Hydrogen Sulphide gas:

Hydrogen Sulphide gas is one of the most deadly occupational hazards in drilling. It goes by many names: H2S, Sour Gas and Sulfuretted Hydrogen. People working in the oil and gas industry must be aware of its deadly properties. Sewer maintenance crews, blasters and miners have learned to respect this gas. Employers must ensure that workers who may be exposed to H2S gas are able to recognize its lethal effects. Workers should also know how to rescue and administer first aid to victims who are overcome. The purpose of this section of the site is to alert employers to the dangers involved in working with H2S and to provide guidance for controlling those dangers and to give confidence while working in affected areas such as the Far and Middle East and parts of Canada The objective of this site is not to teach old dogs new tricks, most major operator are well familiar with the dangers of H2s and have all there plans in place. The industry is changing. Over the past 12 years I have worked for many small indigenous companies. Many are new to the oil industry and some have much to learn. It is our responsibility to continue to train others. Hydrogen-Sulphide (H2s) is a gas encountered all over the world. Drilling formations with the presence of H2S can encounter some very serious problems.

This section we will attempt to cover the characteristics, detection, prevention, emergency procedures, safety and first aid, and training and planning. Due to the serious nature of this gas, coupled with fear and sometimes disrespect. We will attempt to get a clear understanding. Introduction However before starting I will tell a short but true story. Some years back "Not that many" we were drilling a known H2s area. After tripping for the bit, drilling continued. As one would expect bottoms up eventually came to surface, along with it came a lot of H2s. Constant drills had taught everybody to masks up at the first indication and of course this was done. However not everyone understood what was going on. From the time the rotary stopped turning until the time the rig was secure, the rig floor telephone never stopped ringing. Once I answer it, I cant understand a word your saying take your mask "off" A slip up such as that could cost a person their life. I have never believe in the Dog eat Dog attitude or the F*** U Jack I'm all right approach. But under H2s conditions It MUST be the attitude you take. As much as I hate to say it. If your best friend is laying out there. You do not go and assist until you are masked up.

TERMINOLOGY:
PPM means (Parts Per Million) and is used for the so-called toxic gases such as Hydrogen Sulphide and Carbon Monoxide.

These two gases require separate sensors because their lethal concentrations are so different - H2S is deemed dangerous above 10ppm (UK) or 15 ppm (US) whilst CO may be survivable at over 200ppm although most monitors will alarm at only 35ppm (US) 50ppm (UK). It is surprising to many to learn that a fundamental gas like methane will not explode in the presence of a flame until it reaches a very specific concentration - below a certain level the gas is deemed too lean to burn and above a certain limit the gas may be too rich to burn rather like smothering a fire with too much wood. But within what may be a narrow band, between the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) and the Upper Explosive Limit (UEL) such gases will ignite with only the faintest whiff of a Zippo. Other gas related terms are: TLV: (Threshold Limit Value) & TWA (Time Weighted Average) both are referring to the duration of exposure to a particular atmosphere. TWA usually refers to an 8 hour working day over a 40 hour week. TLV will include this definition but also defines two other exposure limits - Short term or 15minute exposure and an absolute limit or ceiling which is the most that an individual should ever be exposed to. PEL is the (Permissible Exposure Limit) and this is a figure defined by the OSHA (US equivalent of HSE in the UK) as the legal limit of exposure for an employee. This means that they may be knowingly exposed to a known hazardous gas for no longer than a legislated maximum time. Any

exposure beyond the PEL for that particular gas and the bereaved relatives can presumably sue. STEL: is a UK term meaning (Short Term Exposure Limit) and refers to a maximum concentration or percentage exposure over a 15 minute period (similar to TLV-Short Term above) IDLH means (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) and is not something you want to see next to a low number on a Permit before making an entry. This is because IDLH given as a percentage or PPM represents the maximum exposure level at which you could survive for 30 minutes without breathing apparatus and without incurring debilitating symptoms which would hinder your escape or even irreversibly damage your health. Thus if a gas is given an IDLH of 1ppm or .000001% you know that it's a nasty one and if your SCBA packs up when your monitor is showing 10ppm its Goodnight Vienna.

