ABC’s of H2S and SO2

Participant's Workbook

2019 Online Edition 1

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Disclaimer

This course is not, nor is it intended to be, a complete guide to the Occupational Health and Safety Act or any
accompanying Regulations or Code.
Regardless of the standards set out within this course, each reader and user is solely responsible for their own
compliance with all applicable legislation.
The developer of this course assumes-no obligation to update this course or advise on further developments
concerning the topics mentioned.
The occupational health, safety and training of organizations and competency of their respective employees in
the workplace remains the responsibility of each employer and employee.

Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS I
1. INTRODUCTION 3
2. PROPERTIES OF H2S 3
2.1. HEALTH EFFECTS ................................................................................................................... 4
3. TYPICAL SITES AND LOCATIONS 4
3.1. PREVIOUS INCIDENTS ............................................................................................................ 5
3.1.1. Incident 1 ...................................................................................................................... 5
3.1.2. Incident 2 ...................................................................................................................... 5
3.1.3. Incident 3 ...................................................................................................................... 5
3.1.4. Incident 4 ...................................................................................................................... 5
4. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS 6
4.1. RESPONSIBILITIES OF WORKSITE PARTIES ....................................................................... 6
4.1.1. Employer Responsibilities ............................................................................................ 6
4.1.2. Manager or Supervisor Responsibilities ....................................................................... 6
4.1.3. Employee Responsibilities............................................................................................ 6
4.2. WORKER BASIC RIGHTS ........................................................................................................ 7
4.3. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS .................................................................................... 7
4.4. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL ........................................................................... 8
4.4.1. Hierarchy of Control ...................................................................................................... 8
4.4.1.(a) Elimination .................................................................................................... 8
4.4.1.(b) Substitution ................................................................................................... 8
4.4.1.(c) Engineering ................................................................................................... 8
4.4.1.(d) Administrative ............................................................................................... 8
4.4.1.(e) PPE ............................................................................................................... 8
4.5. SAFE WORK PROCEDURES................................................................................................... 8
4.5.1. Code of Practice ........................................................................................................... 9
5. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) 9

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5.1. RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT .......................................................................... 9

5.2. DETECTOR TUBES ................................................................................................................ 10
5.3. ELECTRONIC GAS MONITORS ............................................................................................ 10
6. FLARING AND SO2 10
6.1. FLARING ................................................................................................................................. 10
6.2. PROPERTIES OF SO2 ............................................................................................................ 10
7. EMERGENCY RESPONSE 11
7.1. THE ABC’S OF INITIAL RESPONSE ..................................................................................... 11
7.2. RESCUE TECHNIQUES ......................................................................................................... 12

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1. INTRODUCTION
Hydrogen Sulphide, or H2S, is a heavy, colorless and toxic gas that can be found throughout the globe. It is often
formed from the decay of organic material in areas deficient in oxygen, and is naturally occurring around sulphur
springs, volcanoes and other geothermally active areas.

In industry, it can be formed whenever elemental sulfur or sulfur compounds come into contact with organic
materials at high temperatures.

According to a World Health Organization study in 2000, only about 10% of the global emissions of H2S are the
result of human activity.

Effects of H2S have varying degrees of impact on the human body depending on the concentration encountered.
Typically, it is measured in parts per million since it takes relatively little to have immediate serious health
consequences. One part per million or PPM, means there is one-part gas, per million parts of air. To put this in
perspective, typically H2S smells like rotten eggs at approximately 0.001 ppm, as a percentage this equates to
0.0000001%.

It is generally accepted that any concentrations above 500 PPM or only 0.05% could result in loss of consciousness
and death. You can see it makes more sense to use PPM as opposed to percent measurement when dealing with
such small quantities.

If, however, you need to covert PPM to percent, simply divide the PPM value by 10,000, or if you need to go the
other way, multiply the percent value by 10,000 to get PPM. There are other units used in the measurement of H2S,
but for the sake of simplicity, we will stick to PPM for the remainder of this course.

The boiling point of H2S is negative 60° Celsius, so chances are that if you encounter H2S, it will likely be a gas.

2. PROPERTIES OF H2S
H2S is colorless as a gas. It is soluble, which means it will dissolve in liquids.

You must use caution when working in areas where liquid may be present, such as the bottom of ditches, tanks and
other vessels. If liquid containing H2S is disturbed, it may be released into the atmosphere. It is heavier than air
which is why it is normally low lying.

