Hydrogen Sulfide H2S Training Training Objectives Describe H2S and its distinctive characteristics Review health affects and symptoms of exposure Describe Company H2S policy Review tools for identifying H2S operations Review H2S site safety requirements Describe H2S safe work practices Describe H2S emergency procedures Summarize your role in H2S safety 2 What is Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)?
A toxic gas that occurs naturally Results from bacterial breakdown of organics Crude oil, condensate and produced water Natural gas
Volcanic gases and hot springs Waste landfills Use of recycled water downhole in drilling Produced by human and animal wastes Sewage treatment plants, Pig, chicken and cattle feed lots 3 Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Colorless, toxic, poisonous gas Rotten egg smell at low concentrations Deadens the sense of smell with exposure to higher
concentrations Known as H2S or Sour Gas 4 H2S Characteristics Heavier than air Accumulates in cellars, pits, ditches, tanks Explosive in concentrations between 4.3 and 46% DOT Class III Flammable Chemical Burns with a blue flame Produces sulfur dioxide (SO2) Soluble in water and hydrocarbons Immediately dangerous to life and health at 100 ppm
5 Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Characteristics Released when H2S burns Nonflammable, colorless gas with irritating odor Heavier than air Will accumulate in low-lying places Immediately dangerous to life and health at 100 ppm Highly corrosive to skin, eyes and respiratory system A single unsafe exposure to SO2 can causes permanent respiratory problems 6
Health Effects of H2S L O W Safe work conditions M O D Respiratory tract irritation Coughing Eye irritation Loss of sense of smell Nausea and vomiting
H I G H Shock Convulsions Coma Death in severe cases 0 9.9 ppm ALARM SOUNDS 10 99.9 ppm 100 ppm or greater
(IDLH) 7 The Company H2S Policy Well Stream Requirements 1 ppm or greater Train employees 10 ppm or greater 100 ppm or greater
Assign personal H2S monitors Post H2S signs Install windsock For Company operations, if an H2S alarm sounds at 10 ppm, employees are instructed to evacuate the area. 8 Response to H2S while drilling Preparation for H2S response activities start prior to drilling Research conducted on site for H2S presence Surrounding wells Historical records
Geologic structure If potential for H2S exists 3rd party H2S service company brought in 9 Response to H2S while drilling 3rd party H2S service company Sets up stationary H2S monitoring detectors Provides PPE during drilling operations
Provides personal monitors for company personnel Provides specialized training H2S awareness Proper use of PPE and monitors Emergency protocol Maintains records on inspections, exposures and training Forwards records to appropriate companies 10 Drilling Site Classification 3rd party H2S service company Not Good Warning signage should be posted
at appropriate locations as per API Responsible for posting and maintaining H2S level notification No Hazard API Condition I Low Hazard (green) Less than 10 ppm API Condition II Medium Hazard (yellow) Between 10 ppm and 30 ppm API Condition III High Hazard (red) Greater than 30 ppm Responsible for maintaining equipment levels appropriate to the hazard classification 11
Requirements for H2S Testing on Production Wells Test Data is entered into Test-It by field personnel. Test-It information is automatically downloaded into Enertia All wells are to be tested Enertia provides well H2S
concentrations Information can be used to notify employees and contractors of H2S wells and their concentrations 12 H2S Information Center - Production Wells Reports available on EHS web page Well Measurements Well Count by Field Office Tested Wells by District and Field Office Tested Wells
Non Tested Wells by District and Field Office Maps 13 Materials and Equipment All H2S sites must be designed using materials that are resistant to hydrogen sulfide stress cracking Ensure that materials are suitable for sour service
14 Posting Requirements Locations with 10 ppm or greater H2S in the well stream Post signs At entrance by lease sign Firewall gate entrance or stairs to tanks Opposite side of location If wellhead is located off-site, a sign is required CAUTION CAUTION
HS H22S POISONOUS POISONOUSGAS GAS MAY MAYBE BEPRESENT PRESENT 15 Posting Requirements Contractors will be informed of H2S concentrations at sites prior to commencing any work.
Locations with 100 ppm or greater H2S in the well stream Post windsock Signals wind direction 16 H2S Contingency Plans Developed to comply with state regulations Elements Instructions and procedures for alerting public of a release Call list Emergency Response Agencies
Local impacted residents and public receptors Schools, churches, businesses, etc. 17 H2S Monitors Different Companies use different Monitors Industrial Scientific used by Chesapeake Production Chesapeake Midstream Midcon BW or other designated monitor Drilling Services companies COI Drilling 18
H2S Monitor Placement First Choice Second Choice Do not mount on hard hat 19 H2S Monitor Maintenance Industrial Scientific Calibrate your monitor every 30 days Replace batteries as needed Batteries available through the Safety Store If calibration fails, check battery and gas supply connections
then attempt to calibrate again If second calibration fails, call INet tech support Number posted on docking stations Notify EHS Reps or Assistants if a monitor is lost or for any other issues 20 H2S Monitor Maintenance Other Monitors Follow the guidelines provided by 3rd party H2S service company Follow manufacturers guidelines for calibration and
use restrictions 21 Respiratory Protection At higher H2S levels in atmosphere Respiratory protection may be required to work on location Elements of program Complete and pass medical evaluation Be annually fit tested for the the respirator the employee will be using. Complete training 22
H2S Safe Work Practices Know your locations that contain H2S Know warning signs of H2S exposure Be aware of wind direction Ventilate tank before gauging If required, safely evacuate personnel and barricade location in the event of an alarm condition Notify a supervisor if concentrations are >10ppm
in the atmosphere 23 H2S Release Move crosswind to fresh air and Wind Direction then upwind out of the area Source of H2S Release Factors affecting gas dispersion Wind
Terrain and Vegetation Temperature of Gas vs. Ambient Temperature Humidity Moisture Content of Gas
Leak Mechanics & Escape Rate Dispersion Area Your Location Move Crosswind 24 Man Down at H2S Location Call 911 and supervisor If trained Put on respiratory protection Use Buddy System Move victim to the nearest safe location Initiate First Aid/CPR as necessary
Wait for emergency responders in safe area 25 Employee Responsibilities Wear and calibrate H2S monitor In alarm condition, evacuate personnel and barricade location Notify supervisor if H2S monitor alarms Ventilate tanks before gauging Complete annual H2S training 26 Supervisor Responsibilities
Ensure H2S tests are performed Ensure employees receive H2S training Notify contractors of H2S concentrations Enforce H2S monitor use Post H2S signs and windsock Enforce respiratory protection program elements Comply with state H2S requirements 27 Summary Know your H2S locations Use safe work practices Be aware of wind direction H2S personal monitor Respiratory protection when required
If you have any questions, ask your supervisor 28 Questions? 29