Properties of H2S
Color: Colorless (Invisible.) Odour commonly referred to as Odour of rotten eggs Vapour density 1.189 (Air=1.0) H2S is heavier than air Explosive limits Highly explosive. (4.3 to 46.) Percent by volume in air Auto ignition temp. 260 degrees C Flammability Forms explosive mixture with air or oxygen Water solubility 2.9 percent (2.9g/100 ml water at 20 degrees

C Can destroy steel and rubber seals very quickly.

Effects of H2S
10,000 parts per million = 1 percent 1 ppm: Can be smelled. or to put it another way, 1 second in 13 days. Not a lot of room for error. 10 ppm: Occupational Exposure Limit, for 8 hours: At very low concentrations of less than 10-100 ppm, it gives off unpleasant odour - like to rotten eggs. "The threshold limit". 15 ppm: Occupational Exposure Limit, allowable for 15 minutes of exposure. 20 ppm: Occupational Exposure Limit, At this level workers must wear appropriate breathing apparatus. The limits here are set in Canada and conform very much to many other countries 100 ppm: the gas kills the sense of smell in 3-15 minutes and will cause you to cough or your eyes to water, possible headache, nausea, throat irritation. Note~ Smell is only a temporary warning. Do not rely on your nose.

200 ppm: your eyes and throat will begin to burn. and you will get Headaches. Sense of smell lost rapidly.

300 ppm: Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health level. Positive pressure breathing apparatus required. 500 ppm: Loss of reasoning and balance. Respiratory disturbances in 2 to 15 minutes. 700 ppm: Immediate unconsciousness. Death will result if not rescued ASP. 1000 ppm: Immediate unconsciousness. Causes seizures, loss of control of bowel and bladder. Breathing will stop and death will result if not rescued promptly. Immediate resuscitation needed. Comparison of H2S with other lethal gasses will help you to understand the importance why (a you can not work alone (b the reason for prompt and swift action. H2S has a threshold limit of 20 ppm and a lethal concentration of 600 ppm. Hydrogen cyanide (used in gas chambers) has a threshold limit of 10 ppm and a lethal concentration of 300 ppm. Carbon monoxide (CO) has a threshold limit of 50 ppm and a lethal concentration of 1,000 ppm. You should by now be getting the picture and an understanding of why so much preparation and precautions need to be taken before any attempt is made to drill or workover a well that expects to encounter H2s. Over the following pages we will put together some useful information that will show you that it can be drilled and drilled safely providing you respect and follow the rules.

When using the term "the threshold limit". This is the concentration at which it is believed you may be repeatedly exposed, day after day, without adverse affects.

In many counters and state the ground rules are well defined as to the approach that must be taken with providing the contingency plan for H2s. However it is the responsibility of both Operator and contractor too provide such a plan and training before an operation is permitted to commence The purpose of the contingency plan is to provide an organized plan of action for alerting and protecting the public prior to an intentional release, or following the accidental release of a potentially hazardous volume of hydrogen Sulphide. Any operations subject to this H2s should develop and provide an in-depth written contingency plan complete with all requirements before hydrogen Sulphide operations are begun.

The conditions that might pose a threat in each area of exposure must be considered when preparing the plan. Such a plain should be graded in steps, dependent on condition that may prevail at the time of the release and taking into account the worst circumstance an, "uncontrollable discharge or pipe line fracture" It must include instructions and procedures for alerting the general public and public safety personnel of the existence of an emergency, include procedures for requesting assistance and for follow-up action to remove the public from an area of exposure. Special instructions for conditions at a particular installation such as local terrain and the effect of various weather conditions must also be taken into account The plan must be activated prior to an intentional release, or immediately upon the detection of an accidental release of a potentially hazardous volume of hydrogen Sulphide include a call list which shall include the following as they may be applicable: A well defined and structural chain of command must be establish and in area of high risk rate drills that include all member should be undertaken and if necessary include key members of the public. We would never consider working over a well or drilling a well that contained high concentrations of hydrogen Sulphide gas with untrained people. If working on land we must also conceder the safety of the public this means educating them.

