HYDROGEN SULFIDE EMPLOYEE TRAINING

This easy-to-use Leader’s Guide is provided to assist in conducting a successful presentation. Featured are:

INTRODUCTION: A brief description of the program and the subject that it addresses.

PROGRAM OUTLINE: Summarizes the program content. If the program outline is discussed before the video is
presented, the entire program will be more meaningful and successful.

PREPARING FOR AND CONDUCTING THE PRESENTATION: These sections will help you set up the
training environment, help you relate the program to site-specific incidents, and provide program objectives for
focusing your presentation.

REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: Questions may be copied and given to participants to document how
well they understood the information that was presented. Answers to the review questions are provided separately.

INTRODUCTION
Hydrogen sulfide, a substance found in many workplaces, can be an invisible, silent killer if safe work practices
aren’t followed. Employees can work safely in areas with the potential of this dangerous gas by following their
organization’s Hydrogen Sulfide Contingency Plan, knowing how and when to use respiratory protection and
knowing the meaning of their facility’s hydrogen sulfide warning sounds and signals. This program reviews these
three key issues and many other precautions that protect employees from H2S exposures when followed.

Topics include characteristics of hydrogen sulfide, symptoms of H2S exposure, exposure limits, use of respiratory
protection, confined space entry, warning devices and monitoring systems, evacuation procedures and safety tips
for working in H2S-prone areas.

PROGRAM OUTLINE
BACKGROUND
• Hydrogen sulfide is a deadly substance found in many workplaces. Understanding and controlling the hazards it
presents is literally a matter of life and death.

• Your organization’s Hydrogen Sulfide Contingency Plan contains detailed information designed to control the
hazards of hydrogen sulfide.

• Included in this plan will be a description of engineering controls, worker training requirements, protective
equipment, gas monitoring devices and procedures, safe work practices and emergency evacuation and rescue
plans—all designed to keep you safe from the harmful effects of hydrogen sulfide.

• You should always remember, the most important aspect of hydrogen sulfide safety is to take your training
seriously and maintain a commitment to your own safety at all times.

CHARACTERISTICS OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE

• Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic, colorless gas that is heavier than air. Because it is heaver than air it will settle
into low lying areas, creating a hazard if left undetected.

• Hydrogen sulfide is formed when two hydrogen atoms bond to an atom of sulfur. The chemical expression for
this is H2S. H2S is another name for hydrogen sulfide. Besides H2S, hydrogen sulfide is also referred to as
dihydrogen sulfide, hydrosulfuric acid, sulfuretted hydrogen as well as nicknames such as rotten egg gas, swamp
gas, devil’s breath and stink damp, just to name a few.

• At low concentrations, hydrogen sulfide has an unpleasant odor similar to rotten eggs. As concentrations
increase, its smell may turn very sweet, but you can never depend on detecting this odor for your safety.
• One reason hydrogen sulfide is so dangerous is that it can paralyze your sense of smell. This is called olfactory
fatigue and it can occur very rapidly, especially at higher concentrations. Without proper air monitoring equipment,
workers may be unaware they are being exposed to hydrogen sulfide.

• Hydrogen sulfide is found in nature as a byproduct of decomposing organic matter. It often develops in oxygen-
depleted environments such as swamps and polluted waters.

• Hydrogen sulfide can also occur naturally as a component in natural gas, volcanic gases, sulfur deposits and
petroleum. This is why protecting workers from hydrogen sulfide is so critical to safe petrochemical and drilling
operations.

• Hydrogen sulfide also exists in many industrial processes, often as a byproduct or waste material.

SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE
• Concentrations of hydrogen sulfide are measured in parts per million. This is a measurement of how many
molecules of hydrogen sulfide are present for every million molecules of air.

• The inhalation of hydrogen sulfide gas is the most common method of exposure. At concentration levels up to
10 parts per million, exposed workers may experience irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.

• Extended exposure over several hours can result in what is called “gas eyes” or “sore eyes,” with symptoms of
burning, scratchiness and tearing.

• As hydrogen sulfide concentrations increase to between 10 and 50 parts per million, exposed workers may begin
to experience headaches, dizziness and coughing. Nausea and vomiting may also occur at these concentrations.

• Exposure at levels between 50 and 100 parts per million can result in the onset of conjunctivitis and respiratory
tract irritation after a one-hour exposure.

• Conjunctivitis is the irritation and swelling of the membrane of the eye lids, which results in intense tearing,
blurring of vision, light sensitivity and a gritty, scratchy feeling.

• One hundred parts per million is also the IDLH level for hydrogen sulfide. This level, established by the
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH, is the level at which you may suffer immediate,
serious and irreversible damage from exposure. IDLH stands for Immediate Danger to Life and Health.

