Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

Emergency Response Plan

H2S

Bohai Drilling Engineering Company

Limited

(Iraq Branch)
Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch
 Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

Activity Name Designation Signature

Document No. BHDC/HSSE/ERP/01-14

Classification Restricted

Distribution:-
Copy No. 1 PetroChina
Document Control
Copy No. 2 HSSE Office File
Copy No.3-7 Rig Sites
Prepared By
Humam Salih HSE Vice Manager

Reviewed By Zhu Qingyang HSE Manager

Approved By
Xiong Zhan Project Manager

CONTROL OF THIS PROCEDURE

The HSE Department is responsible for the development and maintenance of this
procedure. All subsequent revisions of the procedure shall be reviewed by the HSE Manager
and approved by Project Manager.

EMERGENCY SIREN:
Emergency siren arrangement in case of H2S is 10 seconds on, 3 seconds off, 10
seconds on,,, and so on… followed by horn announcement
 Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

1. Introduction

Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) is an extremely dangerous substance, causing

fatalities each year. H2S occurs frequently in EP operations. Its presence, in
relatively low Concentrations; can quickly cause unconsciousness and death. It is
essential that all personnel are aware of its hazards and are instructed in the
proper safety procedures in order to avoid its effects. The best line of defense
against H2S is adherence to good drilling practices and good well control procedures.

Considering the Halfaya as H2S zone (infact it already have been confirmed that
Mishrif and Saadi formation contains rich quantity of H2S of 5000 ppm) therefore
it is deem necessary to dedicate a separate section to this subject. This document deals
with the identification and assessment of H2S hazards, their control and recovery from
H2S hazardous events.

The reader's attention is drawn to the following:

The major hazard of H2S is its ability to cause rapid damage to health or
sudden death due to accidental exposure

Odor cannot be relied upon to detect the presence of dangerous

concentrations of H2S

50 per cent of the people killed in H2S incidents were trying to rescue others.

If the reader does not understand any part of this document he must discuss it
with someone who does.
 Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

2. Identification of Sources of H2S & General Characteristic

Liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons may contain H2S in sufficient concentrations to
present a hazard t o p e r s o n n e l , e q u i p m e n t a n d t h e e n v i r o n m e n t ’ s
supervisor along with rig management will identify all the area which are more prone
to H2S gas like rig floor, shale shaker area, mud mixing area, well head
, over head etc. and will mark these areas as H2S hazardous spot.

2.1 General Characteristics:

H2S is generally recognized by its characteristic foul odor, resembling rotten

eggs. However, a h i g h concentration o f t h e gas instantly paralyzes the
sense of smell and prolonged exposure to low concentrations has the same
effect. Therefore, the sense of smell is an unreliable way of detecting and
monitoring the presence of H2S.
It is colorless gas.
Hydrogen sulphide is heavier than air. This makes it especial l y dangerous, as
this property causes the gas to accumulate in low or enclosed areas.
H 2 S forms an explosive mixture in air or oxygen within the range of 4.3 to 46
percent by volume; thus, the gas presents both a toxic and fire hazard to the
rig at the same time.

H2S is water-soluble, and has an ignition temperature of 500 degrees F.

H2S irritates the eyes and respiratory system. When high concentrations
are present, death caused by lung paralysis can occur in a very short time.
duct of H2S.
 Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

Toxicity Table

Toxicity Level Symptoms

1 ppm or 0.0001% The smell of rotten egg can be felt easily

10 ppm or 0.001 % This is threshold limit value (TLV) refers to airborne

concentration o f s u b s t a n c e s . This c o n c e n t r a t i o n m a y b e repeatedly
exposed d a y w i t h o u t any adverse effect on workers. Depending upon the
body response of an individual, a small percentage of workers may be effected

100 ppm or 0.01% The sense of smell lost on this concentration. Irritation in eyes, throat and nose
begins. The effect may be headache, upset stomach and increase in pulse rate

