Houston, TX – July, 2021 – Does your plant useH2S or hydrogen sulfide gas as a component to produce something or produce hydrogen sulfide as a byproduct of a process? Read on, if the answer is yes.
H2S gas smells like rotten eggs and is not visible the human eye. And theH2Sgas is dangerous to anyone who comes in contact with it.
A few facts about H2S or Hydrogen sulfide you should know –
- H2S is a toxic gas and proves extremely lethal in closed spaces, low-lying areas, or spaces with poor ventilation
- H2S is usually found in natural gas, petroleum, mineral rock and even natural hot springs. It maybe emitted during the drilling for natural gas
- H2S is also produced when bacteria in waste or organic materials break down due to an absence of oxygen
- Even the smallest concentrations of H2S can cause side effects
Here are the top 3 reasons why hydrogen sulfide (H2S gas) is so dangerous.
- H2S is colorless
- H2S can be lethal
- H2S can be highly explosive
H2S is colorless
WhileH2S or hydrogen sulfide has a characteristic “rotten egg” smell and known for its stink damp, its hazard lies in its colorlessness. Since it is colorless, H2S gas may build up in an area undetected and reach a limit that reduces your ability to smell. Also known as olfactory desensitization, excessive exposure can numb your senses, allowingH2S gas to increase to levels that could cause serious and irreparable health effects.
H2S can be lethal
Like other toxic gases, exposure to H2S can be seriously detrimental to the health of your workers. Those who work in close proximity to H2S gas should be educated about the detection and symptoms of the presence of H2S gas. According to the OSHA, H2S gas is one of the most significant causes of workplace injuries and inhalation deaths.
Even moderate exposure to H2S gas may cause fatigue, headaches, loss of balance, and vomiting. Exposure to levels over 50ppm may cause severe side effects while exposure to 100ppm or above may result in death.
H2S gas is more dangerous than other gases because it may cause a person to lose their ability to smell, disabling them to determine if the hazard was still present. This false sense of safety may lead people to remain in the hazardous environment thinking there is no exposure any longer.
H2S can be explosive
In high concentrations, H2S gas can be explosive. It is flammable and explosive at various concentrations and even the smallest spark from a cigarette, or pipe can create a dangerous situation.
If your plant producesH2S gas as a by-product or uses it as a component, it is extremely important to educate workers about its nature, establish a safety protocol..
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