• Exposure at this level can lead to a loss of the sense of smell within two minutes and altered respiration and
drowsiness can occur after 15 minutes. These symptoms will worsen with length of exposure.

• As concentration levels reach 500 to 700 parts per million, an exposed worker can lose consciousness and die in
30 to 60 minutes if not removed to fresh air and given proper medical treatment.

• When exposed to concentrations of hydrogen sulfide over 700 parts per million, unconsciousness can be very
rapid and death will occur in a matter of minutes.

• Hydrogen sulfide is classified as a chemical asphyxiant; chemical asphyxiants reduce the body’s ability to
absorb, transport or utilize inhaled oxygen. Overexposure causes death through biological suffocation. Another
well-known chemical asphyxiant is carbon monoxide.

• Hydrogen sulfide in the bloodstream also affects the nervous system and at high concentrations can affect
muscle coordination and the portion of our brain that controls breathing.

• After small to moderate levels of exposure, persons removed to fresh air normally recover with no lasting
effects; however eye irritation and pain may persist for several days.
• Keep in mind that the various symptoms of exposure and the speed of their onset can be affected by factors such
as frequency of exposure, body mass, overall physical condition, age and the influence of drugs and alcohol.

THE PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LIMIT

• The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, limits workplace exposure to hydrogen
sulfide in its regulation 1910.1000-Air Contaminants.

• Table Z-2 of this regulation lists the “acceptable ceiling concentration” for hydrogen sulfide as 20 parts per
million. A ceiling concentration is not a time-weighted average exposure, but rather a maximum level at any time in
an eight-hour work shift.

• Table Z-2 also lists an “acceptable maximum peak” above the “acceptable ceiling concentration” of 50 parts per
million for a duration of 10 minutes if no other measurable exposure has occurred.

THE THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUE

• The threshold limit value (TLV) is the maximum average concentration over an eight-hour period for which no
harmful effects will occur. The source for threshold limit values is the American Conference of Governmental and
Industrial Hygienists, the ACGIH. The ACGIH has no regulatory authority.

• Prior to 2010, the ACGIH threshold limit value for hydrogen sulfide was 10 parts per million. In 2010, the
ACGIH reduced the threshold limit value to one part per million.

THE SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE LIMIT

• The ACGIH has also established a short-term exposure limit, or STEL, for hydrogen sulfide. A short-term
exposure limit is the maximum average concentration over a 15-minute period for which no harmful effects will
occur.

• Prior to 2010, the ACGIH short-term exposure limit was 15 parts per million. In 2010, the ACGIH reduced the
short-term exposure limit to five parts per million.

• The ACGIH recommends that a minimum of 60 minutes should elapse between each short-term exposure and
no more than four short-term exposures should occur in any one day.

• Your organization has an exposure control plan which protects you from hazardous exposure to hydrogen
sulfide. The concentration of hydrogen sulfide which triggers protective action at your facility will, at a minimum,
be equal to the current Federal OSHA permissible exposure limit and may be even lower if based on the ACGIH
recommendations or a more stringent state or local regulation.

ENGINEERING CONTROLS
• Once hydrogen sulfide concentrations reach the permissible exposure limit defined in your facility’s
contingency plan, actions must be taken to reduce employee exposure.

• When possible, implementing engineering controls is always the first choice to reduce employee exposure to
hydrogen sulfide.

• For example, a work area may be enclosed to maintain a safe atmosphere or ventilation systems may be installed
to maintain H2S concentrations at safe levels.

• Hydrogen sulfide gas may also be collected and burned or “flared.” When hydrogen sulfide is burned, one
byproduct is sulfur dioxide.

• Hydrogen sulfide is often contained in pipes and routed away from work areas.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
• If the company cannot reduce the concentration of hydrogen sulfide to less than the permissible exposure limit,
exposed workers will be required to wear respiratory protection.

• For concentrations of hydrogen sulfide below the IDLH level of 100 parts per million, a full-face, air-purifying
respirator with chemical cartridges rated for hydrogen sulfide may be used.

• For concentrations above 100 parts per million or when entering an area of unknown concentration levels an
SCBA or SAR is required.

• SCBA stands for “self-contained breathing apparatus” and requires that the user carry a limited air supply on
their back.

• SAR stands for “supplied-air respirator.” This type of respirator utilizes purified air supplied from a hose
connected to a compressor.

• Employees who may be required to wear a respirator or breathing apparatus must undergo a medical evaluation
by a licensed physician who will determine your ability to wear a respirator effectively.

• Annual fit-testing is also required to ensure that each employee can achieve a proper fit in the type of respirator
they may be asked to wear.

