H₂S (hydrogen sulfide) Gas Hazard and Safety Precaution.

H₂S Gas Hazard and Safety Precaution.

What is H₂S

H₂S (hydrogen sulfide) is a colour less gas which smells like rotten egg & it is extremely flammable, toxic & corrosive in nature, Hydrogen Sulfide produced by the breakdown of organic compounds in the absence of oxygen.

H₂S is also known as hydrogen sulfide, sour gas, stink damp, rotten egg gas, sulfur hydride & devils breath.

Characteristics of H₂S gas

• H₂S is Extremely Flammable.
• H₂S is Toxic (Poisonous).
• H₂S is corrosive.
• H₂S gas is heavier than air. (19% heavier than air)
• H₂S is colour less gas.
• H₂S smells like rotten egg.
• H₂S above ppm kills the power of smells.
• H₂S gas burn in blue flame.
• H₂S produce Sulphur Dioxide on burning which is also a toxic gas.
• H₂S is soluble in water & oil.

Flammability range of H₂S gas

• Lower explosive limit (LEL) of H₂S - 4.3%.
• Upper explosive limit (UEL) of H₂S - 46%.

Permissable Exposure Limit (PEL) of H₂S 

• Time Weighted Average (TWA) of H₂S - 10ppm for 8 hours.
• Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) of H₂S - 
• 15ppm ( for 15 minutes)
• IDLH of H₂S - 100ppm (Immediately dangerous to life and health).

Hazards & consequences of of H₂S

H₂S can cause:-

• Breathing problems.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Even death.
• H₂S effects Olfactory Nerves (loss of smell & test).
• H₂S can damage Lungs, eyes & brain.

Safety precautions for H₂S gas

• Gas test perior starting the job.
• Awareness among employees.
• Carry personal H₂S monitor.
• Work in group.
• Aware of wind direction by windsock.
• Emergency Evacuation dill must be conducted.
• Availability of emergency response team.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE'S)

PPE's for H₂S.

• Escape Mask (for emergency escape).
• Air line breathing apparatus for long period of Job.
• SCBA - Self contained breathing apparatus for short term job & for emergency rescue team.

Emergency response plan

In case of H₂S leak follow following steps for emergency evacuation:-

1. Stay cool & calm.
2. Stop the Job.
3. Stop the equipment.
4. Use escape mask.
5. See windsock for wind direction.
6. Move in cross wind direction.
7. Reach at safe assembly area.

FAQ's 

First aid for H2S poisoning?

Check the person is breathing - Check the pulse - Apply the breathing apparatus until doctor reach.

Why H2S is so dangerous?

Because H2S is highly flammable and toxic at very low concentration, at 1 PPM it kill the sense of smell.

Use of H2S Gas?

H2S gas use to produce sulfuric acid & sulfur for pesticides, leather & pharmaceutical.

How long can I survive after H2S exposure?

It depends on concentration of H2S, you can die within a minute if H2S is above 100ppm.

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