HYDROGEN

SULFIDE
SAFETY

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Safety Moment…

 Anybody

 Anything

 Anytime

 Anywhere
 Basis for this course:

 Millions of workers are exposed to hydrogen sulfide hazards.

 Hydrogen Sulfide is very safe under controlled conditions.
 Employees must understand the hazards of hydrogen sulfide.
 Each year, numerous accidents occur with hydrogen sulfide.
 Safety can be greatly enhanced if training is provided.
 OSHA Standards require:
 Hazards be assessed.
 Training be conducted.
 Hazards and precautions be explained.
 Emergency response capability be established.
 Course objectives

 Provide an Introduction to the Toxicology of Hydrogen Sulfide.

 Discuss Hydrogen Sulfide’s Usage in Today’s Industry.
 Discuss General Terms Used in Hydrogen Sulfide Safety.
 Discuss Methods of Compliance with Hydrogen Sulfide Safety.
 Discuss the Routes of Entry Into the Human Body.
 Discuss Any Medical Surveillance Requirements.
 Discuss Personal Protective Equipment Requirements.
 Discuss the Hazards of Hydrogen Sulfide Upon the Human Body.
 Discuss Hazard Recognition & Control Skills.
 Course contents

 Factors Influencing Toxic Action

 Exposure Terminology
 Factors Affecting Exposure
 Methods of Compliance
 Exposure Control
 Basic Safety Rules
 Storage Rules
 Chemical Storage Surveys
 General Storage Requirements
 Specific Storage Requirements
 Question and Answer Period
 Tips For Using Contractors
 Student learning outcomes

UNDERSTAND THE FOLLOWING:

 Why Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Is Important.
 The Basics of Toxicology as it Relates to Hydrogen Sulfide.
 Basic Safety Precautions Related to Hydrogen Sulfide Safety.
 Specific Hazards Associated with Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure.
 The Training Requirements Associated with Hydrogen Sulfide.
 Basic Storage Requirements as they Relate to Safety.
 The Use of Personal Protective Equipment to Prevent Exposure.
The General Duty Clause

All employers are legally obligated to provide for the health ,

safety and welfare of its’ employees.

Employers should provide information, instruction, training and

supervision.
 Training requirements

THE EMPLOYER MUST PROVIDE TRAINING :

 The Hazards of Hydrogen Sulfide.

 The Use of Equipment.
JOB
 What PPE Is Necessary.
SAFETY
 When PPE Is Necessary.
 The Limitations of the PPE.
 Decontamination Procedures.
 Engineering Control Operation.
 Provide Retraining As Required.
 Care and Maintenance of Equipment.
 Classification of Hazardous Materials.
 Train All Employees Prior to Job Assignment.
Retraining requirements

REQUIRED WHEN THERE IS A:

 Close-Call Event.
 New Hazard or Equipment.
 Change in Job Assignment.
 New Hazard Control Methods. JOB
SAFETY
 Occupationally Related Injury.
 Failure in the Safety Procedures.
 Permissible Exposure Exceedance.
 Reason to Doubt Employee Proficiency.
Technical Hazard Data

 HAZARD RATINGS AND TECHNICAL DATA

NOTE: Hazard Ratings Used in This Course May Differ From
Chemicals Used at Your Facility Because of the Purity and Specific
Mixture of the Chemical You Use.

Refer to Your SHOC/Material Safety Data Sheet for Specific Hazard

Data for the Chemicals You Use.

Some Technical Hazard Data Used in This Course Are Derived From
the NIOSH Guide To Chemical Hazards.
What is H2S ?

• Sulphuretted hydrogen, stink damp, sour crude, sour gas, marsh

gas, rotten egg gas.

• Highly toxic / flammable gas.

• Found both onshore and offshore.

H2S

• A naturally occurring gas.

• Aerobic / anaerobic bacteria.

• Found in oil & gas, produced water, stagnant water, seawater.

• Mines, sewers, storage tanks and swamps.

H2S Atmospheres

Arise when H2S is released from:-

• Leaking valves.

• Leaking flanges or joints.

