Posted: 21 Nov '16

The Big Reasons Why Workers in Oil and Gas Need H2S Alive

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) exposure is a very real threat for workers in the oil and gas industry. Since it is a naturally occurring gas in the earth found in natural gas deposits, crude petroleum and the like, it is released when drilling and producing any substances using these resources. H2S Alive safety training is required for most oil and gas workers for a few big reasons.

The Big Reasons H2S Alive Training is Important

At low concentrations, H2S has a distinct bad odour like rotten eggs. This concentration is generally between 0.01 and 0.03 parts per million (ppm). One of the big reasons for H2S Alive training in Edmonton is because too often, workers rely on the smell to warn them of this highly poisonous gas. The problem with relying on the smell however, is that at 100 ppm, the sense of smell is deadened and too many workers have faced serious consequences believing the gas had dissipated when in fact, it reached deadly levels.

Exposure to the extreme toxicity of H2S begins to affect your health at as low a concentration as 1ppm to 20 ppm. In order of severity and concentration, the following may occur:

• 1-20 ppm: Nausea, watering eyes and headaches
• 20-50 ppm: Irritation of eyes with potential conjunctivitis, nose and throat rawness, digestive issues and appetite loss
• 100-200 ppm: Severe throat, nose and lung irritation with complete deadening of smell
• 250-500 ppm: Fluid buildup on the lungs (pulmonary edema)
• 500 ppm: All previous symptoms plus agitation, staggering, dizziness, knockdown followed by unconsciousness and death within hours. Memory loss of the incident if recovered.
• 500-1000 ppm: Respiratory paralysis, heart rhythm becomes irregular, collapse and death with no chance of rescue
• Over 1000 ppm: Sudden collapse and death

If these aren't reasons enough to embrace H2S Alive training when you work in Edmonton, perhaps the next big reason will.

H2S Alive Teaches the Explosive Dangers of Chemical Reactions

When dangerous H2S gas mixes with rust or corrosion, especially on the equipment used in drilling and production for the oil and gas industry, there is potential for the formation of iron sulphide which is capable of self-ignition once exposed to air. Higher concentrations can catch fire and cause deadly explosions with the fumes from the burn creating a whole host of other extremely toxic gases.

Prevention and First Aid in H2S Alive Training

Your H2S Alive training will prepare you to work safely around hydrogen sulphide, without dangerously relying on your sense of smell. You will be taught preventative measures against exposure, safety equipment and safe working practices. You will also learn first aid treatment in the event of an accidental exposure- training that may save your life or the life of a co-worker.

At MI Safety, cannot impress enough the importance of proper H2S Alive safety training if you work in the oil and gas industry in Edmonton. Your life may just depend on it one day, which is why you should contact us today so you can get yourself the lifesaving training you need for the oil and gas industry.