H2S Safety Services in Grande Prairie
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is produced when there is a microbial breakdown of organic materials occurring in the absence of oxygen. It’s commonly found during crude oil and natural gas drilling and production processes, as well as in wastewater treatment and utility facilities and sewers. You can recognize it by its rotten egg smell though smell should not be used as a standard for gas detection. H2S has a similar toxicity level to carbon monoxide and should be carefully monitored to prevent accidents, even death, from happening. Ensure you have a good plan for gas detection and H2S safety in your Grande Prairie workplace.
Symptoms of H2S Exposure
If you have been exposed to Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S), there are specific symptoms that you may experience. These should not be ignored and must be taken very seriously. If you experience one of many of the following symptoms, contact us immediately.
Short term symptoms include:
Headaches
Nausea
Convulsions
Eye and skin irritation
Long term symptoms include:
Unconsciousness
Headaches
Reduced attention span
Reduced motor functioning
Delayed pulmonary edema
While H2S does not accumulate in your body, repeated and prolonged exposure may cause symptoms including:
| Low Levels of H2S Exposure | Moderate levels of H2S Exposure | Repeated Exposure |
|---|---|---|
| Skin rashes that could be painful | Headaches | Convulsions |
| Irritated eyes | Loss of appetite | Coma |
| Low blood pressure | Brain and heart damage | |
| Weight loss | Death |
Known for our quick response times and 24-hour, on-site service, Priority Safety Services & Rentals Ltd understands the dangers of H2S and acts quickly to protect your employees. As part of our H2S safety services in Grande Prairie, we have fully equipped air trailers to serve you with continuous gas monitoring along with supervision from highly trained personnel to ensure everyone on your team stays safe while they complete their work.
We take good care of our equipment and also excel in contingency planning when it comes to H2S safety and gas detection. We are based in Grande Prairie but provide services throughout Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
Ways to Reduce Your Risk of H2S Exposure in Workplace
Sometimes there is no way to completely remove yourself from working in areas that may contain a risk of coming in contact with H2S but there are ways to prevent an accident from happening or minimizing exposure if something were to happen. These include:
Make sure your workplace has a comprehensive prevention emergency response plan.
High-risk areas should be well-ventilated and include a warning sign, including descriptions of symptoms.
Air should be monitored, with both personal monitors worn on your person and permanently installed gas monitors.
Areas with sources of gas should be closed, locked, and with signage.
First Aid Measures for H2S Exposure
In case there has been a leak of Hydrogen Sulfide, people are highly likely to have come in contact with the gas. In such situations, giving correct first aid to the affected is extremely crucial. First aid that can be administered before emergency services arrive include:
Inhalation
It is essential to reduce the inhalation of H2S by letting the people exposed to the gas into open spaces and allow them to breathe in the fresh air. The victim must not be permitted to move about unnecessarily, and emergency oxygen must be administered by a trained professional if the victim’s situation gets worse. Performing CPR must be avoided for the risk of further spread of the exposure. A poison control centre must be called for immediate help. But before you take any steps to protect those around you, you must ensure your safety. Wear protective equipment because the hydrogen sulphide trapped in the victims’ clothes, skin, and hair can adversely affect you too.
Skin contact
In case somebody has come in contact with liquefied H2S, the victim must be removed from the source of contamination immediately. Do not rub the victims’ skin or apply direct heat to it. Any clothing or jewellery that might restrict circulation must be gently removed.
Eye contact
In case H2S has come in contact with somebody’s eye, then the eye must be washed with lukewarm water for 15-20 minutes. Remember to go gentle on the eye and don’t scrub it. Both eyes must then be covered with a sterile dressing.
You must remember, at all times, that even if first aid is administered to a victim, it is not enough. They still need to see a doctor immediately, and thus, no matter what the injury is, a poison control centre and a doctor must always be involved in the treatment from the very beginning.
Read more on how you can make your gas-leak-prone workplace safer.
Our H2S Safety Services
Our H2S safety services can be customized to fit your exact needs no matter how big or small the job may be. We have experience with the following types of situations:
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Plant turnarounds
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Drilling/service rigs
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Pipeline and construction projects
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Pulp and paper projects
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Confined space entry
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High-angle rescue
At Priority Safety Services & Rentals Ltd, your safety is our top priority, but we also strive to keep the surrounding area safe. You can trust us to take immediate action and follow all of the proper safety protocols should a problem ever occur. Contact us to learn more about our H2S safety services in Grand Prairie, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