• Escape from vents.

• Disturbance of sludge.

• Stagnant seawater.
 Synonyms and Trade Names

SYNONYMS AND TRADE NAMES:

 Hydrogen Sulfide
 Sewer Gas
 Sulfuretted Hydrogen

HYDROGEN
SULFIDE
Physical Properties

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
 Colorless Gas
 Odor of Rotten Eggs

HYDROGEN
SULFIDE
Hydrogen Sulphide(H2S)

H S H
Physical Properties H2S

• Colourless.

• Odour of rotten eggs, at lower levels. Do not rely on smell).

• Irritating to eyes and lungs.

• Soluble in water and liquid hydrocarbons.

• Flammable - burns with blue flame.

• Highly corrosive to certain metals.

 Physical Properties

SPECIFIC PROPERTIES:
 Hydrogen Sulfide - (H2S)
 Vapor Density: 1.19
 Boiling Point: - 77.00 F.
 Color: Colorless
 Odor: Rotten Eggs
 Solubility in Water: 0.4%
 Range of Flammability: 4.0 - 44.0 %
Measurements of H2S

• Flammable limits.

• Flash point.

• Ignition temperature.

• Vapour pressure.

• Vapour density.

• Parts per million.

 Physical Properties (Continued)

VAPOR DENSITY (RGasD):

RGasD - Relative density of gases as referenced to air = 1
(How many times a gas is heavier than air at the same temperature)

VAPOR DENSITY OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE IS: 1.19

VD GREATER than 1.0: VD LESS than 1.0:
The vapors are heavier than air The vapors are lighter than air
and lay in low areas. and will rise.
 Physical Properties (Continued
)

VAPOR DENSITY IS IMPORTANT:

Knowing whether a vapor will rise or fall in open air can

give you valuable information to draw to ensure safety
during a leak or spill situation.
 Physical Properties (Continued)

BOILING POINT:
The point when vapor pressure equals atmospheric pressure liquid
boils. The corresponding temperature is called the boiling point of
liquid.

BOILING POINT OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE IS: - 77.00° F

Sublimation is the process by which a solid

substance changes into a gas, or vapor,
without first becoming a liquid. These
substances are said to sublime.

3
 Physical Properties (Continued)

BOILING POINT IS IMPORTANT:

Knowing the boiling point lets you know when a liquid will
transfer to a vapor, or begin to dangerously expand in enclosed
containers.
 Physical Properties (Continued)

SOLUBILITY:
 The ability of a substance to dissolve in another is called its
solubility.
 Solubility depends on the chemical properties and temperature
of the substances of the liquid solution.
 For gases, solubility also depends on pressure.

SOLUBILITY OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE IS: 0.4%

 Physical Properties (Continued)

SOLUBILITY OF GASES IN WATER:

 Gases are soluble in liquids such as water.
 We bubble air into a fish tank to allow breathing.
 Fish breathe solubilized oxygen.
 Carbon dioxide puts the “fizz” in carbonated beverages.
 A soda left open in a warm room will get flat quickly.
 All of these observations are dependent upon the solubility of gases
in water.
 Physical Properties (Continued)

SOLUBILITY IS IMPORTANT:

 Knowing how soluble a liquid is lets you know to what degree the
material will mix with other liquids in a spill situation.
 It could mean the different between draining a million gallon
collection pond or simply skimming the surface to remove a
spilled substance.
Flammable Limits

• Lower explosive limit - (LEL) - is the lowest concentration of fuel

in air which will burn.