• Molecular weight of H2S is 34.1 grams per mole compared to air at 28.97.

• Vapor Density of 1.2 as compared to air which is 1.0. It can however, be affected by temperature and variations
in wind currents.

Like previously mentioned, it smells like rotten eggs at low concentrations, however; you can’t rely on your sense
of smell, since it is odourless at higher concentrations where it is even more dangerous.

In summary, H2S is generally encountered as a gas and is colorless, odourless at high concentrations, and is heavier
than air, along with being extremely toxic.

You must also be very careful around any liquids that could contain H 2S since a disturbance of the liquid could
release the gas back into the atmosphere.

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2.1. HEALTH EFFECTS

H2S Concentration (PPM) EFFECT

0.01 - 0.3 Odour threshold

1 - 20 Offensive odour similar to rotten eggs, possible nausea, tearing of the

eyes or headaches with prolonged exposure

20 - 100 Nose, throat and lung irritation; digestive upset and loss of appetite;
sense of smell starts to become fatigued; acute conjunctivitis may occur
(pain, tearing and light sensitivity)

100 - 200 Severe nose, throat and lung irritation; ability to smell odour completely
disappears.

250 - 500 Pulmonary edema (build-up of fluid in the lungs)

500 Severe lung irritation, excitement, headache, dizziness, staggering,

sudden collapse (knockdown), unconsciousness and death within a few
hours, loss of memory for the period of exposure

500 - 1000 Respiratory paralysis, irregular heartbeat, collapse and death without
rescue.

>1000 Rapid collapse and death

3. Typical Sites and Locations

As we know, H2S is heavier than air and can be found in low lying areas where organic material has been decaying.
Anytime you dig a hole in the ground, there is a possibility you could encounter H2S. Before people understood the
effects of H2S gas, many were knocked down or even died in the process of digging water wells. This occurred so
often that well diggers soon began to draw out empty buckets of evil spirts to exorcise the demons before entering
the well. What they were actually doing, was withdrawing buckets of H 2S gas and dispersing it into the atmosphere,
allowing clean air from above to move down into the well. Not an ideal system but none the less, may have saved
a few lives.

Often times, if you remove existing air from the space, the decreased pressure can also result in dangerous gases
seeping back into the space from below. Therefore, it is preferred to force fresh air into the space creating a positive
pressure and thus reducing the possibility of dangerous gases seeping back into the space from below. This is
referred to as pressurization. Today, we have a much better understanding of H2S, its properties, and where it can
be found.

Since H2S is naturally occurring around decaying organic materials, it is often found in petroleum and natural gas
reservoirs. It can also be found in many manufacturing plants where organic materials are processed.

Some of the more common industries where H2S is likely to be found include: oil and gas; pulp and paper; water
treatment; food processing; and tar and asphalt manufacturing.

The most common locations within those industries to encounter H 2S include: production refining facilities such as
pipes, towers, and compressors; pits and ditches; wellheads or bores; vessels, tanks and other confined spaces;
fluid spills and tank farm berms; and sulphur, amine and sour water units.

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Common leak sources at the equipment level include: valves, fittings, seals, flanges, drains, pressure safety valves
or PSV’s, vent lines, and sample test ports. It should be clear from this extensive list that H 2S can be found
throughout many plant sites and processing facilities. Always err on the side of caution.

Although we’ve come a long way in our understanding of H 2S and the dangers it poses, incidents and fatalities still
occur. The controls that employers have put in place have drastically reduced the number of fatalities in past
decades, but they haven’t yet been eliminated altogether, so we must keep doing all we can to eliminate this critical
hazard. You must be diligent and protect your own health and safety, and where you can, the safety of others.

3.1. PREVIOUS INCIDENTS

The following incidents were sourced from the US department of labour ([Link]).

