Hydrogen Sulfide				Revision:	0
				Date:	12/21/2024
				Prepared by:
				Approved by:

1.0 INTRODUCTION

_____ employees may be exposed to hydrogen sulfide at our clients’ facilities. This section covers general information concerning hydrogen sulfide as developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

2.0 SCOPE

This section applies to all _____ operating units.

3.0 PURPOSE

The purpose of this program is to ensure that all _____ employees who have the potential to come into contact with hydrogen sulfide understand the potential for illness, accident or injury, safe handling procedures, and methods of protection.

4.0 HYDROGEN SULFIDE CHARACTERISTICS

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, flammable, extremely hazardous gas with a “rotten egg” smell and which is soluble in water. The odor is a poor warning property because hydrogen sulfide exposure quickly deadens the sense of smell. The gas is heavier than air and may collect in low areas such as sewers, pits, tunnels and ditches. Hydrogen sulfide is incompatible with oxidizing agents, such as nitric acid, and may react violently or ignite spontaneously.

5.0 OCCURRENCE OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE

Hydrogen sulfide exposures usually occur during the drilling for or production of natural gas, crude oil and petroleum products. Hydrogen sulfide is also produced by the putrefaction of organic matter and may accumulate in sewers or sewage treatment plants. Hydrogen sulfide may be used in the manufacture of inorganic sulfides, sulfuric acid and mercaptans. Potential employee exposures can occur during the following operations:

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