Supervisory personnel;

Offshore This should include any shore base people such as the Rig Superintendent on the drilling side and the Drilling Superintendent on the operator side. They will continue and follow up on their side. Alert the necessary department. Stand by boats, Supply boat. Fishing boat that may be in the area. Helicopters. Near by platforms. Gathering station. Any operation within 3000 feet. Neighboring rigs. Local Police: They will inform the local community and if needed take the necessary action and evacuate the area should the need arise. Under such condition such people should be left alone to do there work the plan must include a map detailing the area of exposure. It should include the locations of private dwellings or residential areas, public facilities, such as schools, business locations, public roads, or other similar areas where the public might reasonably be expected within the area of exposure. The plan must also include a list of the names and telephone numbers of the responsible parties for each of the possibly occupied public areas, such as schools, churches, businesses, or other public areas or facilities within the area of exposure. Hospital Ambulance service, Doctors, local clinic. area group such as the St John Ambulance all need to be informed an involve and if necessary train in emergency procedures Contractors For back up and supplemental equipment this should also include the fire department. Public Safety The plan is to include names and telephone numbers of residents within the area of exposure, and the provisions for

advance briefing of the public within an area of exposure. Such advance briefing shall include the following subjects: The necessity for an emergency action plan. The possible sources of hydrogen Sulphide within the area of exposure; Hazards and characteristics of hydrogen Sulphide. Manner in which the public will be notified of an emergency. Instructions on reporting a gas leak Steps to be taken in case of an emergency. Evacuation routes. Location of safety and life support equipment; Location of hydrogen Sulphide containing facilities Location of nearby telephones and/or other means of communication; and local radio station to tune into in an emergency. Now day there is the web and a site should be set up to keep the local people informed of any progress or potential problems. Transportation Consideration must be given the transport in the area and should involve Local or near by Airports, public transport and the like

Emergency Procedures for H2S.

Hydrogen-Sulphide is one of the most vicious and deadly hazards that can be encountered while drilling and forms EXPLOSIVE mixtures with air. When drilling in an area where hydrogen-Sulphide gas H2S might be encountered the rig must be equipped to meet the and control even the smallest shows. Even in small amounts it is dangerous to your health. This is a poisonous gas that can paralyze your breathing system and kill within in minutes. Equipment maintenance and supervision are priority with all members of the crew being kept informed of the situation. This is not the job of the rig crew and a service company should be engaged. Constant training and drill should be organized with all supporting elements. This should include any locale community's. Contingence plans and safe areas must be well established. With wind sock in full view. "Never", never take a H2s operation lightly. Below you will find an introduction but It is far from finished General Notes If a given concentration of H2S should occur on a drilling rig, it is important that different procedures are made that must be followed, depending on how dangerous a situation. The personnel on the rig must know these procedures, which must be regularly exercised; they must also be familiar with

the safety and emergency equipment to be used in such a situation. The following gives an example of how a plan containing safety and emergency procedures can be worked out for a off shore operation However this can be adapted to suite other types of operation. By adding to or deducting from. Although not hard and fast, it is a guide line for someone having to prepare a rig. And was used to set up a Jack up rig in 1989 The rig should be equipped with gas detectors, especially designed for H2S, sensors should mounted at the rig floor, shale shaker, cellar deck, mud pump room, control centre, airconditioning room. And mud logger shack When encountering H2S, the primary or initial alarm in the control centre "This could be the Tool pushers office" will tip at 20 ppm. The rig floor must be informed immediately. (1) H2S conditions Pre-alarm Crews should be notified from the drilling office and on the rig "blackboard" several days in advance before reaching the expected zone of H2S. All personnel should remain in a ready condition to react at the sound of the gas alert. Alarm Condition I Gas concentration between 0 - 10 ppm. No warning sign or alarm is used. Control centre "could be Mud logging shack" should inform driller and drilling office.

If equipment has not already been fitted personnel should check safety and air breathing equipment for correct functioning and keep equipment available.

