HYDROGEN SULFIDE (H2S) AWARENESS PROGRAM

 

                                  HYDROGEN SULFIDE 

This safety awareness program is intended to provide information to Winger Companies, herein referred to as Winger, employees regarding the potential health effects of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S). Our goal is to ensure our employees have the knowledge they need to work safely and adequate measures can be taken to limit exposures through safe work procedures in the workplace.

H2S  (hydrogen sulfide0

WHAT IS HYDROGEN SULFIDE (H2S)?

 Hydrogen sulfide is the chemical compound with the formula H2S. It is slightly (20%) heavier than air, has a tendency to settle in low-laying areas, and is readily dispersed by wind movements or currents.

 H2S dissolves in water forming a weak acid (hydro sulfurous acid). 

H2S will be released when in water when agitated making it a dangerous hidden hazard. 

A mixture of H2S and air is explosive. When ignition occurs, the combustion produces irritants and toxic gases, including sulfur dioxide (SO2) which can have an irritating effect on the eyes and lungs and can be fatal.

 H2S attacks most metals, especially in the presence of water, forming sulfides that are usually insoluble precipitates. It is also very corrosive to plastics and tissue. 

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, very poisonous, flammable, extremely hazardous gas with the characteristic odor of “rotten egg”. It occurs naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, biogas, LPG, volcanic gases, some well waters, and hot springs. 

Natural gas can contain up to 90%. Hydrogen sulfide often results from the bacterial breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen, such as in swamps and human and animal sewers (e.g., sewage); this process is commonly known as anaerobic digestion. Bacteria found in your mouth and gastrointestinal tract produce hydrogen sulfide from bacteria decomposing materials that contain vegetable or animal proteins.

 The human body produces small amounts of H2S and uses it as a signaling molecule. Industrial activities that can produce the gas include petroleum/natural gas drilling and refining, wastewater treatment, coke ovens, food processing, tanneries, and kraft paper mills. Hydrogen sulfide can also exist

as a liquid compressed gas.

 Other names for hydrogen sulfide: 

 Dihydrogen monosulfide 

 Dihydrogen sulfide

  Hydrosulfuric acid 

 Manure gas

  Rotten egg gas 

 Sewer gas

  Sour gas 

 Stink damp

  Sulfane

  Sulfur Hydride 

 Sulfurated hydrogen

  Sulfur hydride 

 Swamp gas