• Upper explosive limit - (UEL) - is the maximum concentration of

fuel in air which will burn.
Physical Properties (Continued)

FLAMMABLE RANGE:

The numerical difference between the upper and lower explosive

limits. In other words the range that the vapors of a flammable
liquid (when ignited) will burn when mixed with ambient air.
UEL / LEL - H2S

100% Volume
Hydrogen Sulphide

46% UEL

Flammable Range

4.3% LEL

0% Volume
Flammable Limits - H2S

100% Volume
Hydrogen Sulphide

46% Vol UEL

4.3% Vol LEL 100% LEL

0% Volume
 Physical Properties (Continue)

UPPER FLAMMABLE LIMIT (UFL)

The “richer” point at which a mixture of flammable vapor and

air will no longer support combustion

LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT (LFL)

The “leaner” point at which a mixture of flammable vapor and

air will no longer support combustion

LFL to UFL = THE FLAMMABLE RANGE

Flammable Range

Gas LEL UEL

Hydrogen Sulphide 4.3% 46%

Pentane 1.4% 8%

Propane 2% 9%

Hydrogen 4% 80%

Methane 5% 15%

Acetylene 2% 82%
Flash Point

The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off

sufficient flammable vapour in air to produce a flash
on the application of a small flame.
Ignition Temperature

The lowest temperature to which a

substance has to be raised for sustained
combustion to take place.
Vapour Pressure

The measure of a liquid’s volatility,

i.e. the readiness of a liquid to release vapour.
 Vapour Density

The ratio of the weight of a given volume of a gas or

vapour to the weight of an equal volume of another
gas (normally air).

• Vapour density of air = 1

• Hydrogen sulphide = 1.19
• Hydrogen = 0.07
• Methane = 0.55
• Carbon Monoxide = 0.97
 Physical Properties (Continued)

INCOMPATIBLES AND REACTIVES:

 Strong Oxidizers
 Strong Nitric Acid
 Metals
 Physical Properties (Continued
)

DOT/IMDG INFORMATION:
 IMDG/UN Labelling
 DOT Name: Hydrogen Sulphide
 DOT Hazard: Toxic Gas
 DOT Label: Toxic Gas, Flammable Gas
 DOT ID Number: UN1053
 CAS Number: 7783-06-4
 Physical Properties (Continued)

pH INFORMATION:

The pH of a Liquid Is the Numerical Measure of Its Relative Acidity

or Alkalinity.

 Range Is From 0 - 14
 Neutral Level Expressed 7.0
 Above 7.0 Liquid Is More Alkaline or Basic
 Below 7.0 Liquid Is More Acidic
 Physical Properties (Continued)

pH INFORMATION:
Limewater 12
Household ammonia 11
Milk of magnesia 10 BASE
9
8
Blood
7 NEUTRAL
Pure Water
Tap Water 6
Coffee 5
Wine 4 ACID
Vinegar 3
Lemon juice
2
Gastric juice
 Physical Properties (Continued)

CHECK FOR COMPATIBILITY WITH EACH OTHER!

LOW pH ACID BASE HIGH pH

Physical Properties (Continued)

CHECK FOR COMPATIBILITY WITH YOU!

ACID BASE
Hazard Rating Systems

EXAMPLE OF TWO SYSTEMS

 NFPA - NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION

 HMIS - NATIONAL PAINT AND COATINGS ASSOCIATION

- HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
 - CHIP 3
Hazard Rating Systems (Continued)

FIVE HAZARD LEVELS

HMIS NFPA

4 SEVERE 4 EXTREME
3 SERIOUS 3 HIGH
2 MODERATE 2 MODERATE
1 SLIGHT 1 SLIGHT
0 MINIMAL 0 INSIGNIFICANT
 Hazard Rating for Hydrogen Sulphide

FIVE NFPA HAZARD LEVELS

FIRE HAZARD
 - 4 EXTREME
- 3 HIGH

4

REACTIVITY
 - 2 MODERATE
 - 1 SLIGHT
 - 0 INSIGNIFICANT
3 0
HEALTH HAZARD

SPECIFIC HAZARD
(WATER REACTIVE)
 Effects H2S (1)

Depends on-
• Duration

• Frequency

• Intensity

• Individual susceptibility

• Alcohol consumption
Effects H2S (2)

 0.13 ppm - Minimal perceptible odour

 4.60 ppm - Easily detectable moderate odour

 10 ppm - Beginning of eye irritation

 27 ppm - Strong, unpleasant odour

 Effects H2S (3)

 100 ppm - Coughing, eye irritation - loss

of smell after 2 / 15 minutes

 200 - 300 ppm - Sense of smell quickly lost,

eye and respiratory tract
inflammation after one hour

 500 - 700 ppm - Loss of consciousness and

possible death 30 / 60 minutes
 Effects H2S (4)

 700 - 1,000 ppm - Rapid unconsciousness,

cessation of respiration,
then death.

