What's a good safety topic for oil and gas companies

Source excerpt

# HYDROGEN SULFIDE IN CONSTRUCTION CAUTION H₁₂S Date Posted: 10/27/2023 Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Hazards in Construction Hydrogen sulfide is prevalent in natural gas and petroleum. As a result, Workers in gas plants, refineries, petrochemical plants, pulp mills, underground mines, sewers, wastewater treatment plants, and asphalt plants are at high risk of exposure. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a colorless, flammable, extremely hazardous gas with a "rotten egg" smell. Some common names for the gas include sewer gas, stink damp, swamp gas, and manure gas. It occurs naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, and hot springs. In addition, hydrogen sulfide is produced by the bacterial breakdown of organic materials and human and animal wastes (e.g., sewage). ## HOW CAN YOU GET EXPOSED TO H2S IN THE WORKPLACE? Hydrogen sulfide is a mucous membrane and respiratory tract irritant. Immediate or delayed pulmonary edema occurs after exposure to high concentrations. Breathing high levels causes loss of consciousness after one or more breaths and death within a few more breaths. Lower concentrations can result in eye irritation, sore throat and cough, shortness of breath, and lung fluid. Symptoms of acute exposure include nausea, headaches, delirium, disturbed equilibrium, tremors, skin and eye irritation, and convulsions. Inhaling high concentrations can produce rapid unconsciousness and death. You can be exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas primarily by breathing it. However, you also can be exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas through skin and eye contact. According to WAC 296-841-[redacted postal code], the exposure limits of H2S are ten (10) parts per million (PPM) over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) and 15 parts per million (PPM) over a 15-minute exposure period. ## HAZARDS OF H2S EXPOSURE Exposure above the permissible exposure limit (PEL) quickly results in loss of consciousness and potentially death. Long-term exposure to lower levels results in H2S passing the lungs an…

Source excerpt

# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## Appendix C to § 1910.146- - Examples of Permit-required Confined Space Programs (cont.) copy of operating and rescue procedures as required by these procedures shall be at the work site for the duration of the job. The Confined Space Pre-Entry Check List must be completed by the LEAD WORKER before entry into a confined space. This list verifies completion of items listed below. This check list shall be kept at the job site for duration of the job. If circumstances dictate an interruption in the work, the permit space must be re-evaluated and a new check list must be completed. Control of atmospheric and engulfment hazards. Pumps and Lines. All pumps and lines which may reasonably cause contaminants to flow into the space shall be disconnected, blinded and locked out, or effectively isolated by other means to prevent development of dangerous air contamination or engulfment. Not all laterals to sewers or storm drains require blocking. However, where experience or knowledge of industrial use indicates there is a reasonable potential for contamination of air or engulfment into an occupied sewer, then all affected laterals shall be blocked. If blocking and/or isolation requires entry into the space the provisions for entry into a permit- required confined space must be implemented. Surveillance. The surrounding area shall be surveyed to avoid hazards such as drifting vapors from the tanks, piping, or sewers. Testing. The atmosphere within the space will be tested to determine whether dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency exists. Detector tubes, alarm only gas monitors and explosion meters are examples of monitoring equipment that may be used to test permit space atmospheres. Testing shall be performed by the LEAD WORKER who has successfully completed the Gas Detector training for the monitor he will use. The minimum parameters to be monitored are oxygen deficiency, LFL, and hydrogen sulfide co…

