SAFETY AND H2S Excellent pdf on toxicity and safety measure for H2S from NOVA safety and environmental:

Highlights:

General Properties: Invisible, Flammable, Explosive, Toxic Odor of Rotten Eggs Corrosive, Water and Oil Soluble, Heavier than Air

When H2S mixes with water it forms a weak acid. There’s water in our eyes, nose, throat and respiratory system which leads to irritation. Examples: burning eyes, sore/scratchy throat, coughing, respiratory irritation.

P.E.L. = Permissible Exposure Limit Defined as the maximum air concentration you can be exposed to in an 8 hour period, 40 Hour Week, without respiratory protection. Established by O.S.H.A., making it a LAW.

P.E.L. for H2S is 10 ppm

I.D.L.H. = Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health. I.D.L.H. H2S = 100 ppm

S.T.E.L. = Short Term Exposure Limit, based on a 15 Minute Time Period S.T.E.L. H2S = 15 ppm

Symptoms of Exposure: Burning Eyes, Sore Throat, Respiratory Irritation. Coughing, Headache, Dizziness Nausea, Fatigue, Confusion, Loss of Sense of Smell

H2S is a highly flammable and explosive gas. H2S fires produce a toxic gas. Ignition Temp is 500 F

The main byproduct of an H2S fire is Sulfur Dioxide or SO2. P.E.L. SO2 = 2 ppm I.D.L.H. SO2 = 20 ppm

What to do in event of Alarm:

Stay Wind Smart Always pay attention to the flags or wind socks. When alarms sound, retreat cross wind to the safe briefing area. Well Head Wind Direction

OSHA fact sheet on H2S:

NIOSH Guide to H2S:

Methods used by NIOSH to measure h2s: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0337.html

Methods used by OSHA for sampling

http://www.osha.gov/dts/sltc/methods/inorganic/id141/id141.html

Article on Electrochemical versus metal oxide sensors: argues electrochemical sensors are superior.

Possible H2S monitors we could get for field research safety:

http://www.envirorentals.com/RKI-Gaswatch-Personal-H2S-CO-Monitor.html

http://www.jjstech.com/1005.html

http://www.majorsafety.com/index.cfm/product/326_207/bw-gasalert-clip-extreme-personal-single-gas-monitor.cfm

http://www.gassniffer.com/bw-honeywell-gas-alert-clip-extreme-h2s-monitor.html?gclid=CKyP6Ifgo7ECFYfe4AodQDYv7g

http://www.professionalequipment.com/msa-altair-maintenance-free-single-gas-detector-hydrogen-sulfide-h2s-10070749/hydrogen-sulfide/