 1,000 - 2,000 ppm - Unconsciousness at once

with early cessation of
respiration and death in a
few minutes.
 Exposure Limits (1)

EH40 gives two exposure limits.

• Occupational Exposure Standards (OES’s)

• Maximum Exposure Limits (MEL’s).

Employee Exposure Limits

UK: OSHA:
 5 ppm (twa)  20 ppm (c)

WE’LL DISCUSS MORE ABOUT EXPOSURE LIMITS LATER

HYDROGEN
SULFIDE
Exposure Limits (2) Example (UK)

• Long term exposure limit (LTEL)

— Is an 8 hour time weighted average value.

— For H2S this is 5 ppm - TLV

• Short term exposure limit (STEL)

— Is a 15 minute time weighted average

— For H2S this is 10 ppm.

Exposure Limits (PDO)

• Long term exposure limit (LTEL)- 10 ppm

• Short term exposure limit (STEL)- 15 ppm

Health Effects Of Hydrogen Sulphide Exposure
(Continued)

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE EXPOSURE:

 Burning of eyes, nose, and throat.

 Dizziness.
 Coughing, Choking.
 Headache.
 Breathing difficulty.
 Health Effects Of Hydrogen Sulphide Exposure
(Continued)

EMERGENCY ACTIONS IF LEAK IS DETECTED:

 Stay out of leak area and avoid down wind areas.
 Notify fellow employees in the area.
 Call emergency response personnel.
 Get to, and stay up wind.
 Follow local emergency procedures.

FIRST AID
 Health Effects Of Hydrogen Sulphide Exposure
(Continued)

EMERGENCY ACTIONS IF LEAK IS DETECTED:

 Eye Contact:
 Irrigate immediately for 15 minutes, seek medical help.
 Ingestion/Inhalation:
 Get to clean air, seek medical help.
 Skin Contact:
 Wash skin with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
 (Liquefied) Warm frost bite with warm water.
 Seek medical help.

FIRST AID
Basics Of Toxicology

LETS DISCUSS SOME OF THE TERMS THAT WILL BE HELPFUL IN

UNDERSTANDING THE AFFECTS OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE ON YOUR
BODY.

OCCUPATIONAL
TOXICOLOGY
Basics Of Toxicology (Continued)

“ALL THINGS ARE POISONS, OR THERE IS NOTHING

WITHOUT POISONOUS QUALITIES. IT IS ONLY THE
DOSE WHICH MAKES A THING POISON.”

PARACELSUS
(1493 - 1541)
 Basics Of Toxicology (Continued)

EXPOSURE TERMINOLOGY
Hazardous Material
A Material That Falls Into One or More Of the Following Categories.
Hazardous Materials Can Have One or Many Characteristics That Can
Add to the Intensity of the Toxic Action of a Particular Solid, Liquid,
or Gas.

 Ignitability Is Flammable or Combustible.

 Reactivity Can React With Itself or Other Materials.
 Corrosivity Can Deteriorate Another Substance.
 Toxicity In Its Normal State Is Harmful to Living Things.
Basics Of Toxicology (Continued)

EVERYTHING IS TOXIC;
IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE DOSE.

How Well the Body Accepts a Substance Depends on:

 The Type of Substance.

 The Amount (Dose) Absorbed.
 The Period of Time Over Which It Is Absorbed.
 The Susceptibility/Sensitivity of the Person Exposed.
Basics Of Toxicology (Continued)

THE PRIMARY ROUTE FOR HYDROGEN SULFIDE

INHALATION

ABSORPTION
 Basics Of Toxicology (Continued)

FOUR PRIMARY ROUTES INTO THE BODY

INHALATION

INGESTION

ABSORPTION

INJECTION
Basics Of Toxicology (Continued)

Breathing and smoking causes us to

INHALATION
inhale substances which enter the
lungs. Substances inhaled into the
lungs cause scarring of the lungs or are
readily absorbed into the blood stream.

