Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Awareness Training

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Awareness Training
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1.0 Definitions
1.1 Select each item to acknowledge understanding

IDLH: immediately dangerous to life and health (level that interferes with the ability to escape) (NIOSH)PEL: permissible exposure limit (enforceable) (OSHA)ppm: parts per millionREL: recommended exposure limit (NIOSH)STEL: Short Term Exposure LimitMEQ: Medical Evaluation QuestioneerPLHCP: Physician or other Licensed Health Care Professional

1.2 Additional training required to work in H2S environment (select each to acknowledge)

Respiratory Protection TrainingMedical QualificationFirst Aid/ CPR TrainingFit TestingH2S Monitor Training

2.0 What is Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Gas
2.1 Select each item below to acknowledge your understanding

Colorless, flammable, extremely hazardous gas with a “rotten egg” smellIt occurs naturally in crude oil and natural gas, and can be produced by the breakdown of organic matter and human/ animal wastes (e.g., sewage)It is heavier than air and can collect in low-lying and enclosed, poorly ventilated areasTwo parts Hydrogen & one part Sulfur chemically joined togetherHighly toxic– IT CAN KILL YOU!!!It temporary paralyzes the olfactory nerve destroying sense of smellI do not understandNo entiendo

3.2 Sulfur dioxide affects human health when it is breathed in (Select each to acknowledge your understanding):

It irritates the nose, throat, and airways to cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or a tight feeling around the chest and Inhaled SO2 reacts with the moisture of mucous membranes to form Sulfurous Acid (H2SO3), a severe irritantThe effects of sulfur dioxide are felt very quickly and most people would feel the worst symptoms in 10 or 15 minutes after breathing it inThose most at risk of developing problems if they are exposed to sulfur dioxide are people with asthma or similar conditions

4.2 Short-term (also called acute) symptoms and effects are shown below-Click on the arrow at the bottom of the table to see the 11th symptom of exposure:

4.3 Select to acknowledge that you do or do not understand the short term symptoms and effects in the table above:

I do understand the short term symptoms and effects in the table aboveI do not understand the short term symptoms and effects in the table aboveNo entiendo

4.4 What was the 11th symptom of exposure to hydrogen sulfide?

UnconciousnessLoss of smellSevere thirstDeathNo entiendo

4.5 Longer term health effects of H2S exposure (select each to acknowledge understanding):

Some people who breathed in levels of hydrogen sulfide high enough to become unconscious continue to have headaches and poor attention span, memory, and motor function after waking up.Problems with the cardiovascular system have also been reported at exposures above permissible exposure limits. People who have asthma may be more sensitive to hydrogen sulfide exposure. That is, they may have difficulty breathing at levels lower than people without asthma.

5.0 Sources of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
5.1 Where does Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Gas come from (Select each to acknowledge your understanding):

Naturally Occurring: The result of decomposition of organic matterAnything carbon basedOilfields: Drilling & ProductionMiningVolcanoesChemical Process: By-products, Pulp/paper Industry, Felt makersDecay: Fishing industry, Tanneries, Sewers, Landfills

6.0 Detection Methods
6.1 There are two types of monitoring available in George Bunker operations (Select each to acknowledge your understanding):

Personal MonitorsFixed MonitorsBoth types of monitoring are utilized in drilling and completions operations

6.2 Personal monitors are (Select each to acknowledge your understanding):

Small and ConvenientEasy to UseMonthly Bump Checks with yearly calibration, orDisposable monitors are maintenance free for two years and then you dispose of themThey clip to your outerwear, keeping sensor head exposedAlarms will sound at 10 ppm with sounds, lights, vibration or any combination of the three

6.3 Fixed monitors are (Select each to acknowledge your understanding):

Found on Rigs, Well Sites, Water Ponds, Refineries, Storage Facilities, etc…Sound at the P.E.L. Alarm usually consists of light as wellTRUST the fixed alarms! When monitors go off, leave and move to the safe area immediately

7.0 Evacuation & Emergency Response
7.1 There are four Steps to take in a Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) emergency. Your hydrogen sulfide sensor has gone off, indicating the presence of H2S in your work environment. Now, what do you do? Whether you smell that unique noxious odor or not, safety comes first so always assume H2S is present (Select each to acknowledge your understanding):