Operation Condition:Rig Floor Alarm Condition Sufficient self-contained breathing apparatus sets should be kept on the rig floor for all personnel likely to be immediately affected. The equipment will be rechecked at this stage. Tests with a Draeger gas detector must be made immediately. For this reason, a portable H2S detector must be available on the rig floor (driller house) at all times, with an adequate supply of extra tubes. The driller will notify the drilling superintendent, or toolpusher. Check for gas with mud logging unit and start degasser. Recheck your choke and kill manifold for correct line up. Derrick man and shaker hand will be notified and instructed to check and prepare breathing apparatus. Have bug blower at shale shaker and pump room run at this stage. Have bug blower on top of draw works run. Check "hang off" tools and safety valves and have everything ready for circulating gas.

At least one P-tank with Barite will always be on pressure and ready for use. Personnel in connection with the mud system will wear breathing equipment at least 20 minutes prior to bottoms up. Breathing apparatus will be worn at least 20 minutes, or 15 stands, in advance of core barrel on surface and retrieving core. Crane operator Crane driver and safety man will check: Safety Equipment Breathing equipment for roustabouts and A.B.'s. With Captain check "safe briefing area" and whether breathing equipment and recharging equipment will have to be moved to other "safe briefing areas". With person in charge of breathing equipment and have all equipment rechecked. Crane driver will place bug blowers: One at each entrance door to sack material stores, blower facing in to sack stores. One at starboard side of shale shaker building so that air can be blown into the shaker area from starboard. Two at front end of cellar deck - facing towards aft end of deck. Crane driver will check with electrician re electrical connections of bug blowers.

Crane driver will open both doors on port side of shaker house, as well as all windows inside. Crane driver and boatswain will close all watertight hatches in columns, namely: Number 1 and 4 Starboard columns Number 1 and 4 Port columns Crane driver will check with rig floor for further instructions. And will see that safety equipment will be taken to the "safe briefing area". Alarm Condition II Gas concentration between 10 - 49 ppm. Moderate danger to life. The siren in the "drilling area" will sound automatically when H2S concentration exceeds 15 ppm. A close watch will be kept on the H2S detectors after the initial alarm has tipped. When H2S is detected in quarters and/or concentration of H2S gas reaches 20 ppm outside, anywhere on the rig, the general "Gas Alert Signal" will be sounded. All quarters will be evacuated and non-working personnel will proceed to the "Gas Alert Stand-by Station" - "Safe Briefing Station" Drill crew and other essential personnel will commence to wear breathing apparatus and continue with their respective jobs bearing in mind that the "Buddy System" must be used while wearing the breathing apparatus.

The Barge Captain will call the supply boat (stand-by boat) and ask them to pick up his anchors and proceed to an upwind position to await further instruction. Radio communication shall be used to notify Shore Base and helicopters at this stage. Supervisors at the "Safe Briefing Area" will watch the windsocks and flags to keep track if wind direction. All personnel in contact with H2S will wear protective breathing apparatus. Alarm Condition II Immediately the presence of Hydrogen-Sulphide at concentration of 20 ppm is suspected, as indicated by the H2S detector, all rig personnel will wear breathing apparatus. Derrick man and shaker hand will be informed immediately and instructed to wear their breathing apparatus. Call drilling superintendent and Company representative. Check H2S concentration with Draeger gas detector at: Rig floor Shale shaker Mud pump room Cellar deck Start bug blower at standpipe manifold. Keep contact with mud logging unit and engine control center re H2S concentration.

Transfer Possum belly tank into active system and leave dump valve open (overboard). Open bottom valve (5") at poor boy degasser so that mud will be able to run from degasser into possum belly tank and overboard. We will not circulate H2S gas-cut mud, but dump all returns overboard. All bug blowers at mud pump room, shaker area and cellar deck to be started. Alarm Condition II Crane driver will Close all watertight doors on deck. Open all doors to cellar deck. Set warning signs, reading "Danger - Poisonous Gas" at forward and aft ladders to rig floor. Crane driver will set warning sign, reading "Danger Poisonous Gas" at heliport facing so that the pilot will be able to see the sign. All non-essential personnel will proceed to the "safe briefing area". Crane driver will stay in contact with drilling superintendent by means of walkie-talkie Channel 13 for instructions breathing equipment. As soon as this instruction is given, all essential personnel, i.e., all personnel outside the safe Briefing area, will wear breathing apparatus.