• Facial hair and sideburns may prevent a proper seal. For this reason, many companies have facial hair
restrictions.

• If you may be required to wear a respirator, you will receive specific training on the types of respirators used at
your facility, their locations and the specific situations which require their use.

• When donning a respirator, a proper seal between the face piece and your face must be established for the
respirator to function properly. A user-seal check must be performed each time you put on a respirator to ensure a
good seal has been established.

IMPORTANCE OF USING CORRECT CHEMICAL CARTRIDGES

• When using a chemical cartridge respirator, be aware that each cartridge is designed for a specific chemical. For
example, you must have the correct cartridge for hydrogen sulfide for your respirator to be effective.

• Also, be aware that each chemical cartridge has a usable service life. Cartridges must be changed out before the
end of their service life to prevent “break through.” Break through occurs when the cartridge is no longer effective
and the user is exposed to the chemical.

• This can be particularly dangerous in a hydrogen sulfide environment, since the user may be unable to detect
that exposure has occurred.

SCBA AIR SUPPLY LEVELS

• A traditional SCBA will have a 30-minute air supply. It may be used for normal work in hydrogen sulfide areas
or for rescue operations.

• A low-air alarm will sound when 25 percent of the air supply remains. When this occurs, you must leave the
area immediately.

• Some SCBA’s are designed for escape only and only have a five-minute air supply. These are only to be used
for an escape and must not be used for normal work or rescue.
• Some types of supplied-air respirators also have a secondary air tank to be used for escape. Again, only use this
air supply to escape; do not use it for regular work or rescue.

• If you have any questions regarding the respiratory equipment you may be required to use or have any doubts
about your ability to use it properly, don’t hesitate to ask your supervisor for assistance. Your life may one day
depend on the proper use of respiratory protection.

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY

• Hydrogen sulfide is often present in confined spaces such as manholes, pits, sewers and vessels. Because
hydrogen sulfide is heavier than air, it will settle to the bottom of these types of spaces.

• Unprotected workers who enter such spaces often reach the bottom and then are overcome by hydrogen sulfide
and are unable to escape. To make matters worse, this type of situation often leads to multiple fatalities as other
unprotected workers rush into the space to help; one study found that 21 percent of fatal hydrogen sulfide incidents
involved multiple fatalities.

• Because of the dangers involved in entering confined spaces, only those employees trained and authorized may
enter a confined space. Your company maintains a written confined space entry program that details the safe work
practices required to enter each confined space and establishes a written permit entry system to ensure that all
hazards have been controlled.

WARNING DEVICES & MONITORING SYSTEMS

• Some work areas always have the possibility of a release of hydrogen sulfide above the permissible exposure
limit.

• All areas with the potential for H2S will also have various devices and monitoring systems to detect the presence
of the gas. In some cases, fixed-point monitors will be installed, while in other areas portable or handheld monitors
may be used.

• In either case, these monitors will be calibrated to sound a warning when hydrogen sulfide levels reach the
predetermined action levels in your facility’s Hydrogen Sulfide Contingency Plan. Many facilities utilize a two-
level warning system.

• For example, one type of warning may be given to alert workers when hydrogen sulfide levels approach the
permissible exposure limit or a limit specified by your organization. This type of warning may require nonessential
workers to leave the area and essential workers to don appropriate respiratory protection.

• Should hydrogen sulfide levels go even higher, such as approaching the IDLH level or other level specified by
your organization, an evacuation warning may be given.

• Make sure you understand what visual and/or audible signals are used at your facility and their meaning.

SAFE EVACUATION PROCEDURES

• If an evacuation alarm sounds, you should move upwind swiftly and if possible, uphill. Avoid low lying areas as
hydrogen sulfide is heavier than air and will collect in these types of areas.

• If you are not wearing a respirator when an evacuation alarm sounds, hold your breath as long as possible while
evacuating. If you have access to a proper respirator, quickly put it on.

• Areas with the potential for hydrogen sulfide releases will have a visible wind indicator such as a wind sock or
streamers to help determine wind direction.
• These areas should also have more than one escape route to facilitate a safe evacuation. Employees working in
hydrogen sulfide-prone areas should remain conscious of wind direction and escape routes.

• Evacuating employees must report to a designated briefing area so each person can be accounted for. Briefing
areas should also be set up at least 250 feet away and upwind from hydrogen sulfide-prone areas. Briefing areas
will have prominent signs that can be easily seen by employees.

• Remember that a high percentage of hydrogen sulfide deaths involve multiple fatalities. During a hydrogen
sulfide incident, never attempt to assist a fallen worker unless you are wearing appropriate respiratory protection
and are trained to assist.