3.1.1. INCIDENT 1
At 11:00 a.m. on July 7, 2017, Employee #1 was attempting to dislodge a 24-inch rubber plug from a 2-foot
diameter sewer pipe located inside a 24-foot deep wet well. The workers were outside the well pulling on
a one quarter inch nylon rope that was attached to the 24-inch diameter plug. The plug was lodged inside
a T-shaped PVC fitting from the force of the waste water emptying into the well.
Without conducting any atmospheric testing of the work space, Employee #1 climbed down the ladder with
a crowbar to dislodge the deflated 24-inch diameter rubber plug, which was about 8 feet below the top of
the well. He had difficulty releasing the plug with the crowbar and started to make his way up the ladder.
He lost consciousness when he was about 2 feet from the top of the well and fell into the 24-foot deep well.
Employee #2 descended down the ladder to provide emergency rescue, but lost consciousness and went
underwater. The waste water level was about 3 feet deep at this point.
Employee #3 climbed down the ladder to provide emergency rescue, but lost consciousness as well.
All three workers died as a result of H2S exposure.

3.1.2. INCIDENT 2
In another tragic incident that occurred at 11:00 am on October 18, 2016, two employees were removing a
failed sump pump from a wet well.
Both workers again died, from hydrogen sulphide exposure.

3.1.3. INCIDENT 3
In another incident, at approximately 4:45 p.m. on April 22, 2015, an employee was working at a polymer
plant and adding bags of polymer cross linker chemicals to an asphalt tank. He was on top of a platform
for an asphalt Mix tank.
As he added the chemical, he inhaled a lethal amount of hydrogen sulfide fumes emanating from the tank
and died from the exposure.

3.1.4. INCIDENT 4
In another incident at approximately 1:00 p.m. on October 22, 2014, Employee #1 was adjusting process
piping that had been installed at a waste water treatment plant, when he encountered a leak.
Employee #1 exited Pump Room #2 to notify Water Utilities of the leak.
Employee #1 returned to Pump Room #2 intending to close the main valve from the primary clarifier to
isolate the flow from the leak. Upon re-entering the Pump Room, he was overcome with hydrogen sulfide
and unable to exit the room.
Upon hearing that Employee #1 had fallen, Employee #2 then entered the room to retrieve Employee #1.
Both employees were unable to exit the room and were killed from over exposure to H2S.

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4. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
There are fourteen jurisdictions in Canada: one federal, ten provincial and three territorial, each having its own
occupational health and safety legislation. Each jurisdiction in Canada has a legal responsibility to protect its
workers. To this end they have developed regulations and codes to ensure safe worksites and work practices.

The occupational health safety code or regulation for each jurisdiction will specify the technical standards and rules
that employers and workers have to comply with to fulfill their obligations. Employers should also comply with
industry standard practices, which may in some cases, provide a higher level of worker safety.

Employers in Canada are legally obligated to exercise due diligence when it comes to ensuring worker safety. This
means they must be able to demonstrate that they took all reasonable precautions, under the particular
circumstances, to prevent injuries or accidents in the workplace.

To exercise due diligence, an employer must implement a plan to identify possible workplace hazards and carry out
the appropriate corrective action to prevent accidents or injuries arising from these hazards.

4.1. RESPONSIBILITIES OF WORKSITE PARTIES

4.1.1. EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES

An employer must:
▪ Establish and maintain a health and safety committee, or cause workers to select at least one health
and safety representative;
▪ Take every reasonable precaution to ensure the workplace is safe;
▪ Train employees about any potential hazards and how to safely use, handle, store and dispose of
hazardous substances and how to handle emergencies;
▪ Supply personal protective equipment and ensure workers know how to use and handle the equipment
safely and properly;
▪ Immediately report all critical injuries to the government department responsible for OH&S; and
▪ Appoint a competent supervisor who sets the standards for performance, and who ensures safe working
conditions are always observed.

4.1.2. MANAGER OR SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The manager or supervisor must:
▪ Make sure workers work in compliance with OH&S acts and regulations;
▪ Make sure that workers use prescribed protective equipment devices;
▪ Advise workers of potential and actual hazards;
▪ Provide workers with written instructions as to the measures and procedures to be taken for protection
of the worker; and
▪ Take every reasonable precaution in the circumstances for the protection of workers.
Managers and supervisors act on behalf of the employer, and hence, have the responsibility to meet the
duties of the employer as specified in the legislation.

4.1.3. EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES

Employee responsibilities include the following:
▪ Work in compliance with OH&S acts and regulations.
▪ Use personal protective equipment and clothing as directed by the employer.

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▪ Report workplace hazards and dangers to the supervisor or employer.

▪ Work in a safe manner as required by the employer and use the prescribed safety equipment.
▪ Tell the supervisor or employer about any missing or defective equipment or protective device that may
be dangerous.