1. Put On Your Gear: If you’re not already wearing your gas mask but have one available and nearby, put it on. Now is the time to use that Respiratory Protection training you attended. Pull your straps down tight, and breathe like you were taught. After yours is on, help anyone who is struggling. Your mask will help keep you safe while you clear the area. Requirements for having the masks vary from location to location depending the environment, so if you don’t have one available, don’t panic, just proceed to the next step.2. Get Upwind: If you’re working in an area with the possibility of H2S release, there should be flags or wind socks on the work site to show you which direction the wind is blowing. Head in the opposite direction immediately. If you can’t see the wind sock, toss some dirt or leaves into the air, or look at the trees. The wind can blow and concentrate the H2S into valleys or stands of trees, so the direction you go is important. Across and upwind of the release is the safest direction for escape. If a designated gathering area, or “muster site” is indicated upwind, go there. This is the easiest and most effective way to avoid H2S inhalation or poisoning.3. Count Heads: It might not be your stated job to do the final “head count”, but safety is everyone’s business. Someone could have succumbed to H2S before clearing the pad, or have a faulty hydrogen sulfide monitor. If you saw someone at the job location but do not see them at the muster site, make it known. Do not attempt to get them from a dangerous area, and don’t go back into the gas to locate someone unless you are trained and have the proper equipment. H2S is no joke, and has taken down big, tough, strong men and women who thought they could handle it.4. Make the Calls: Calling the proper civil authorities ensures local residents and landowners are notified of the issue. Necessary evacuations can be made quickly to avoid injury. This action protects everyone, including your company and job, so again, their safety is your business. Once necessary emergency authorities are notified, make the calls to the company who owns the site. Numbers should be posted at www.georgebunker.com. If not, call your supervisor or the company safety man. While it is important to act quickly in an H2S emergency, taking these measures will help keep you out of harm’s way and within regulatory compliance. Finally, always maintain your monitor and replace it as necessary. It knows before you do when H2S levels are too high.

7.3 Wind (Select each to acknowledge your understanding):

An accurate wind forecast must be available at all timesThe wind direction must be shown by at least two visible and illuminated wind indicators as wind socks or pennants
7.4 Muster point (Select each to acknowledge your understanding):

Designated muster points normally located outside the limits of the impacted area will be set up and suitably equipped with means of communication

7.6 Before entering areas with possible Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) (select each to acknowledge understanding):

The air needs to be tested for the presence and concentration of hydrogen sulfide by a qualified person using test equipment. This individual also determines if fire/explosion precautions are necessaryIf gas is present, the space should be ventilatedIf the gas cannot be removed, use appropriate respiratory protection and any other necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), rescue and communication equipmentAtmospheres containing high concentrations (greater than 100 ppm) are considered immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) and a self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is required

8.0 Rescue & First Aid
8.1 If a person goes down to H2S exposure, there are two things you should never do (select each to acknowledge understanding):

Do not panicDo not attempt rescue without proper training and personal protection
8.2 In Order to Rescue (select each to acknowledge understanding):

You must be rescue trainedUse the Buddy SystemYou must be CPR & First-Aid TrainedYou must be trained for the specific environment, in this case, an H2S environmentYou must use the correct Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.)Maintain good communication with other rescuers and off site personnelNotification of E.M.S., and follow your Emergency Action Plan

8.3 If you do rescue a victim of H2S exposure (select each to acknowledge understanding):

Be careful when providing rescue breathingAbove all else, follow your company’s policy on rescueNever, ever, rescue unless you can do so the right way!

8.4 If your site experiences an H2S emergency that requires emergency response, these are the actions you should take (select each to acknowledge understanding):

Move crosswind then upwind away from the source of exposureContact emergency personnel and inform them of the presence of H2S gasSecure the location from non-rescue personnelNotify your managerNEVER attempt a rescue in an H2S exposure area without using appropriate respiratory protection and proper rescue training

8.5 First-Aid (select each to acknowledge you reviewed this material):

For skin contact, wash skin with soap & water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes and get medical attentionFor eye contact, flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and get medical attentionFor inhalation, remove the victim to an uncontaminated area- if victim is not breathing and you are trained to do so, administer CPR and get immediate medical attentionFor ingestion of liquid H2S, get medical attention immediatelyNote: Always be sure to clean and dry contaminated clothing properly if you plan to reuse them

9.0 Exposure Limits
9.1 The Permissible Exposure Limit (P.E.L.) to H2S is 10 PPM (select each to acknowledge understanding):

H2S is Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (I.D.L.H.) at 100 ppmThe Short Term Exposure Limit (S.T.E.L.) to H2S based on a 15 minute time period is 15 ppm
9.2 The main byproduct of an H2S fire is Sulfur Dioxide or SO2 (select each to acknowledge understanding):

The Permissible Exposure Limit (P.E.L.) for Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is 5 ppmSulfur Dioxide (SO2) is Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (I.D.L.H.) at 20 ppm

10.0 Respiratory Protection & Safety Equipment
10.1: Hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) poses an exceptionally high risk for industrial workers, especially those in the oil and natural gas industry. Oil fields rich in sulfur and H2S can lead to contamination of the ambient air, causing health problems or even fatalities. Given the health hazards caused by H2S, it is of the utmost importance to select a respirator that allows for appropriate protection based on the work environment you are in.

