H2S - Hydrogen Sulfide. An invisible, deadly hazard.

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is a colorless, extremely flammable, and highly toxic gas. It occurs naturally in oil and gas wells, though is a danger that many people are unaware of.

In low concentrations, Hydrogen Sulfide has a natural “rotten egg” odor.  For those who live near oil and gas sites, it may be a familiar smell, though not one you want to smell for very long. Continuous low-level exposure can lead to headache, nausea, convulsions, and eye and skin irritation.

At higher levels, the sense of smell is quickly, sometimes immediately, overwhelmed. Exposure can lead to unconsciousness, coma, respiratory paralysis, seizures, and death. Because the sense of smell has been deadened by the gas, one may not even know they’re being exposed to it until it is too late.

In oil and gas development, the greatest risk of hazard is typically to oilfield workers while drilling wells. But, Hydrogen Sulfide can be found in other operations as well. Regrettably, many companies take a lackadaisical approach to proper safety training, often doing the bare minimum (or even less). For many companies, mere “awareness” training is all the precaution they take. However, proper training and certification can prevent the loss of life.

In October 2019, a worker and his wife were both killed by Hydrogen Sulfide exposure, leaving behind two small children. The worker reported to a waterflood station near Odessa, Texas, to check on a pump after a control system activated an alarm. While performing work, water containing Hydrogen Sulfide escaped into the pump house and quickly overwhelmed the worker. When the worker did not report home after several hours, the wife became worried and drove, with their children, to check on him. Luckily, the children stayed inside the vehicle while she tried to find the husband. However, she also was overcome by Hydrogen Sulfide and died.

The operator of this particular station was cited with over $100,000 in penalties, and five workplace safety violations. Despite the deaths of two people, the company is contesting the citations. Proper training and safety mechanisms are essential. Life is too important to take an apathetic view towards safety training. Even if it costs time and money, any oil and gas company that has the slightest connection to Hydrogen Sulfide must do more.