4.2. WORKER BASIC RIGHTS

Workers have three basic rights:

• the right to refuse unsafe work;

• the right to participate in the workplace health and safety activities through the Health and Safety Committee or
as a worker health and safety representative; and

• the right to know, or the right to be informed about, actual and potential dangers in the workplace.

4.3. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS

H2S is classified as a hazardous material by the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety. Its Chemical
abstracts services Registry number is 7783-06-4. This is a unique number used to identify Hydrogen sulfide.

WHMIS labelling for H2S notes that it is an extremely flammable gas. It is very toxic if inhaled and is very toxic to
aquatic life.

In Canada, limits have been set for occupational exposure of H 2S to ensure worker safety. These exposure limits
are established according to the threshold limit values adopted by the American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists. Provincial regulators, however, have the authority to make exceptions to these published
values and in some instances may adopt occupational exposure limits that are not consistent with the threshold limit
values established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

The table shown here lists some typical H2S and SO2 occupational exposure limit values and their definitions. This
table is for explanation purposes only since you must know your provincial regulation or code which may differ from
the one shown here.

8-hour Occupational 15 min Occupational

Substance Ceiling Value (PPM)
Exposure Limit (TWA) Exposure Limit (STEL)

Hydrogen Sulphide 1 PPM 5 PPM 5 PPM

Sulphur Dioxide 2 PPM 5 PPM 5 PPM

Eight Hour occupational exposure limit or TWA means the time weighted average concentration of a substance in
air which may not be exceeded over a normal 8-hour work period. The table shown here indicates that you must
not exceed one Part per million of H2S in a normal 8-hour period.

For Sulphur Dioxide or SO2, the TWA is 2 parts per million.

Short term exposure limit or STEL means the time weighted average concentration of a substance in air which may
not be exceeded over a 15-minute period, and no more than 4 of these in an 8-hour shift, with at least one hour
between any two successive 15-minute excursion periods.

The Ceiling Value means the concentration of a substance in air that may not be exceeded at any time during the
work period. The table indicates that you cannot be exposed to more than 5 PPM of H2S or SO2 for any duration.

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The immediately dangerous to life and health or IDLH value has been set by the National Institute of Occupational
Health and Safety at 100 PPM for both H2S and SO2.

Never work in any potential H2S or SO2 environment until you are familiar with the Occupational Exposure Limit
values adopted for your specific jurisdiction. These can be found in your provinces code or regulation.

4.4. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL

Employers implement rules and regulations that require specific systems be utilized to ensure hazards are identified
prior to commencing work at the jobsite. Field level risk assessments (FLRA), job safety analysis (JSA), safe work
permits, and gas testing are all methods of identifying and controlling hazards.

4.4.1. HIERARCHY OF CONTROL

The ‘Hierarchy of Control’ refers to the order in which control methods are most reliable and effective to
least reliable and effective.

4.4.1.(a) Elimination
Elimination (Low or no risk) - is always at the top of the hierarchy since it is the most effective
means. Elimination is the removal of the hazard. For example, a plant could be designed to
ensure the necessary equipment or control panels for workers are accessible from ground level
where there is no risk of falling from heights.

4.4.1.(b) Substitution
Second in the hierarchy, we often see Substitution (some risk). Substitution involves replacing
a hazardous material or process with something that is not a hazard or is less hazardous. An
example of substitution would be switching out a toxic chemical or changing a process, for one
that can accomplish the same job but is not toxic or potentially hazardous to workers.

4.4.1.(c) Engineering
Next on the list is Engineering (increased risk). Engineering controls isolate workers from the
hazard. They are a good method of controlling hazards because they work independently of
workers. Common engineering controls for H2S and SO2 include: isolation controls (blanking or
blinding), lock-out, purging, ventilation, neutralizing, filtration, non- sparking, explosion proof
equipment, atmospheric testing and continuous monitoring.

4.4.1.(d) Administrative
Next in the hierarchy is Administrative (higher risk). Administrative controls change the way
people work. It includes things like safe work practices and procedures. An example may be
a housekeeping rule requiring signage for spills and cleaning them up immediately.

4.4.1.(e) PPE
Last on the list we see Personal Protective Equipment. PPE is always considered the last line
of defense. It is the least effective means of controlling hazards since it simply reduces the
worker’s exposure to the hazard and is only effective if it is used properly.