10.2: NIOSH, OSHA, and ACGIH guidelines and standards were developed to protect workers from this life-threatening gas and other worksite hazards, George Bunker expects their contractors to meet the requirements of these standards and regulations. This is especially critical when workers find themselves in hazardous environments, such as sour gas-containing oil fields. Therefore, it is expected that George bunker, as well as contract companies, conduct their own risk assessments and testing, beyond implementing baseline industry measures. This will help to ensure we are maximizing worker safety through the proper tools and education, which will coincide with the minimization of incidental H2S exposure.

10.3 The only types of Respiratory Protection allowed in an H2S Environment is (select each to acknowledge understanding):

Positive pressure, andSupplied air
10.4 Positive Pressure Supplied Air (select each to acknowledge understanding):

Constant Flow of Air in MaskPushes Air out of Leaks instead of letting you pull toxic gasses inNot filled with pure oxygen, but Grade “D” air
10.5 There are three types of escape respirators for an H2S environment (select each to acknowledge understanding):

5 Minute TankBag or Tight Fitting Face PieceNot for Rescue, Work or Testing!

10.6 There are three types of respirators for working in an H2S environment (select each to acknowledge understanding):

Supplied Air Respirator or S.A.R.5 Minute Escape TankMaskUp to 300’ of Line supplying the user with air
10.7 There are three types of respirators for performing rescue operations in an H2S environment (select each to acknowledge understanding):

Self Contained Breathing ApparatusMask, harness and 2216 psi Tank30 minute air packNote: A 30 minute air pack will not last 30 minutes

10.8 Identifying On-site Risks and Determining Proper Protection (select each to acknowledge understanding):

When determining how to minimize the effects of H2S exposure, it is essential to identify potential on-site sources.According the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 90 percent of H2S is created naturally, occurring at crude petroleum and natural gas deposits or stagnant bodies of water, such as swamps.H2S results from the breakdown of organic matter. The remaining 10 percent of H2S is man made, found in the oil and gas, chemical, and pulp and paper industries.

10.9 Using this formula for H2S exposure, the following respirator types are suggested for the following specific concentrations (select each to acknowledge understanding):

0-10 ppm: No respirator is needed, below the recommended exposure limit (REL).10-100 ppm: Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR), Full Face Mask Cartridge Respirator, or Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA).100-100,000 ppm: SCBA or Supplied Air in positive pressure mode.

10.10 In tandem, contractors should conduct their own risk assessment or use a pre-defined checklist of criteria, such as the following NIOSH Respirator Selection Logic (select each to acknowledge understanding):

General use conditions, including determination of contaminant(s)Physical, chemical, and toxicological properties of the contaminant(s)NIOSH recommended exposure limit, OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Value (TLV), or other applicable occupational exposure limitsExpected concentration of each respiratory hazardImmediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) concentrationOxygen concentration or expected oxygen concentrationEye irritation potential, andEnvironmental factors, such as the presence of oil aerosols

10.11 Basics of fit testing (select each to acknowledge understanding):

Fit Testing is done to ensure that your respirator will work when it countsThere are two type of Fit Tests:Qualitative Fit Testing checks the quality using a smoke or odorantQuantitative Fit Testing assigns a numerical Fit Factor using a pump system and computeFit Tests require that a Medical Exam or M.E.Q. be completed prior to the first test, OrAfter any major changes in physiology or a serious illnessM.E.Q. is a questionnaire filled out by the employee and reviewed by a Physician or other Licensed Health Care Professional (P.L.H.C.P.)

10.12 Things that make a fit test fail

Facial HairGlassesMask Size or TypeJewelryGrease or DirtFacial StructureRemember that your company is responsible for providing you with a mask that fits, but it’s your responsibility to maintain the condition of the mask and avoid any facial hair or other issues that may interfere with the fit of your mask.

10.13 Things to remember (select each to acknowledge understanding):

Check out your breathing equipment and make sure that it is properly maintainedOnly use Positive Pressure Supplied Air in H2S environmentsFit testing is required yearly by O.S.H.A.

11.0 Confined Space
11.1 Many workplaces contain areas that are considered "confined spaces" because while they are not necessarily designed for people, they are:

large enough for workers to enter and perform certain jobs.A confined space also has limited or restricted means for entry or exit, andis not designed for continuous occupancy

11.2 Confined spaces include, but are not limited to

TanksVesselsPipelinesStorage binsManholesPitsLow lying areas

11.3 For work within confined spaces use appropriate procedures for identifying hazards, monitoring and entering confined spaces.

No entiendoI understandI do not understand
11.4 OSHA’s Confined Spaces standard contains specific requirements for identifying, monitoring and entering confined spaces. DO NOT enter a confined space without the proper training!

I understandNo entiendoI do not understand

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Awareness Training

Course Outline

1.0 Definitions

2.0 What is Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Gas

3.0 Hazards and Characteristics of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

4.0 Health Effects & Symptoms

5.0 Sources of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

6.0 Detection Methods

7.0 Evacuation & Emergency Response

8.0 Rescue & First Aid

9.0 Exposure Limits

10.0 Respiratory Protection & Safety Equipment

11.0 Confined Space

Test