Crane driver will start all bug blowers on main deck and at shale shaker.

H2S Alarm Condition III Gas concentration of 50 ppm or more is EXTREME DANGER TO LIFE. All non-essential personnel will prepare for evacuation. Note: From the time Alarm Condition III is a fact, no unauthorized personnel will be allowed to enter the shaker area, cellar deck or mud pump room. Notes and Information The acceptable concentration for 8 hours exposure to H2S is 20 ppm. Hydrogen-Sulphide is heavier than air, colorless and forms an explosive mixture with air between 4.3 and 46% by volume. One breath of 1,000 ppm concentration H2S will result in death within minutes. The "Buddy System" Whenever H2S is suspected; personnel must wear breathing apparatus before entering the contaminated area and MUST have a "back-up man" (buddy), also with breathing apparatus, available. Safe Briefing Stations the Barge Captain will indicate these on the rig "black-board". There will be two briefing stations so that one is always upwind of the drilling rig. Spare air bottles will be stored at the "safe briefing area" and bottles must only be changed at this point.

The "NO SMOKING RULES" will be followed outside all living quarters as soon as "Alarm Condition 1" has been put into force. As the above introduction stated, we are drilling in a very dangerous area with a very dangerous gas. As every man on the rig at all times will have to be ready for H2S, and must be trained accordingly. The rig has to be equipped with sufficient breathing equipment for all personnel onboard. This should include the maximum of service people that could be at the rig at any one time. As the accurate function of the facemask depends on how airtight the mask seals to your face, you will be asked to remove your beard (facial hair) or assume responsibility for risk of death or serious bodily harm. Alarm Condition Killing the well with weighted mud, dumping gas cut mud through poor boy degasser and possum belly. All rig personnel will wear breathing apparatus. Non-essential personnel will leave the rig floor for "safe briefing area". Crane driver will Lay down crane not required. Pick up walkie-talkies and distribute to rig floor and Barge Captain and Tool pusher. All radios to be on stand-by Channel 13. Assist boatswain with anchor winches.

Check personnel basket on upwind side. Stay in contact with rig floor for possible extra personnel. Barge Engineer will Set all anchor winches and clutches in gear and check for sufficient power to winch. Place a walkie-talkie Channel 13 at each anchor winch control house. Check with portable gas detector that upwind crane deck is free of H2S. In case of evacuation, boatswain will assist crane driver at upwind crane.

Notes and Information The acceptable concentration for 8 hours exposure to H2S is 20 ppm. Hydrogen-Sulphide is heavier than air, colourless and forms an explosive mixture with air between 4.3 and 46% by volume. One breath of 1,000 ppm concentration H2S will result in death within minutes. The "Buddy System" Whenever H2S is suspected, personnel must wear breathing apparatus before entering the contaminated area and MUST have a "back-up man" (buddy), also with breathing apparatus, available. Safe Briefing Stations the Barge Captain will indicate these on the rig "black-board". There will be two briefing stations so

that one is always upwind of the drilling rig. Spare air bottles will be stored at the "safe briefing area" and bottles will only be changed at this point. The "NO SMOKING RULES" will be followed outside all living quarters as soon as "Alarm Condition 1" has been put into force. As the above introduction stated, we are drilling in a very dangerous area with a very dangerous gas. As every man on the rig at all times will have to be ready for H2S, you will be trained accordingly. The rig is equipped with sufficient breathing equipment for all personnel onboard. As the accurate function of the facemask depends on how airtight the mask seals to your face, you will be asked to remove your beard (facial hair) or assume responsibility for risk of death or serious bodily harm. One deep breath of highly concentrated H2S will cause death. Therefore, when depending upon an air pressure mask to breathe, vision becomes a major factor. Facial hair may reduce visibility. One person will be responsible for the upkeep of all breathing equipment. All watertight bulkhead doors and hatches must be kept closed at all times from the moment the general gas alarm has sounded. Safety Equipment Portable Gas Detecting Instruments. Rig Floor

