Sabre H2S Presenation

H2S AWARNESS

Instructor:Andy Hatchett

Issued: September 2010 SS1206-0263 Rev 3.0Holdings Board Meeting, 25 September 2007

Introduction to Course ContentsWhat is H2SWhere do we find this gas Properties of H2SHow we measure Exposure limits of H2S Toxicity levels Factors affecting exposure Acute & Chronic affects of exposure How we detect H2S Respiratory equipmentActions upon a release of H2S/ Toxic gas alarm


What is H2SIt is formed by the decomposition of organic matter by bacteria. It is found in oil and gas, sewers and is produced in many industrial and biological processesIt is also known by various slang terms, Stink, Sour, Rotten Wells, or Damp GasAlso Hydro Sulfuric Acid, and Sulfur Hydride H2S is the single biggest killer in the oil & gas industry world wide!


Where do we find H2SPetroleum oil refiningGas processing plantsLeather tanningIron & steel millsRayon industrySewage plantsFertilizer plantsSome construction workMedicines

SwampsPolluted waterVolcanic gasesVolcanic springsSulphur springsSulphur depositsRotten compostThe human bodyIndustrial SourcesNatural Sources


Properties of H2SHighly toxicColourlessHeavier than airReadily dispersed by windCan smell of rotten eggs at low concentrationsFlammable and will auto igniteBurns with a blue flame 20% H2S left in atmosphere (produces SO2 )Is corrosive and will cause metal embritlement (reacts with high carbon steel causing iron sulphide (FeS) scale witch is highly combustible (Pyrophoric) in the right circumstancesIs soluble in water


Measuring toxic gasesToxic gases are measured in parts per million (ppm) of atmospherePercentages (%) are also used to measure gasesBe aware 1% = 10,000ppm/ 0.5% = 5000ppmThese small measurements can be best visualised by 1 inch in ~15.5 miles.


Workplace Exposure Limits 5 ppm TWA (Time Weighted Average)This is the concentration deemed acceptable to avoid discomfort when exposed for 8 hours per day, in a 24 hour reference period, as set out by the HSE, EH40 W.E.L. 2005 10 ppm STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit)This is the concentration deemed acceptable to avoid discomfort when exposed for 15 mins with a break of 1 hour, 4 times per day, in a 24 hour reference period, as set out by the HSE, EH40 W.E.L. 2005


Toxicity levels in ppm

Factors affecting exposureDuration(exposure time in that environment)Frequency(how often in that environment)Intensity(how strong it is in ppm)Susceptibility(down to the individual, body mass, diet, state of fitness etc)


Acute & Chronic Affects of ExposureACUTEEye irritationHeadachesNauseaIrritation respiratory tractDizzinessConfusionSneezingDiarrhoeaOlfactory fatigue (loss of sense of smell)ExcitementPulmonary oedema (secondary drowning)Photophobia (an aversion to bright light leading to migraine etc)Respiratory arrestCardiac arrest CHRONICEye irritationHeadachesNauseaIrritation respiratory tractSleep problemsAnorexia (H2S acts as an appetite suppressant) Pulmonary oedemaCorneal blisteringCorneal pittingBrain damage


GAS DETECTIONSmell rotten eggs at low concentrationsColorimetric tubesElectronic fixedElectronic portableLab based wet chemistry (Tutweiller)Lab based gas chromatography


WARNINGYOU CANNOT RELY ON YOURSENSE OF SMELL TO DETECTH2STHIS IS DUE TO THE OLFACTORY FATIGUE WHICH WILL BE INSTANT AT HIGH CONCENTRATIONS


GAS DETECTION

Portable atmospheric samplingMeasures concentration in ppm or %+/- 25% accurateGastech draw pumpDrager bellows pump


GAS DETECTIONPERSONAL MONITORPortableSingle gas detectionUp to 100ppm+/- 5% accurate


GAS DETECTIONMULTIGASPortableMeasures several gases real time display screen ambient atmosphere +/- 5% accurate

BW Quad GasBW Micro Clip


Different types of B.A.ELSA-10-Bfor Escape use onlySabre FLITE combined Work/escape Sabre CONTOURfull duration 45 minute set


Containerised Air Breathing Cascade System1. Compressor/ Air intake 2. Storage/ Backup Supply3. Reducing Panel 4. Feed to work site5. Beer & other Goodies!


Respiratory Equipment Problems associated with using B.A.Mask Fit (It is the Employers responsibility, to have their employees fit tested, A.C.O.P. and P.P.E. directive 282-28)

Beards, spectacles, face shape

Psychological/ Attitude

Asthma induced by the dry air from the cylinders, breathing air must conform to EN12021

Fatigue through the weight and ergonomics of the BA


Respiratory Protection ELSAEmergencyLifeSupportApparatusfor escape use only10 or 15min egress air supply cylinder


Respiratory ProtectionFLITESAR/EEA10,13, or 15 Min escape durationConnects to airline systemPositive Pressure


Respiratory ProtectionCONTOURFull Duration SCBA must supply 30mins+

Positive Pressure

CEN connection to airline system


Actions upon a release of H2Sor a toxic gas alarm Hold your breath (try not to inhale) Don BAMove across & up windRaise the alarm (if you have discovered the escape)Report to muster (up wind and as high as possible)Await further instructions via PA


Protection from H2SPersonnel training programsProvision of adequate safety equipmentPersonal drillsContingency plans and emergency procedures that are drawing up and relayed to the work force through toolbox talks, prior the task being undertaken Adherence to good safe working practices


The End

Thanks for your time!


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Sabre H2S Presenation