Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is a colorless gas known for its strong “rotten egg” odor at low concentrations. It is highly flammable, highly toxic, and corrosive to certain metals.
Hydrogen sulfide occurs naturally in sewers, salt mines, well water, oil and gas wells, and confined spaces. Because it is heavier than air, hydrogen sulfide has the tendency to collect in low-lying and enclosed spaces.
Its presence makes work in confined spaces potentially very dangerous if proper work procedures are not established and followed.
The health effects of hydrogen sulfide depend on how much H2S a worker breathes in and how long they are exposed to the gas. However, many effects are seen even at low concentrations.
Effects range from mild headaches or eye irritation to unconsciousness and death.
Hydrogen Sulfide Effect on Humans
When a person breathes in Hydrogen Sulfide the chemical compound then goes directly through the lungs and into the bloodstream.
To protect itself, the body oxidizes (breaks down) the chemical compound as rapidly as possible into a harmless compound. Between 300–350 ppm, the oxidative enzymes become overwhelmed.
If the individual breathes in so much Hydrogen Sulfide that the body cannot oxidize all of it, the chemical compound builds up in the blood and the individual becomes poisoned.
H2S attacks the central nervous system and paralyzes the phrenic nerve controlling the diaphragm, breathing stops and the individual is suffocated.
Hydrogen Sulfide Side Effects
Some workers who have been exposed to high Hydrogen Sulfide concentration have experienced headaches, poor attention span, impaired memory, and motor function abilities after waking up.
Problems with the cardiovascular system have also been reported at exposures above OSHA’s permissible exposure limits (PEL).
Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training in Houston, Texas
Hydrogen sulfide awareness is a must for all workers in the oil and gas industry. Despite its dangers, hydrogen sulfide is a very common gas found in many workplaces. Because of its toxicity, it is important for all workers to be properly trained in how to safely work with and around this gas.
At ABC Safety Solutions, we offer training courses such as Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness to ensure that your workers are properly educated on the dangers of this gas and how to stay safe while working with it. Our courses are designed to provide workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely and effectively in environments where hydrogen sulfide may be present.
If you are interested in enrolling in our Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness course, or if you have any questions about our other safety training courses, please contact us today.
Industries that Require Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Course
There are many industries and companies that require their employees to get the Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Course, such as:
- Oil and Gas
- Manufacturing
- Power Plants
- Waste Water Treatment Facilities
- Paper Mills
For whom does Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Course For?
The Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Course is for anyone who works with or around the gas.
This includes but is not limited to the following professions:
- Welders
- Pipefitters
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Machinists
- Millwrights
- Painters
- Construction Workers
- Industrial Maintenance Workers
- Chemical Plant Workers
- Refinery Workers
Learning Outcomes of Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Course
The Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Course will teach you the following:
- How to identify hydrogen sulfide: its characteristics, odor, and detection methods
- How to protect yourself from exposure: the different types of respiratory protection available and how to use them properly
- How to work safely in environments where hydrogen sulfide may be present: safe work practices, PPE, and emergency procedures
- The dangers of hydrogen sulfide: its effects on the body and how to treat exposure
- How to protect yourself from exposure to hydrogen sulfide: the different types of respiratory protection available and how to use them properly
- What to do if you are exposed to hydrogen sulfide: first aid and emergency procedures
- How to properly ventilate areas where hydrogen sulfide is present: ventilation systems and engineering controls
- How to properly store and handle materials that contain hydrogen sulfide: storage requirements and safe work practices
- How to respond to alarms and leaks: evacuating safely and following emergency procedures
This is just a general overview of the topics that will be covered in the Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Course. For more information, please contact us today.
How is the Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Evaluated?
The Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Course is evaluated through a written exam. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be issued a certificate of completion.
Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Cost
The cost of the Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Course will depend on your location and the provider where you get the training course from. This includes the cost of the course, the written exam, and the certificate of completion.
Contact us today for more information.
Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Certifications
The Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Course is certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Course Length: 4 hours
Class Size: Minimum of 10 students, Maximum of 30 students
Certification: Certificate of Completion issued by ABC Safety Solutions
Validity Period: 3 years
Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Course Validity
The validity period of the Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Course certificate of completion is 3 years. After this time, you will need to retake the course to renew your certification.
Contact us today to learn more about our Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Course or to enroll in the course.
Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Course Location
If you live in Houston, Texas, you can take the Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Course with us at ABC Safety Solutions. We offer both online and classroom-based training, so you can choose the option that best fits your needs.
Our educators and trainers are all certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), so you can be sure you’re getting the best possible training.
To enroll in our Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Course, or for more information about any of our other safety courses, contact us today. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions.
