Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Safety Training

The Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training course consists of a full-length video that features professional voiceovers and over 25 interactive modules. Students take a series of self-grading quizzes throughout the course followed by a final exam.

An OSHA Study Timer tracks your study time and saves your progress allowing you to log in and out at your own convenience and pick up right where you left off.

All completed hours count as Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

This course is eligible for .1 Continuance of Certification (COC) points from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).

This 1-hour course covers the following topics in detail:

• Physical and chemical properties of H2S.
• Safe working procedures for hydrogen sulfide.
• Federal and state regulations.
• Contingency and emergency response plans.
• Burning and flaring attributes and hazards.
• Methods of detection and monitoring.
• Human physiology and respiratory protection.

This course meets the requirements of OSHA Standard 1910.1000 Table Z-2 and the General Duty Clause Section5(a)(1).

There are no prerequisite courses needed to take the Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training course.

There are no physical or on-site requirements for the Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training course.

What are the regulations for hydrogen sulfide training?

While there is not a specific regulation for hydrogen sulfide training, the employer is responsible for adequately training their employees. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas is a common hazard in the oil and gas industry. Upon completion of this H2S training, employees will demonstrate knowledge of the sources of hydrogen sulfide, its physical and chemical properties and effects on the body, hydrogen sulfide exposure controls and exposure response. This H2S training course is intended to assist the employer in meeting the requirements of OSHA Standard 1910.1000 Table Z-2 and the General Duty Clause Section 5(a)(1).

When is hydrogen sulfide gas at a dangerous level?

A level of H2S gas at or above 100 ppm is Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH). Entry into IDLH atmospheres can only be made using: 1) a full facepiece pressure demand self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with a minimum service life of thirty minutes, or 2) a combination full facepiece pressure demand supplied-air respirator with an auxiliary self-contained air supply.

If H2S levels are below 100 ppm, an air-purifying respirator may be used, assuming the filter cartridge/canister is appropriate for hydrogen sulfide. A full facepiece respirator will prevent eye irritation.

What are the effects of hydrogen sulfide exposure?

Hydrogen sulfide is both an irritant and a chemical asphyxiant with effects on both oxygen utilization and the central nervous system. Its health effects can vary depending on the level and duration of exposure. Repeated exposure can result in health effects occurring at levels that were previously tolerated without any effect.

Low concentrations irritate the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory system (e.g., burning/ tearing of eyes, cough, shortness of breath). Asthmatics may experience breathing difficulties. The effects can be delayed for several hours, or sometimes several days, when working in low-level concentrations. Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause eye inflammation, headache, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, digestive disturbances and weight loss.

Moderate concentrations can cause more severe eye and respiratory irritation (including coughing, difficulty breathing, accumulation of fluid in the lungs), headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, staggering and excitability.

High concentrations can cause shock, convulsions, inability to breathe, extremely rapid unconsciousness, coma and death.

Effects can occur within a few breaths, and possibly a single breath.