 INHALATION
 INGESTION
 ABSORPTION
 INJECTION
Basics Of Toxicology (Continued)

INGESTION Swallowing a substance causes

penetration into the blood stream via the
stomach and small intestine.

 INHALATION
 INGESTION
 ABSORPTION
 INJECTION
Basics Of Toxicology (Continued)

Entering the body through the skin causes

ABSORPTION substances to enter the blood stream at a
slower rate than by inhalation. However,
the resulting entry and distribution within
the body is the same.

 INHALATION
 INGESTION
 ABSORPTION
 INJECTION
Basics Of Toxicology (Continued)

INJECTION Injection occurs when substances are

forced through this skin. This can occur
as a result of such means as compressed
gas, or by having the skin abraded by a
penetrating object.

 INHALATION
 INGESTION
 ABSORPTION
 INJECTION
 Basics Of Toxicology (Continued)

TLV - Threshold Limit Value: One of three categories of chemical

exposure levels: TLV-TWA, TLV-STEL or TLV-C.

TLV-TWA: Threshold Limit Value Time-Weighted Average: The time

weighted average concentration for a normal 8-hour workday and a
40 hour work week to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly
exposed without adverse effect.

NOTE: TLV should be used as an exposure guide rather than an

absolute. A physician has the final word.
 Basis Of Toxicology (Continued)

TLV-STEL: Threshold Limit Value - Short Term Exposure Limit: A 15

minute time-weighted average exposure that should not be exceeded
at any time during the work day.

TLV-C: Threshold Limit Value - Ceiling: The concentration that

should not ever be exceeded, even instantaneously.
 Factors Influencing Toxic Action

• RATE OF ENTRY.
TOXIC
• STATE OF HEALTH. ACTION

• AGE OF INDIVIDUAL.
• ROUTE OF EXPOSURE.
• PREVIOUS EXPOSURE LEVELS.
• WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS.
• INDIVIDUAL SUSCEPTIBILITY AND HEREDITY.
 Exposure Terminology

 Acute Exposure:

Usually Minutes, Hours or Several Days.

 Chronic Exposure:

Regular Exposure Over Months, Years, or a Lifetime.

The Toxicity of the Chemical or Material Combined

With the Susceptibility of the Individual, Determines
Whether the Exposure Is Acute or Chronic.
Exposure Terminology (Continued)

 Latent Exposure: An injury or disease that remains

undeveloped until an incubation period has elapsed.
The period of time could be hours, days, months or
years.

The Toxicity of the Chemical or Material Combined

With the Susceptibility of the Individual Is a Key
Factor.
Factors Affecting Exposure

 The Amount Entering the Body.

 The Length of Time of Exposure.
 The Rate of Absorption Into the Blood.
 The Physical Nature of the Chemical.
 The Chemical Nature of the Chemical.
 The Age of the Individual.
 The Health of the Individual.
 Methods Of Compliance

GENERAL TYPES OF CONTROLS:

 Methods of Compliance Include:

 Implementation of a Written Program.

 Establishment of Best Work Practices.
 Establishment of Engineering Controls.
 Establishment of Administrative Controls.
 Regular Evaluation of Mechanical Safety Systems.
 Evaluation of Each Facility Where Hydrogen Sulfide is Used.
 Use of Personal Protective Equipment As a Last Resort.
 On-Going Review of the Programs Effectiveness.
 Methods Of Compliance (Continued)

ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
 CONSISTS OF:
 Design and installation of new or modified safety control
systems.

 Detailed preventative maintenance programs for on site

maintenance activities.

 Proper placement of storage systems to reduce potential

effects during emergencies.

