Hydrogen Sulfide presents a multitude of challenges to the health and safety of workers in the Oil and Gas industries, pulp and paper industry, mining industry, and wastewater treatment industry to name a few. The following 6 topics help Facilities establish a safe work environment when H2S may be present.
Contingency Plans
A contingency plan is a document that establishes a systematic analysis of the hazards an operation may pose, and the methods required to reduce those hazards to a safe level. A contingency plan will typically describe the engineering controls, PPE, safe work practices, and emergency response procedures necessary to combat the hazards associated with the potentially dangerous operation. A good contingency plan is especially paramount when evolutions or operations ivolve hazards associated with H2S releases.
Engineering Controls
Engineering controls are engineered features incorporated into equipment or systems that are designed to eliminate or reduce hazards. There are a multitude of Engineering controls that are implemented to protect equipment and personell from the dangerous properties of H2S, and are commonly implemented at the vast majority of facilities where H2S is a concern around the world. Several examples of engineering controls include but are not limited to; Containment - piping systems to seperate H2S from the surrounding atmosphere, Ventilation, Remote Guagings systems, Chemical suppresents, Vapor recovery units, and H2S collection for burn off in flares to name a few.
Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personnel protective equipment (PPE) is used to protect Personnel when Engineering Controls cannot be utilized because they are not economically or technologically feasible. The most common PPE associated with H2S is breathing protection, typically in the form of a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus or SCBA. Typically all personnel that must work in environments where H2S may be present are required to carry at all times an Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus or EEBA.
Gas Detection Equipment
Gas Detection Equimpent is essential in providing a safe work environment to personnel where the possiblity of H2S in the environment exists. Hydrogen Sulfide deadens the sense of smell at low concentrations, and because of this you may not know you are being exposed until it is way to late. Gas Detection equipment whether fixed or portable is critical in warning personnel that the environment is unsafe, and it is time to leave. Fixed Gas detection systems are designed to warn the presence of H2S in a specific area, building, or process unit. This type of gas detection system should be used in areas where people could be present, and the possibility of an H2S leak exists. Portable gas detectors are worn by all personnel, and give an audible alarm to warn of unsafe concentrations of H2S.
Safe Work Practices
Safe Work Practices are standardized and documented procedures that are developed and implemented so that possibly hazardous jobs can be completed safely. An example of a safe work practice is the buddy system. This practice is used frequently when H2S is a concern.
Emergency Plans
A well thought out emergency plan is essential, because often a failed rescue attempt is fatal to both the person needing rescue, and the person doing the rescue. Emergency Plans should ensure that an adequate number of 30 minute work/rescue SCBA's are available, emergency response training is conducted, and provisions have been laid for emergency medical care.