200 ppm or 0.02% The sense of smell lost immediately. Eyes, nose and throat start feel burning
sensations
500 ppm or 0.05% At this concentration, it attacks the nerve centre causing loss of sense of
reasoning and balance. The breathing can be stopped within 10 to 15 minutes

700 ppm or 0.07 % The victim becomes unconscious very quickly. Breathing stops and death will
happen if prompt rescue actions are not taken
1000 ppm or 0.1% The v i c t i m becomes unconscious very quickly. Permanent brain damaged
may result if rescue is not carried out

3. Assessment of Risks from H2S

A full risk analysis will be carried out at each rig site depending upon their nature
of operation that may provide a better insight into the potential frequency
and consequences of specific H2S related events and point to possible risk
reduction measures. Moreover the emergency plan will categorized in to three
categories

Condition 1 H2S concentration less than 10ppm

Condition 2 H2S concentration greater than 10ppm and less than 20 ppm
Condition 3 H2S concentration greater than 20ppm
 Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

3.1 Assessment of Risks from H2S

Threshold Limit Value (TLV) is 10 ppm Time Weighted Average (TWA) 8h and 15 ppm
Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL).

The major hazard of H2S is its ability to cause rapid damage to health or
sudden death due to accidental exposure.
Odor cannot be relied upon to detect the presence of dangerous
concentrations of H2S.
Personnel at risk from exposure to H2S must be trained to know what to do if
H2S is detected or if an unconscious person has to be rescued. Such training is
vital as per BHDC management system, since to some extent it is necessary to
control the 'conditioning' that might result in an individual hurrying
immediately to the aid of someone overcome by H2S.

REMEMBER: 50 PER CENT OF THE PEOPLE KILLED IN H2S INCIDENTS WERE

TRYING TO RESCUE OTHERS

4. Control and Safe Working Practices

All BHDC rigs will formulate framework of controls is derived by examining each of the
following points in turn:

4.1 H2S Detection:

The objective in H2S detection is to provide early warning to caution

personnel against entry into a known hazardous area without taking the
appropriate HSE precautions.
Amongst the key points in defining a detection system are the following:

It should exhibit fail-safe design

It should be specific for H2S

It should have detectors close to all potential sources of leakage.

Only equipment specifically developed for the detection of H2S will

achieve the degree of response necessary to alert personnel.
 Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

It is important to be aware that all detector systems have an in-built

delay between H2S release and its detection, due to the response time
of the system and its components.

4.1.1 Fixed systems

Fixed detection system will be installed at all BHDC rig sites in high
H2S risk areas, defined as those where

The process contains gases with H2S concentrations in

excess of 0.001 per cent volume (10 ppm) or
Liquids with H2S contents which could give rise to
comparable H2S emissions with the resultant possibility of
a major hazard occurring outside the facility boundary.

However, consideration will also be given to installing H2S detection systems where such
concentrations exceed 0.0001 per cent volume (1 ppm), particularly where dispersion of
leaked gas could be hindered or where escape is difficult. Mandatory locations of sensors will
be as under

 Well head
 Overhead/Flow Line
 Mud Tank
 Rig floor
 Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

4.1.2 Portable sensors & Personal monitoring systems

In addition to the fixed H2S detection systems, portable sensors and personal
monitoring system will be provided to designated personnel and to
individuals working in H2S prone areas, as well as places where it is necessary
depending upon nature of operation.

4.2 Warning Signs

H2S gas area will clearly marked in all three working language including
English, Chinese and Arabic. H2S designated areas should be identified by
signs at each point of access. Signs with pictorial content are
preferred to text only

4.3 MusterPoint
Two muster points will be established at rig site to in order provide
alternate route in case of emergency keeping in view varying wind
direction. Signs for these muster point should also be displayed in all
working languages.