 Detection Systems.
Hydrogen Sulphide Fixed Detection System

 Areas where an accumulation of

H2S is possible may be monitored
by use of fixed detectors that
react to H2S and give early
warning of its presence.
 However, these should not be
relied on to prove the area is clear
of an H2S hazard.
Hydrogen Sulphide Hand Held Detection System

 Atmospheric detection equipment

working on the same principle as
flammable gas detectors.
 These are usually incorporated within
multi meters in that it monitors for
more than one contaminate. H2S,
CO, O2 and Combustible.
 Methods Of Compliance (Continued)

ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS:
 Assignment of Responsibility.
 Support From Upper Management.
 On-Site Safety Inspections and Audits.
 Written Policies - Establishment of Site Safety Protocols.
 Training - Job Specific Training Programs.
 Checklists - Job Specific Safety Checklists, MSDS.
 Placement of Warning Signs and Employee Information.
Methods Of Compliance (continued)

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
Full body skin protection for potentially exposed workers.
Proper gloves to prevent hand exposure.
Adequate Eye and Face Protection.
Full body protection from extreme cold.
 Exposure Control (Continued)

EXPOSURE INFORMATION:
 Means to Achieve Safety Compliance:
 Each job where hydrogen sulfide is used will have a written
description of the specific means that will be employed to
achieve compliance, including engineering plans and studies
used to determine methods selected for controlling safety of
hydrogen sulfide.

 Ensuring employees are familiar with written safety policies.

Effects on equipment

Corrosiveness
 Hydrogen Sulphide is highly corrosive, especially in
association with moisture or oxidizing gases such as Oxygen
and Carbon Monoxide.
 Iron and steel are particularly vulnerable.
Effects on equipment

Corrosion mechanisms associated with Hydrogen Sulphide

include:
 general corrosion
 pitting
 crevice corrosion, including Sulphide Stress Corrosion
Cracking which can lead to sudden and catastrophic failure
 Hydrogen induced cracking, also known as hydrogen
embrittlement
 Any equipment likely to be exposed to Hydrogen Sulphide
must be made of appropriate materials, constructed and
operated to take account of these corrosion problems.
Effects on equipment

Pyrophoric Scale
 Carbon steel lines and equipment that carry gas or liquids
containing hydrogen sulphide may develop a layer of
pyrophoric scale (iron sulphide) on their internal surfaces.
 When these lines or equipment are opened up to
atmosphere, oxygen from the atmosphere will react with
the pyrophoric scale to produce spontaneous burning.
 If hydrocarbons or other combustible substances are
present during this reaction, an explosion may result.
 Warning: A by-product of this oxidising process is Sulphur
Dioxide, which is also toxic.
Effects on equipment

 Whenever such lines and equipment are opened up to

atmosphere, their internal surfaces should be doused
thoroughly with water or blanketed by steam in order that
any pyrophoric scale is rendered harmless.

 Warning: Equipment and pipework that has been on sour-

gas duty should only be opened in one place at a time
unless the pyrophoric scale has been thoroughly wetted.
 Opening the system in more than one place can cause
through drafts capable of igniting the scale.
Effects on equipment

 If the introduction of water is not permissible, either due

to corrosion potential or the risk of freezing, a nitrogen
purge followed by a further purge with a mixture of 5%
oxygen in nitrogen will allow controlled oxidation.
 Pyrophoric scale that has been removed from lines and
equipment shall be placed in a drum and immediately
covered with water.
It must then be disposed of by:
 Burying or burning in a suitable area as determined by
legislation (onshore situations)
 Slurrying with water and storing in sealed drums, clearly
marked ‘PYROPHORIC SCALE’.
Harweel H2S Management Philosophy (PR1078)

H2S in the upstream oil and gas industry comes from:

 The original reservoir, as a result of the hydrocarbon source
material and the conditions under which it was converted
to oil and gas.
 If this is the case then H2S will be produced with the fluids
 The reservoir after prolonged injection of water with
oxygen (brackish or formation water) which may result in
'souring' of the fluids within it due to the action of sulphate
reducing bacteria (SRB) introduced during the injection
process.
 Any H2S will be subsequently produced with fluids.
H2S level comparison

1
ppm
H2S
10

SWEET PDO H2S SAFETY

100
LOW-RISK SOUR CRITERIA -
HIGH-RISK SOUR 500ppm
1,000

10,000

NATURAL H2S HARWEEL H2S

100,000 ENRICHED GAS
ACID GAS LEVELS –
50,000 – 200,000ppm
1,000,000
H2S Management

