breathing apparatus. I answer this question with another

question, “How long can you hold your breath?”

You should be able to don the breathing apparatus after the alarms have been sounded

without taking another breath.

Doffing Instructions

Do not remove breathing apparatus until you are in a SAFE area, free of hazards. 1. Reset Demand Valve

Take a deep breath and depress reset button on demand valve.

2. Remove Facemask

Pull metal tabs on buckles to slacken the head harness. Remove facemask and let hang from

strap around neck.

3. Remove Apparatus

Release waist belt, slacken shoulder straps and remove the apparatus, making sure that the

regulator is protected from accidental damage.

Remember, all straps should be re-extended after use. As soon as the facemask is removed,

lengthen the holding straps so that the mask is ready to re-don in case alarms are

reactivated.

Connection of the SCBA to the Cascade System The supply airline used with this type of unit can be up to 250 ft. in length. The air cylinder

used with this device may have from between five and fifteen minutes of air and is to be used

upon failure of the remote air supply or when evacuating the work area.

Once the escape cylinder is turned on the breathing air unit is to be considered the same as an

escape unit and cannot be used to reenter the hazardous area. DO NOT open the escape

cylinder valve while you are still plugged into the remote air supply as you may bleed down

the emergency air supply before you need it. Bear in mind that the pressure inside the air

cylinder is between 2,000 and 3,000 psi and that the pressure inside the air hose is 100 psi. If

both are open at the same time, the pressures will equalize, thus using up your emergency escape

air supply leaving you no chance of escape if necessary. As with the escape units, the

escape/work unit has no low pressure warning whistle or bell, so once the escape bottle is

utilized, you must evacuate the hazardous area as quickly as is safely possible.

Kish Abdal Industrial projects Management Co.

Address: Block 76-77, Naft St., NoAvaran Sq., Industrial Phase 3, Kish Island, Iran

Tel: (+98764)-4450346,(+98764)-9314921

Fax: (+98764)-9317033

Email: h2s@mapsaeng.com