4.5. SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

For Health and safety purposes, all facilities with any concentration of H2S should be evaluated for the potential of
worker over exposure. If the potential exists, a code of practice should be implemented. You must refer to the
specific requirements for your jurisdiction.

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4.5.1. CODE OF PRACTICE

The code of practice should specify the following:
▪ Safe work practices for working with or near the substance;
▪ Preventative measures to be taken to prevent releases of the substance;
▪ Action to be taken in the event of a release;
▪ Protective equipment to be used by the workers who work with the substance or in areas of workplace
where they may be exposed to the substance;
▪ Emergency procedures;
▪ Site and emergency contacts;
▪ Decontamination procedures;
▪ Waste handling procedures; and
▪ Worksite monitoring requirements.

5. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Personal protective equipment (or PPE) should include equipment to protect your skin, for example, a face shield,
goggles, fire resistant and chemically protective clothing. Employers should have a written respiratory protection
program that describes the proper procedure for selecting and operating respiratory equipment.

5.1. RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Choosing the correct type of respirator can be quite complex. Occupational hygienists or knowledgeable safety
professionals should be consulted for the proper respirator selection. A suitable respirator can only be chosen after
all relevant factors have been evaluated, and it has been fit tested to ensure it seals to the user’s face.

Full face air-purifying respirators with H2S or SO2 protective cartridges do not generate breathing air. To use this
type of respirator, the oxygen content must be at least 19.5%. Never enter a toxic environment unless you are sure
the space has also been tested for oxygen and that entry with this type of respirator is allowed. It must only be worn
in the presence of moderately toxic contaminates that have distinctive warning properties so the user can tell when
the cartridge has expired.

SABA SCBA
Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

Supplied air breathing apparatus or Self-Contained breathing

SABA is a respirator linked to a apparatus or SCBA differs
remote air supply tank to provide from SABA in that the air is
continuous pressurized breathing contained is an air cylinder
air. With Supplied air respirators, an attached to the back of a user’s
emergency escape bottle must also harness.
be worn in case of disruption in the
The cylinder must be rated to
supplied air.
supply air for at least 30
The emergency bottle is for escape minutes and must be equipped
purposes only and must never be with a low air pressure alarm.
used to carry out work in an unsafe
Like SABA, the mask is
environment.
pressurized at all times to
The mask is pressurized at all times prevent entry of contaminates.
to prevent entry of contaminates.
Major components of SCBA include: carrier
Major components include a remote air supply tank, and harness assembly, cylinder, pressure
pressure gauge, hose line, emergency escape tank, gauge, second stage regulator assembly, and
second stage regulator assembly, and face piece. face piece.

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As with other specialized PPE, you must receive training in its use and practice to gain competency. This course
does not qualify you to use SABA or SCBA equipment.

5.2. DETECTOR TUBES

Detector tubes work by pulling a gas sample through a glass tube containing a reagent, and a reaction between the
gas and the solid reagent forms a color change that is related to the concentration of the gas. Depending on the
manufacturer’s design, a 100 ml gas sample is drawn through a glass tube using either a bellows or a piston. The
point where the color change stops, is read off against graduated markings on the tube. The drawing of air with the
pump is termed a stroke. This testing method is relatively inaccurate being plus or minus 25% even when following
the manufacturer’s recommendations and cautions. These units are generally used for point testing around
equipment to check for leaks.

5.3. ELECTRONIC GAS MONITORS

Electronic gas monitors are a continuous measurement system that sounds an alarm whenever hazardous
concentrations of gas reach preset values. They contain sensors that are designed to detect specific gases. These
monitors can be personal, portable, or fixed and installed in strategic areas. In some instances, the sensors can be
remotely located and send signals to a central control area. Practical familiarization training is required before using
gas testing equipment. This course does not qualify you to select, use or calibrate gas testing equipment.

6. FLARING AND SO2

Predicting the movement of H2S or SO2 gas can be difficult under certain conditions. If the gas is heated and
warmer than the ambient air, it may rise instead of fall. If the gas is mixed with lighter gas, it may be carried up with
the lighter gas stream. If wind currents are circulating and forming eddies, it could cause rapid changes in direction.
You should always be aware of the wind direction.

6.1. FLARING

No discussion around H2S is complete without an understanding of flaring. Flaring is the burning of natural gas that
cannot be processed or sold and is also a safety measure used to dispose of sour gas containing H 2S and CO2.