 Project will be implementing novel and more stringent

safety criteria for H2S management, in line with industry
Best Practices.
 Fit-for-purpose sour gas safety regime will reduce sour gas
risks at Harweel.
 To achieve this, expert advice on sour gas safety from Shell
Canada and other agencies has been sought.
Key elements of H2S Management

 Safety and Risk Management

 Materials Selection
 Instrumented Protective Functions (IPF) and Engineered
Safeguarding
 Emergency Response
 Operations Competency and Training
 Reliability and Maintenance.
 Managing Simops.
Harweel H2S Management Philosophy

 A facility shall be classed as being in sour service, with

respect to personnel safety, when the gas phase of samples
that have been reduced to atmospheric conditions contain
50ppm (v/v) or more of H2S. Periodic sampling and
reassessment will be applied to maintain facility
classifications up to date.
 Sour service facilities shall be classified into three
categories; Low Risk Sour, High Risk Sour and Very High Risk
Sour.
 The classification will be determined by assessment of the
risk to personnel of an accidental release of process fluids,
using gaseous dispersion calculations, and shall be agreed
by Operations Asset Management
Harweel H2S philosophy

 Facilities shall be designed and operated such that H2S

exposure risk is reduced to as low as reasonably practicable
(ALARP).
 A means of detection of the presence of H2S shall be
available to personnel in facilities classed as sour service.
 Detection devices shall be set to give an alarm when the
H2S concentration in air (ambient conditions) exceeds
10ppm.
Harweel H2S philosophy

 Access to sour service facilities will be controlled, with

entry to very high risk sour facilities, e.g. Harweel, Birba,
Al Noor, governed by specific access restrictions.
 Personnel entering a sour service facility shall be trained in
H2S awareness and the appropriate action to be taken if
released H2S is detected.
 Respiratory protective (escape) equipment shall be
available to personnel entering areas classified as High Risk
Sour service facilities.
Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) Management Procedure

The scope shall provide clear procedures to manage:

 Location and control of sampling points
 Risk Assessment
 Facility H2S classification management
 Sampling and frequencies
 Personnel Training
 Access Control
 H2S Safety
Risk Assessment

 The initial risk assessment for facilities that shall handle

H2S is made during the concept, FEED and Detailed Design
phase.
 Equipment and systems shall be designed and use only
materials suitable for use with H2S. Every effort shall be
made to minimise the possibility of leaks to ‘as low as
reasonably possible (ALARP).
 Reference should be made to SP-1190 – Design of Sour
Services Specification.
 Process engineering shall also be responsible for ensuring
that the correct Classification is applied based on the
highest level of H2S expected to be present in the gas
phase of the streams.
Risk Assessment

 Future risk assessment shall be carried out as required if

additions or modifications are made to the facility / plant
or when the level of H2S present in the gas phase of the
streams changes as indicated by sampling routines.
Facility H2S Classification Management

H2S Concentration Category

(ppm) in the Gas Phase

0 to 49 Sweet

50 to 499 Low Risk Sour

> 500 High Risk Sour (Further Assessment based

on Quantitative Risk Assessment)

Very High Risk Sour (classification based

on Quantitative Risk Assessment)
Risk Assessment

 For ‘further assessment’ i.e. >500 ppm in gas stream the

concentration at potential leak points is used to establish
the correct category.
 The assessment takes a distance of 2 meters from the
potential leak point and calculates the H2S concentration
in air.
 If the calculations indicate the concentration to be < 200
ppm then the site will be categorised ‘low risk sour’; if
above 200 ppm then the category shall be ‘high risk sour’.
 This does not apply to Very High Risk Sour.
Personnel Training

 All personnel who work in an H2S environment shall be

adequately trained in how to deal with the hazards associated
with H2S in accordance with the needs specific to their job and
operate the safety equipment required to work in an
environment containing H2S.
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HYDROGEN SULPHIDE SAFETY
Training
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