Intro to Hydrogen Sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide is a chemical compound with the formula H2S. It's a colorless chalcogen-hydride gas, and is poisonous, corrosive, and flammable, with trace amounts in the ambient atmosphere having a characteristic foul odor of rotten eggs. Hydrogen sulfide is one of the leading causes of workplace gas inhalation deaths in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), hydrogen sulfide caused 46 worker deaths between 2011 and 2017. With high cases of worker incidents, it's critical to have a functioning hydrogen sulfide gas sensors or gas detectors to immediately inform workers of an H2S gas exposure and evacuate the area.
H2S Sensors
Hydrogen sulfide monitors play a crucial role in ensuring safety in industries where hydrogen sulfide gas is present. These specialized hydrogen sulfide detectors play an essential role in identifying hazardous gas concentrations, which are common in hazardous environments such as gas wells and refineries. Due to the toxic nature of hydrogen sulfide, especially in high concentrations, reliable detection systems are vital for protecting personnel. By continuously monitoring and detecting the presence of H2S, these sensors provide an early warning that enables swift action to mitigate potential risks associated with this hazardous gas.
Gas Characteristics
- Colorless gas
- Strong odor (rotten eggs smell)
- Extremely flammable gas
- Highly toxic gas
- Corrosive
- Explosive
- Heavier than air
- Primarily accesses the body through inhalation
- Other Names: “knock down gas,” “swamp gas,” “sewer gas,” “stink damp,” “manure gas,” etc.
- CAS 7783-06-4
FIRST AID
IN ALMOST ALL CASES OF CONTACT WITH H2S, CALL POISON CONTROL AND GO TO THE HOSPITAL
- If INHALED, move the victim to fresh air, don’t allow them to move about unnecessarily, have them seated in a comfortable position, and administer supplemental oxygen if necessary.
- DO NOT make mouth-to-mouth contact, use face shields/guards.
- If SKIN CONTACT is made, remove clothing that may restrict circulation, remove the source of contamination, DO NOT rewarm, or rub the affected area on site.
- Loosely apply a sterile cover to the affected area, NO smoking or drinking for the victim.
- If EYES are contacted, wash out eyes with lukewarm water IMMEDIATELY, 15 — 20mins. If liquefied gas was the source, rinse for a short period of time, then cover the eyes in a sterile dressing.
- If a FIRE occurs, use carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, water spray or fog to extinguish it.
IF ACCIDENTALLY RELEASED
- In the event of a spill or leak, immediately put on an escape-type respirator and exit the area.
- Evacuate the area immediately. Isolate the hazard area. Keep out unnecessary and unprotected personnel. Evacuate locations downwind.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled products unless wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Ventilate area. Eliminate all ignition sources, gas reacts to sources of spark or intense heat. Use grounded, explosion-proof equipment. Distant ignition and flashback are possible.
- Liquid: stop or reduce the leak if safe to do so. If not, allow the liquid to vaporize.
- Ventilate the area to prevent the gas from accumulating, especially in confined spaces. Gas: stop or reduce leak if safe to do so.
- Ventilate the area to prevent the gas from accumulating, especially in confined spaces.