• In this situation, being a Good Samaritan can easily kill you. The same concentration of hydrogen sulfide that
quickly overcame your co-worker will just as quickly overcome you.

• Instead, head straight to the briefing area and report the location of your fallen worker. A properly-outfitted and
trained rescue team can then retrieve the fallen worker and quickly get him to fresh air and medical attention.

• After a release of hydrogen sulfide, do not return to the area until it has been monitored and rendered safe to
enter.

OTHER SAFETY TIPS FOR WORKING IN H2S-PRONE AREAS

• Never work alone in these areas. Use a buddy system. As part of the buddy system, you should always know
where your buddy is and be mindful of his or her safety.

• Hydrogen sulfide is flammable with a flashpoint of just 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not smoke in any hydrogen
sulfide area and do not perform any type of welding or cutting operations without first controlling the hazards and
obtaining a hot work permit.

• Maintain an awareness of wind direction and work upwind of potential hydrogen sulfide sources whenever
possible.

• Some facilities use a color-coded system of warnings so workers approaching a potential hydrogen sulfide area
will have knowledge of the current conditions. If your facility uses such a system, make sure you understand the
meaning of each color-coded signal.
PREPARE FOR THE SAFETY MEETING
Review each section of this Leader's Guide as well as the video. Here are a few suggestions for using the program:

Make everyone aware of the importance the company places on health and safety and how each person must be an
active member of the safety team.

Introduce the program. Play it without interruption. Review the program content by presenting the information in
the program outline.

Copy the review questions included in this Leader's Guide and ask each participant to complete them.

Make an attendance record and have each participant sign the form. Maintain the attendance record and each
participant's test paper as written documentation of the training performed.

Here are some suggestions for preparing your video equipment and the room or area you use:

Check the room or area for quietness, adequate ventilation and temperature, lighting and unobstructed access.

Check the seating arrangement and the audiovisual equipment to ensure that all participants will be able to see and
hear the program.

CONDUCTING THE PRESENTATION

Begin the meeting by welcoming the participants. Introduce yourself and give each person the opportunity to
become acquainted if there are new people joining the training session.

Explain that the primary purpose of the program is to show viewers the components of the facility Hydrogen
Sulfide Contingency Plan, including the safe work practices they must follow to reduce the risk of exposure to H2S.

Introduce the program. Play it without interruption. Review the program content by presenting the information in
the program outline.

Lead discussions about job tasks and work areas at your facility that are prone to hydrogen sulfide releases and the
specific precautions employees are required to follow to prevent exposure. Use the review questions to check how
well the program participants understood the information.

After watching the program, the viewer will be able to explain the following:

• What the dangerous characteristics of hydrogen sulfide are;

• What the symptoms of H2S exposure are;

• What respiratory protection is required for various concentration levels of hydrogen sulfide;

• How warning devices and monitoring systems are used to notify employees of hydrogen sulfide levels;

• How to safely evacuate an area where hydrogen sulfide has been released.
 HYDROGEN SULFIDE SAFETY EMPLOYEE TRAINING
REVIEW QUIZ
Name___________________________________Date_________________________________
The following questions are provided to check how well you understand the information presented during this program.

1. You should never depend on your sense of smell to detect the odor of hydrogen sulfide.
a. true
b. false

2. ________________________ is irritation and swelling of the eyelids that can occur at exposure levels between
50 and 100 parts per million of H2S.
a. Amblyopia
b. Blepharospasm
c. Conjunctivitis

3. In 2010, the ACGIH reduced the threshold limit value for hydrogen sulfide from 15 parts per million to 10 parts
per million.
a. true
b. false

4. The ACGIH recommends that no more than __________ short term-exposures to H2S should occur in any one
day.
a. four
b. five
c. six

5. A user seal check must be performed each time you put on a respirator.
a. true
b. false

6. When wearing a standard SCBA, a low air alarm will sound when ______ percent of the air supply remains.
a. 10
b. 25
c. 50

7. Briefing areas used to account for employees during an evacuation should be set up at least 150 feet from H2S-
prone areas.
a. true
b. false

8. When is it safe to work alone in an area prone to hydrogen sulfide releases?

a. when you are wearing the appropriate respirator
b. when you have notified your supervisor you will be working alone
c. never

9. If an evacuation alarm sounds, you should move swiftly ______________________.

a. downwind and downhill.
b. toward flat ground
c. upwind and uphill
 HYDROGEN SULFIDE SAFETY EMPLOYEE TRAINING
ANSWERS TO THE REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. a

2. c

3. b

4. a

5. a

6. b

7. b

8. c

9. c