Drilling Office Control Center Frequent inspections of all areas of poor ventilation should (and will) be made with portable gas detecting instruments. (See above). Prior to the "All Clear Signal", quarters and all other areas will be checked with portable H2S detectors. Eyewash Stations Crane deck on both sides, at bulk-loading manifold. Bridge. Accommodation. Radio station, toilet. Stretcher Hospital Locker outside Hospital First Aid Kit - at the Hospital Safety Belts - to be placed at the Safe Briefing Areas and Heliport Fire Fighting Station. Bug Blowers There will be bug blowers available to circulate possible H2S gas out of closed areas such as: Pump room Shale shaker Cellar deck Rig floor Bug blowers will be placed

at the sack stores doors and starboard entrance to the shale shaker area, as well as the front Cellar deck. Resuscitator (folding bag) Drilling office Hospital

H2s The Rescue

Use safe work practices to avoid exposure. and remember (prevention is better than cure.) The Buddy System The buddy system is the best way to ensure that a rescue is started immediately. There is no time for delay, and the response must be immediate if a team member is overcome. When a buddy is in trouble, their buddy should know, and initiate the seven step initial response strategy as taught in every H2S schools. Safe areas and Head counts are only back-up systems to the buddy system. The buddy system is the backbone and the quick response team The safety of the rescue team is a prime consideration. The rescue must not be carried out unless the rescuers are protected by breathing apparatus and without taking into account the fire hazard associated with a gas leak. The rescue team should also consider delaying such an operation if a sources of ignition is immediately downwind of the leak. Where possible remove the victim from the gas first then stop

the leak and allow the gas to blow away, or if it is possible do both. Do not move the victim into a safe area unless you are absolutely sure that the gas will not reach the area where first aid is being done. If in doubt, move farther out (upwind from the source of the gas.) If breathing has stopped, some form of artificial respiration is needed. The sooner this is in force the better and the more likely the victim is to survive without permanent damage. Mouth to mouth artificial respiration is, suggested to be the best treatment for a non breathing victim of H2S. There are three big advantages to mouth to mouth: 1. No chance for mistakes - if you are doing it correctly. You can feel the air go in and feel it come back out against your cheeks. 2. Faster recovery - H2S interferes with the way that nerve cells use oxygen to produce signals. When the nerves of the respiratory system are not sending sufficient signals, breathing stops. The extra carbon dioxide in our breath when we are doing mouth to mouth seems to stimulate the remaining nerve cells so that spontaneous breathing returns more quickly. 3. A rescuer doing mouth to mouth will be aware of the return of breathing and can place the victim in the recovery position. Some victims experience nausea and vomiting after exposure to H2S. This will not occur until consciousness returns. Consciousness normally doesn't return until after spontaneous breathing returns. The victims will be confused and frightened when they regains

consciousness and the face to face position allows the best communication. This position also allows the victim to be turned easily at the first sign of vomiting therefore the position the rescuer takes while doing mouth to mouth (kneeling beside the victims head) is also has advantages. There have been reports of convulsions being a symptom of H2S poisoning and the rescuer can easily avoid being struck. Keeping your cool, rescue and resuscitation should be done calmly, quietly and gently, after the victim is breathing normally, allow them rest quietly. Keep them warm by using a using a blanket this will help to reduce shock. Talk to them, give them reassurance, let them know the emergency is over and it is once breathing has been restored. Once a victim has recovered sufficiently and they are sitting up and talk normally, any other symptoms of the acid gas effects of H2S exposure can be treated. Eyewash and dark glasses for the sore eyes, a soothing drink such as water or milk for the sore throat. Part of any recovery is the feel good scenario, so when a victim feels up to it they should change their clothes, wash up, gather up their belongings, then they should be taken to medical aid. People that have been involved and lost consciousness from H2S exposure must be seen by a doctor because of the chance of pulmonary edema (Swelling from excessive accumulation of serous fluid in tissue). Do not allow them to make their one way or drive themselves as their coordination has probably been affected. They must not return to work, not only because of their coordination but

also because there is the possibility of severe permanent effects on people that are gassed twice in the same day.