Source excerpt

# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) Appendix D - 2 ENTRY PERMIT PERMIT VALID FOR 8 HOURS ONLY. ALL PERMIT COPIES REMAIN AT SITE UNTIL JOB COMPLETED DATE: - - SITE LOCATION/DESCRIPTION PURPOSE OF ENTRY SUPERVISOR (S) in charge of crews Type of Crew Phone # COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES RESCUE PROCEDURES (PHONE NUMBERS AT BOTTOM) * BOLD DENOTES MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO BE COMPLETED AND REVIEWED PRIOR TO ENTRY* REQUIREMENTS COMPLETED DATE TIME Lock Out/De-energize/Try-out Line (s) Broken-Capped-Blank Purge-Flush and Vent Ventilation Secure Area (Post and Flag) Breathing Apparatus Resuscitator - Inhalator Standby Safety Personnel Note: Items that do not apply enter N/A in the blank. REQUIREMENTS COMPLETED Full Body Harness w/"D" ring Emergency Escape Retrieval Eq Lifelines Fire Extinguishers Lighting (Explosive Proof) Protective Clothing Respirator(s) (Air Purifying) Burning and Welding Permit DATE TIME ** RECORD CONTINUOUS MONITORING RESULTS EVERY 2 HOURS ** CONTINUOUS MONITORING** Permissible TEST (S) TO BE TAKEN Entry Level PERCENT OF OXYGEN 19.5% to 23.5% LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT Under 10% CARBON MONOXIDE +35 PPM Aromatic Hydrocarbon + 1 PPM * 5PPM Hydrogen Cyanide (Skin) * 4PPM Hydrogen Sulfide +10 PPM *15PPM Sulfur Dioxide + 2 PPM * 5PPM Ammonia *35PPM * Short-term exposure limit:Employee can work in the area up to 15 minutes. + 8 hr. Time Weighted Avg.:Employee can work in area 8 hrs (longer with appropriate respiratory protection). REMARKS: GAS TESTER NAME & CHECK # INSTRUMENT (S) USED MODEL &/OR TYPE SERIAL &/OR UNIT # SAFETY STANDBY PERSON IS REQUIRED FOR ALL CONFINED SPACE WORK SAFETY STANDBY PERSON (S) CHECK # CONFINED SPACE ENTRANT CHECK # CONFINED SPACE ENTRANT (S) CHECK # SUPERVISOR AUTHORIZATION ALL CONDITIONS SATISFIED DEPARTMENT/PHONE AMBULANCE 2800 FIRE 2900 Safety 4901 Gas Coordinator 4529/5387 Submit Feedback

Source excerpt

# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## B. Entry Permit Required - Permits. Confined Space Entry Permit. All spaces shall be considered permit-required confined spaces until the pre-entry procedures demonstrate otherwise. Any employee required or permitted to pre-check or enter a permit-required confined space shall have successfully completed, as a minimum, the training as required by the following sections of these procedures. A written copy of operating and rescue procedures as required by these procedures shall be at the work site for the duration of the job. The Confined Space Entry Permit must be completed before approval can be given to enter a permit-required confined space. This permit verifies completion of items listed below. This permit shall be kept at the job site for the duration of the job. If circumstances cause an interruption in the work or a change in the alarm conditions for which entry was approved, a new Confined Space Entry Permit must be completed. - Control of atmospheric and engulfment hazards. - Surveillance. The surrounding area shall be surveyed to avoid hazards such as drifting vapors from tanks, piping or sewers. - Testing. The confined space atmosphere shall be tested to determine whether dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency exists. A direct reading gas monitor shall be used. Testing shall be performed by the SUPERVISOR who has successfully completed the gas detector training for the monitor he will use. The minimum parameters to be monitored are oxygen deficiency, LFL and hydrogen sulfide concentration. A written record of the pre- entry test results shall be made and kept at the work site for the duration of the job. Affected employees shall be able to review the testing results. The most hazardous conditions shall govern when work is being performed in two adjoining, connected spaces. - Space Ventilation. Mechanical ventilation systems, where applicable, shall be set at 100% outside air. Wh…

Source excerpt

# Confined Space Entry Program (cont.) ## Entry Attendants (cont.) All entrants must be authorized by the entry supervisor to enter permit spaces, have received the required training, used the proper equipment, and observes the entry procedures and permit. The following entrant duties are required: .%1 Know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure; .%1 Properly use the equipment required for safe entry; .%1 Communicate with the attendant as necessary to enable the attendant to monitor the status of the entrants and to enable the attendant to alert the entrants of the need to evacuate the space if necessary; .%1 Alert the attendant whenever; the entrant recognizes any warning signs or symptoms of exposure to a dangerous situation, or any prohibited condition is detected; and .%1 Exit the permit space as quickly as possible whenever; the attendant or entry supervisor gives an order to evacuate the permit space, the entrant recognized any warning signs or symptoms of exposure to a dangerous situation, the entrant detects a prohibited condition, or an evacuation alarm activated. ## Definition of Confined Spaces Requiring an Entry Permit ## A Confined space: Is large enough or so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform work. Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (i.e. tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry). Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. Permit required confined space (permit space), is a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere. Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant. Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly covering walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller…