4.4 Wind socks

Wind socks will be fixed at appropriate locations preferably relatively at higher
places like rig floor, Mud tank and living quarters in order to have good
visibility leading to exact idea of wind direction in emergency.

4.5 Alarm System

Both manual and electric alarm/horn system will be fixed at every rig site at
suitable locations and a dedicated alarm will be selected and
communicated to all personnel to ensure everybody knows about H2S
alarming system.
 Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

5. Respiratory Protective Equipment

Since H2S is classified as "immediately dangerous to life or health" all BHDC rig site
will carry out their need analysis depending upon the nature of operation and it will
be ensured each rig site should have sufficient number of Respiratory equipment like
SCBA, BA and Escape units to be used in case of emergency. As per BHDC protocol
these breathing apparatus will be placed wherever it is necessary but these are places
where these reparatory equipments should be available in sufficient numbers as well
as according to need analysis.

 Rig floor
Meeting room
Company Man
Mud logging cabin
Drilling engineer
 Mud tanks
Rig manager

Hose-line work units, with emergency escape cylinders, will be provided at rig floor,
on handrail near shale shaker, on rack near mud mixing area, near choke manifold and
in derrick for derrick man. Two spare sets of SCBA along with spare bottles and
two spare sets of escape units will be provided against the number being used.

5.1 General Guidelines for Breathing Apparatus:

1) Breathing apparatus shall be a positive pressure type unit. The air supply
shall be rated as a thirty (30) minute supply; pressure shall be 2218
psig (15,300 kpa). Spare, fu lly charged cylinder for each breathing
apparatus o r immediately available the facility to recharge spent
cylinders must be in place.
 Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

2) Breathing apparatus maintained for emergency use shall be

inspected by a competent person at least every thirty (30) days or at the
start of an operation, whichever comes sooner. The results of the
Inspection shall be recorded on the record card for that apparatus. The record
cards are to be stored in the rig manager’s office. When an apparatus is
returned to the warehouse for servicing the record card shall be sent with the
apparatus.

3) After each usage the apparatus is to be inspected, cleaned and

sanitized. The rubber goods of the face piece are to be cleaned with
Warm detergent water and a stiff bristle type brush. After washing, the
face piece is to be rinsed in clear water then sanitized. Sanitizing is to be done
with a 10% solution of chlorine bleach, or other suitable sanitizing solution.
(Scott face pieces should not be sanitized with bleach).

The face piece is to be immersed in this solution for ten (10) minutes, rinsed in
clear water and hung to dry. Do not hang to dry in direct sunlight. When
the face piece is dry it should be stored in a closed plastic bag inside the
breathing apparatus case.

4) When in an H2S environment, the most important item of safety

equipment is the breathing apparatus. This equipment is worthless if it is not
properly maintained or if personnel do not know how to use it. Breathing
equipment usually consists of the self-contained type, with varying time
limits, affording mobility to the wearer; and the cascade- type, having a
number of air hoses and masks manifold to a battery of
air cylinders. This type permits working for relatively long time periods, but
restricts the wearer to a certain area. All respirators to be used in an H2S
environment must be of the pressure-demand type.
5) All personnel must be knowledgeable in the proper use of both types of
systems Important considerations in the use of breathing apparatus include
the following:
 Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

a) Breathing equipment shall be inspected for serviceability and pressure

checked before and after each use and at least monthly when not in use.
b) Personnel must not wear eyeglasses or contact lenses with
breathing equipment.
c) In known H2S areas, personnel will not be allowed to wear beards
and/or long sideburns which prevent proper sealing of the face mask.
d) All personnel must know the location of breathing equipment,
Know how to use it, and have easy access to it

6. Training programme:

The training programme should be commensurate with the level of

competence required and may be on an individual basis or as a training course.
Where the training course is run externally, or is not specific to the worksite,
further training on the procedures and detailed arrangements for the
Particular worksite should be given

Moreover keeping in H2S risk in operational area a separate portion will be dedicated to
H2S Training in Monthly Training plan as well as H2S drill will be conducted once in
week as per PCH drill matrix.

