CHARCTERISTICS
Hydrogen Sulphide gas can be extremely dangerous in your workplace. In order to protect yourself you will need to be thoroughly familiar with characteristics of H2S listed below.
COLOURLESS
Hydrogen Sulphide is a colorless gas so it is not visibly detected.
ROTTEN EGG SMELL
At low concentrations H2s has a distinct rotten egg odour. At higher dangerous concentrations, the gas is odourless because it deadens the sense of smell. Therefore, don’t count on the rotten egg smell to warn you of its presence.
HAVER THAN AIR
Since H2S is slightly heavier air it can accumulate in low lying and confined areas. Be especially aware that ditches, tanks and other confined spaces can collect the gas.
CORROSIVE
H2S is very corrosive to certain metals. For this reason pipe values and other equipment should be properly maintained when H2S is present.
FLAMMABLE
Hydrogen Sulphide ignites at the relatively low temperature of 360C to produce sulphur dioxide, anther toxic gas.
WATER SOLUBLE
Hydrogen Sulphide is water soluble. Any water contaminated with the gas is a potential hazard.
TOXIC
Above all, the one characteristic of H2S that makes it so dangerous is its extreme toxicity. H2s can kill within minutes.
EFFECTS
Hydrogen Sulphide is absorbed into the body through inhalation and the effect it can have depends on both the concentration of the air is measured in parts-per-million or P.P.M.
At concentrations around 20ppm the presence of H2S is likely to cause eye irritation and is easily recognized by its rotten egg odour. However...
When concentrations reach 100 to 150ppm the sense of smell is deadened and eye and throat irritation occurs in minutes.
Other complications such as headaches and nausea can also result.
When levels reach 300ppm, loss of consciousness can occur within 30 minutes, and at 500ppm to 1000ppm respiratory arrest occurs followed by unconsciousness and death.
Please be carefully wherever in the plant