Flare stacks, or tall chimneys, are primarily a safety measure to prevent the accumulation of gases that could pose
a hazard. They are particularly important at sour gas facilities because, as we’ve already learned, H2S is flammable,
toxic, and heavier than air. The burning process converts the H2S into water vapor and SO2. SO2 is also heavier
than air, and can be toxic, but is lifted by the hot gas and dispersed high into the atmosphere. Because the burning
of H2S produces SO2, information about SO2 is an essential part of any H2S training program.

SO2 at lower levels can be described as a corrosive irritant especially with respect to the lungs, but H2S even at
moderate levels can be described as a neurotoxin which means it disrupts the normal function of nerve cells.

Remember, H2S is extremely harmful, even deadly concentrations cannot be seen or smelled, which makes it far
more dangerous than SO2 since SO2 is so irritating to the nose and throat, that it provides its own warning signs.

6.2. PROPERTIES OF SO2

In addition to flaring, SO2 can result from several other activities and processes. The burning of fossil fuels such as
coal, gasoline, or diesel containing sulphur, can produce SO2. Extracting gasoline from oil and extracting metal
from ore can also result in SO2.

Sulphur Dioxide gas has a pungent odor similar to the smell of a just lit match. In addition to being formed by the
burning of sulphur containing compounds as described above, it is also naturally occurring in volcanic gases and
warm sulphur springs. Its boiling point is negative 10 degrees Celsius. It is Non-flammable. Its Freezing point is
negative 75.6° C. It has a Molecular weight of 64.1. Its CAS Registry Number is 7446-09-5.

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SO2 Concentration (PPM) EFFECT

1-5 Threshold for respiratory response in healthy individuals upon exercise
or deep breathing.
3-5 Gas is easily noticeable. Fall in lung function at rest and increased
airway resistance.
5 Increased airway resistance in healthy individuals.
6 Immediate irritation of eyes, nose and throat.
10 Worsening irritation of eyes, nose and throat.
10 - 15 Threshold of toxicity for prolonged exposure.
20+ Paralysis or death occurs after extended exposure.
150 Maximum concentration that can be withstood for a few minutes by
healthy individuals.

WHMIS labelling for SO2 notes that it causes severe skin burns and eye damage and is very toxic if inhaled. It is
extremely corrosive to the respiratory tract.

7. EMERGENCY RESPONSE
It is critical that you know what to do in the event of an H2S or SO2 gas release. To make it easy to remember,
we’ve assigned each step an identifying letter. The first step you must take begins with A, the second with B, and
so on. So, let’s take a look at what you need to do in the event of a gas release, or what we call, the ABC’s of initial
response.

7.1. THE ABC’S OF INITIAL RESPONSE

A = Abandon: You must abandon the area immediately and evacuate to a safe area. Check wind conditions
and move upwind from the release or crosswind away from an upwind release. Remember H2S and SO2 are
both heavier than air so higher ground may also offer some relief.

B = Broadcast: You must broadcast the alarm and follow your worksite procedures, for example, sound
whistle, horn, or call by radio. Call for help.

C = Count & Consider: Conduct a head count and assess the situation for other hazards.

D = Don: Don your RPE. Always put on your SCBA BEFORE attempting to rescue fallen coworkers.

E = Exercise Recovery Operations: Only once you’ve donned your SCBA, are you permitted to re-enter
the exposed area to remove victims to safety.

F = First Aid: Administer first aid and CPR if necessary, call for emergency services and continue CPR until
EMS arrives. Ensure the individual is kept warm and remove any contaminated clothing. Keep conscious
individuals at rest. Be aware of possible accompanying injuries. For example, if the victim’s eyes are red
and painful, flush with large amounts of clean water for at least 15 minutes. Ensure the workers receive
medical care as soon as possible. The worker must not be allowed to return to work or other activities after
being knocked-down by H2S.

G = Guide: Guide EMS by providing direction and information to Medical services. Even if the victim revives
quickly, they still require medical attention because there remains a danger that fluid may collect in the lungs.

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Arrange a transport of the victim to medical aid and provide the necessary information to Emergency Medical
Services.

7.2. RESCUE TECHNIQUES

Now that you know when it’s safe to rescue a co-worker knocked-down by H2S, we should cover how to remove
the victim to safety.