For staff a comprehensive training programme for designated personnel should

contain the following aspects plus any additional local requirements:
 Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

H2S introduction

what is H2S Characteristics

Physical properties Measurement of atmospheric

concentrations

Occupational e x p o s u r e Comparison with other gases

l i m i t for H2S (TLV)
Effects on environment

Effects on equipment

Pyrophoric iron sulphid

Identification

Area and risk classification

color coding colour coding

Safety signs
 Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

Safe working practices

Access to worksite Personnel movements

Wind direction/indication Self protection
Buddy system Rescue procedure
Transportation Evacuation
Contingency plans permit-to-work
system

Detectors

Fixed Servicing requirements

Personal Portable
Positioning Alarm
Sensitivity settings
Limitations
Calibration

Respiratory protective equipment

Self-contained
breathing apparatus
Air hose breathing apparatus

Escape sets Cascade system

Location of breathing Limitations of breathing

apparatus apparatus

Mask to face seal checking Wearing of breathing

apparatus

Servicing of BA working with breathing

apparatus done
 Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

7. Emergency Response
Emergency Response Team Leaders

Name Position Contact Number

Xiong zhan Project Manager 0781-2912582
Xu Jianying Vice Project Manager 0781-8730879
Tan jianhua Vice Project Manager 0781-2912658
Zhu Qingyang HSSE Manager 0781-7064986
Zhao Ye Operation Officer 0782-2213057
Muhammad Amjad HSE Superintendent 0782-1681872
Mahmoud Darwish HSE Superintendent 0782-5800674
Mahmoud Mohammed Security Coordinator 0781-6417739

As mentioned before in case of H2S gas, emergency response procedure will

categorized in to three conditions and recovery plan will be implemented
according to these conditions.

Condition 1 H2S concentration less than 10ppm

Condition 2 H2S concentration greater than 10ppm and less than20ppm
Condition 3 H2S concentration greater than 20ppm.

In case of H2S gas instant action will be taken as immediate stoppage of

operation. After this H2S concentration will be identified if lies within range of
condition 1 then operation will be resume after precautionary measures. If its
concentration lies within range of condition 2 then necessary operation will be
performed by competent persons and in case of condition 3 all persons will evacuate
the area and local community will be informed accordingly. In case of emergency
following steps need to be followed
 Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

Step I. Sound the Alarm/Pass Information:

Locate the alarm and activate it. Sound is 10 second on, 3 second off and 10
second on followed by horn announcement.
If the alarm is in the release area or no suitable alarm is available, then try to
warn others by calling out “ALARM|”.
Inform emergency team leaders

Step II. Get out of the area/Pass information to local community:

Without any delay, get out of the area. Doesn’t matter how
important/critical work/job person is doing.
Identify the source of leakage and its concentration if concentration lies
Within range of condition 3 inform local community.
Determine the wind direction.
Move Opposite to wind direction to avoid being caught in line with the
release.

Step III. Breathing Apparatus:

Locate the nearest available Self contained Breathing Apparatus.

Use of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is absolutely essential in
order to perform further work in the release area.

Step IV. Rescue Victim(s)/Ask local community for any help:

Locate the victim(s) and bring him to the safe location.

Rescue the victim(s) with the help if present.
Pay careful attention to the victim’s state.
Ask local community regarding any help (incase of condition 3)
 Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

Step V. Revive Victim(s):

First check the condition of victim(s).

Apply artificial respiration (mouth to mouth resuscitation) until revival of victim
or until help arrives.

Step VI. Get Medical Aid:

HSE supervisor/responsible person will inform local hospital and ask them
about help if essential.