Source excerpt

# Activity page 16: Can this four-gas monitor be used to measure all atmospheric hazards? Why or why not? What can it measure? 209 It cannot measure all atmospheric hazards. There may be toxic chemicals present it cannot measure because a specific sensor is required. It can measure the following: Oxygen (02) level in percent (%) Oxygen deficiency is the lack of oxygen in the air that can lead to dizziness, nausea, impaired thinking, and death. It is has poor warning properties, because we can't smell, taste, touch or hear it. It can be caused by anything that consumes oxygen, or displaces it. Curing of paint or coatings, burning of fuels like propane or gasoline, and rust all consume oxygen. Purging a space with an inert gas, such as argon, displaces oxygen. To work in an oxygen deficient atmosphere oxygen must be provided by forced-air ventilation or a supplied-air respirator. A filtering face-piece respirator is not enough. Oxygen enrichment is a surplus of oxygen in air that can lead to an explosion if ignited, or accelerate a fire. ## Flammable or explosive atmospheres in percent lower explosive limit (% LEL) Examples include gases, liquids, vapors, mists, fibers or dusts that will burn or explode if ignited. Ignition sources can include static electricity, light bulbs, hand tools and power tools, welding, cutting, burning, brazing, and grinding. ## Toxic materials Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) in parts per million (ppm) Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to sleepiness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, impaired thinking and death. It also has poor warning properties. Burning fossil fuels like propane, gasoline, and diesel, in addition to wood products, produces carbon monoxide. To work in a space with carbon monoxide, forced-air ventilation or a supplied air respirator must be used. Carbon monoxide can't be filtered out. Hydrogen sulfide is a product of rotting organic material and is also known as "sewer gas". It has a very distinctive w…

Source excerpt

# What are unintentional release measures for hydrogen sulfide? (cont.) ## What handling and storage practices should be used when working with hydrogen sulfide? (cont.) Exposure Guideline Comments: TLV® = Threshold Limit Value. TWA = Time-Weighted Average. STEL = Short-term Exposure Limit. C = Ceiling limit. Adapted from: 2022 TLVs® and BEls® - Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) NOTE: In many (but not all) Canadian jurisdictions, the exposure limits are similar to the ACGIH® TLVs®. Since legislation varies by jurisdiction, contact your local jurisdiction for exact details. A list is available in the OSH Answers on Canadian Governmental Occupational Health & Safety Departments. A list of which acts and regulations that cover exposure limits to chemical and biological agents is available on our website. Please note that while you can see the list of legislation for free, you will need a subscription to view the actual documentation. ## What are the engineering controls for hydrogen sulfide? Engineering Controls: Use a local exhaust ventilation and enclosure, if necessary, to control amount in the air. It may be necessary to use stringent control measures such as process enclosure to prevent product release into the workplace. Use non-sparking ventilation systems, approved explosion-proof equipment and intrinsically safe electrical systems in areas where this product is used and stored. Use a ventilation system separate from other exhaust ventilation systems. Filter the contaminated air before it is directly exhausted to the outside. Use leak and fire detection equipment and an automatic fire suppression system. ## What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed when working with hydrogen sulfide? Eye/Face Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles. A face shield (with safety goggles) may also be necessary. Skin Prot…

Source excerpt

California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety & Health Publications Unit SAFETY & HEALTH | HAZARD ALERT STATE OF CALIFORNIA CAL OSHA DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS # Confined Spaces Confined spaces may be encountered in any industry and their recognition is the first step in preventing fatalities and injuries. ## Confined Spaces Can Be Deadly Entering a confined space without following all required procedures and having an effective emergency rescue plan can result in serious injuries or death. More than 60% of confined space fatalities occur among would-be rescuers. - Recycling Center: Two brothers, aged 16 and 22, died in an underground drainage system when the younger brother was overcome by hydrogen sulfide and his brother rushed to the rescue and was overcome as well. • Commercial Laundry: One worker died of traumatic asphyxia when he was unloading a large horizontal washer and was pulled into the space and crushed when the washer was inadvertently activated. • Pharmaceutical Plant: One worker died and two co-workers seriously injured. The first worker died when he entered a large reactor vessel in which nitrogen had displaced oxygen. Two other workers were injured when they attempted to rescue the first worker. ## What Is A Confined Space? The definition can vary depending on which Cal/ OSHA confined space regulation applies to the type of industry and operation. In most manufacturing and construction workplaces, a confined space is a space that has the following characteristics: 1. Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work. 2. Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit. 3. Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. These types of spaces can become permit- required confined spaces if they also have one or more of the following characteristics: - Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere. - Contains a material that …