If you are alone and conducting the rescue yourself, you can simply grasp the victim’s collar and drag them to safety.
Use your wrists and forearms to support their head. Check your travel path periodically to ensure it’s clear. The
obvious difficulty with this technique, is that it requires that you walk backwards.

Another method if you are alone, is to reach through under the victim’s arms crossing and grasping both arms while
lifting the victim. Although this technique allows you to stand more upright, you are still walking backwards and
need to be aware of your travel path.

With two rescuers, loosen the neckline of the victim’s coveralls and each grasp a side of the coveralls with one hand
and lift and pull in unison. With this method the rescuers can fully stand and walk in the forward direction and the
victim’s head is supported by their clothing. Care must be taken to ensure the victim’s clothing is loosened enough
to prevent any pressure on the neck and throat.

Another option with two rescuers, is to have one rescuer at the victim’s head and the other at the feet. Cross the
victim’s arms at their chest and overlap their legs. One rescuer lifts the victim by reaching through under the arms
and lifting at the chest while supporting the victim’s head against the rescuer’s chest. The second rescuer, lifts the
victim at the lower legs and places both legs under one arm leaving the other arm ready to open doors as they carry
the victim to safety.

When working in an H2S environment, a constant awareness of the wind direction is essential in or around the
areas that could accidently release toxic gas. The flags and windsocks will point in the opposite direction from
which the wind is originating.

Wind direction is reported by the direction from which it originates. It sounds confusing, so let’s look at a few
examples. If the flags and wind socks are pointing South, then it would indicate a Northerly wind. If they were
pointing West, it would mean there is an easterly wind.

Let’s say you observe the flag on the main administration building and notice that it is pointing North, what wind
direction would this indicate? You’d be right if you answered Southerly.

What if the wind sock in the lay down yard is pointing East, what wind direction would this indicate? It would be a
Westerly wind.

This time, you are listening to the radio and it reports that the wind is Westerly, from which direction is the wind
blowing? In this case, it would be blowing from the West.

Knowing the wind direction and how it is reported could be essential in any accidental gas release situation.
Obviously, the wind direction is not limited to the four directions we talked about previously, but you should now
have a good understanding of how it is reported.

If the area flags are pointing south west, then this would indicate a north easterly wind, and so on. But why is all
this talk about the wind so important? Well, if there is a gas release, you need to get away from or abandon the
area as quickly and safety as possible. You have to ensure that you are not running into the path of the toxic gas.
Your goal is to get upwind of the gas and you can’t do that if you don’t know which way the wind is blowing the gas.
Keep in mind though, that H2S is heavier than air so higher ground is also better.

When the alarm sounds, check the windsock, areas flags, or trees to determine the direction of the wind. If the
windsock is pointing South, you know it’s a Northerly wind which will be blowing the gas to the South. The gas
release is to the South of your position, so to head upwind means you head North.

ABCs H2S & SO2 Study Guide [Link]

ABC’s of H2S and SO2 (2018 Edition 1) Page 13

If you are located upwind from a gas release, then continue to move upwind away from the release area. Your goal
should be to get upwind of the release, but If you are located downwind, you will need to initially head crosswind
away from the release area. Never move down wind of a gas release.

Remember, if you are not wearing respiratory protective equipment, and you attempt to rescue your co-worker, you
will also be knocked down. You must Abandon the area immediately before attempting any rescue if you are not
protected by RPE.

Every work site will be different. Get to know the muster stations. If it’s an H2S environment, get to know the
location of the alarms. Locate the wind socks. Get to know the landscape. Ensure you have all the PPE necessary.
You may need personal gas detectors. If so, ensure you know how to operate them. Make sure you know the
location of emergency equipment and air packs. Ensure you have the training needed to don and wear the
equipment.

When you are dealing with H2S, there are no do-overs. Resist running in to save a coworker that’s just been
knocked down by H2S until AFTER, you’ve donned your RPE. If it got them, it will get you too.

This course covers the basics, but to become competent, you need practical experience.

Never work in known H2S environments without familiarization training on respiratory protection equipment.
Become proficient donning the equipment before your life or your buddy’s life hangs on your ability to get it on in a
hurry.

Remember your ABC’s and don’t take chances with your health and safety. Make sure you know the safe work
procedures and be diligent in following them. Your family is counting on you to make it home safely at the end of
every day.

ABCs H2S & SO2 Study Guide [Link]