7.1 Duties of Key persons in emergency:

1) Each supervisor will be responsible for counting for his workers and
reporting the status to the Tool pusher at the muster site. In the event a
supervisor is missing, the Tool pusher will count for those supervisors’
workers in the head count. The Tool pusher is responsible for ensuring that all
personnel who were present on the rig site are considered for in an
evacuation. Rig manager/HSE supervisor will be responsible of
supervising evacuation and coordination between site and top
management.
2) After counting all personnel the Tool pusher & Rig manager will assess the
emergency situation which necessitated the evacuation and the personnel
requirements for dealing with the emergency. Personnel will
be divided into three groups with corresponding actions as follows:

a) Unnecessary P e r s o n n e l : Removed t o c a m p o r o t h e r
remote muster point to stand by.
b) Back-up Team: Consisting of personnel necessary to
maintain communication, coordination, and back-up of
emergency contingency actions. These personnel will be
stationed at the muster point/safe briefing area or other
designated staging area a safe distance upwind of the well bore.
 Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

c) Emergency Response Team: Consisting of

m i n i m u m personnel necessary to respond to the emergency
at the rig site.
3) After assessing the situation and categorizing the personnel, the Tool
pusher will complete the Emergency Questionnaire and contact the Drilling
Superintendent for consultation.
4) If local populations are in danger, the Tool pusher will ensure that they
are warned and provisions made to evacuate them to a safe place.

7.2 Plan for Local Community:

Emergency contact numbers of the notables from community

settlement accommodating within the vicinity of 4Km radius of rig site will be
obtained and they will further inform the other local
personnel if they are under direct threat and need to evacuate the
area. All basic emergency procedures related to H2S will be briefed to
community representatives about what they have to do in case they get any
intimation from BHDC and these notables will further in action with all
Villagers .All rig sites should have following information on local
community updated every three month. a.
Name of Village
b. Its Distance and direction from well head c.
Estimated population
d. Name of Notables
e. Contact Numbers of notables f.
Identified evacuation places
Community information at each rig site will be kept according to format as given in
Annexure A.
Briefing of emergency response procedure to community representatives will also be
rehashed after every three month. BHDC will assess the severity of H2S and will further
inform local community mostly in case of condition 3/ on need basis but at the same time
BHDC will give all kind of feasible help to local community in case situation become
adverse.
 Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

7.3 Plan for OPF:

Following steps will be ensured for the safety of OPF working with BHDC against
untoward incident of H2S
1) New OPF employees will be inducted properly.
2) All OPF personnel employed on rig site will be included in relevant regular training
sessions.
3) All OPF employees will be included in drills particularly conducted for H2S.
4) Systematic knowledge level verification will be ensured frequently.
5) In case of emergency they will be informed using existing communication setup and
further they will follow BHDC emergency protocol.

ANNEX A: - COMMUNITY INFORMATION TABLE

Rig No. Nearest Village Distance from Direction Community Community

Name well head from Rep. Name Rep. Contact
Well Number
BH-21 head

BH-97

BH-32

BH-04
 Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch

ANNEX B: - EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER

S.No. Name Position Phone Number

1 Xiong Zhan Project Manager 0781-2912582

2 Xu Jianying Vice project Manager 0781-8730879

3 Tan jianhua Vice project Manager 078-12912658

4 Zhu Qingyang HSSE Manager 0781-7064986

5 Humam Saleh HSSE Vice Manager 0780-2852302

6 Zhao/Juan HSSE Manager (PCH) 0780-0516297/0781-2912583

7 Zhao Ye Operation Officer 0782-2213057

8 Muhammad Amjad HSE Superintendent 0782-1681872

9 Mahmoud Darwish HSE Superintendent 0782-5800674

10 Jeevanatham/ Zbigniew Safety Superintendent 0780-1525316/0780-1524918

(PCH)
11 Danny Alashkar HSE Officer Base 0782-3503574

12 Rig Manager

13 Company Man

14 Drilling Engineer

15 Tool Pusher

16 Medic
Bohai Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Iraq Branch