H2S Monitors

Where is Hydrogen Sulfide? Occurs naturally: Crude petroleum, natural gas, volcanic gases, hot springs Produced by human and animal wastes Industrial Activities Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) occurs naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, volcanic gases, and hot springs. It can also result from bacterial breakdown of organic matter. It is also produced by human and animal wastes. Bacteria found in your mouth and gastrointestinal tract produce hydrogen sulfide from bacteria decomposing materials that contain vegetable or animal proteins. Hydrogen sulfide can also result from industrial activities, such as food processing, coke ovens, kraft paper mills, tanneries, and petroleum refineries.

H2S Chemical Properties Colorless gas Strong offensive odor similar to rotten eggs H2S is an extremely flammable (explosive) gas that has a 500°F auto ignition temperature Flammable limits (% by Volume in Air): LEL - 4 UEL - 44 H2S is soluble in water (the higher the pH, the more soluble) Boiling Point: -75°F H2S vapor is heavier than air

OSHA Table Z-2

GasAlertClip Extreme The GasAlertClip Extreme H2S monitor is a personal WARNING device to notify employees when H2S concentrations exceed factory-set alarm setpoints It is not a measurement device It is your responsibility to respond properly to the alarm The device cannot be turned off after it is activated; it is continuously on for a period of 2 years

Alarms Two factory set alarm setpoints: Low alarm setpoint is 10 ppm High alarm setpoint is 15 ppm NOTE: Certain clients require lower alarm setpoints of 5-10 ppm – be sure to know the requirments of the sites you work at Both setpoints offer audible, visual, and vibration alarms The three types of alarms will activate every second while detection is at or above the low alarm setpoint The three types of alarms will activate every half-second while detection is at or above the high alarm setpoint It is the responsibility of the employee wearing the device to respond properly to the alarm

Following an Alarm See to personal safety Go to the clinic if symptoms present themselves Turn the monitor in – readings will be downloaded Either new monitor is issued or existing monitor given back (following a bump test)

Use The detector will remain on for a period of two years The life-remaining clock on the bottom of the display is the amount of time left on the lifespan of the device The display shows the countdown of remaining months, then days, and then hours The life-end alarm will sound when the life-remaining clock reached zero Do not submerge in liquid Use damp cloth (water only) to clean outer shell

Use (continued) Ensure that a self test has been performed by confirming that there is a check mark in the upper lefthand corner of the default display If the word “TEST” is displayed on the upper left corner, follow the directions on the “Self Test” slide Once self test is performed, clip the device on your chest pocket or as close to your breathing zone as possible Make sure the grill is free of dirt and debris Also, make sure the grill is not covered

Self Test – Check before each day’s use Self test verifies the integrity of the sensor, battery, and the alarms A self test is required if the display reads “TEST” in the upper left hand corner To perform a Self Test: The test must be conducted in an area free of background gas Press and hold the blue button for one second

Self Test – Perform before each day’s use If the self test is successful, a check mark  will appear in the upper left hand corner If the self test fails, the display will read “TEST” Perform the self test again if the initial test fails If the self test fails three consecutive times, the device will shut down. Contact Safety if the device fails

Bump Test A bump test verifies calibration by exposing the instrument to a known concentration of test gas. It will confirm that the detector is responding to the gas, and that the audio and visual alarms are operational.

When to Bump Test and When to Calibrate In the past, there often has been confusion regarding proper calibration procedures and frequency. To clarify this issue, the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) issued a position statement on instrument calibration that states, "A bump test or full calibration of direct-reading portable gas monitors should be made before each day’s use in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, using an appropriate test gas." ISEA recommends more frequent testing if environmental conditions that could affect instrument performance are suspected, such as sensor poisons. The ISEA allows for less frequent calibration verification under certain conditions (next slide), but the interval between testing should never exceed 30 days. http://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib050404.html

When to Bump Test and When to Calibrate According to the ISEA, less frequent verification may be appropriate if the following criteria are met: During a period of initial use of at least 10 days in the intended atmosphere, calibration is verified daily to ensure there is nothing in the atmosphere to poison the sensor(s). The period of initial use must be of sufficient duration to ensure that the sensors are exposed to all conditions that might adversely affect the sensors. If the tests demonstrate that no adjustments are necessary, the interval between checks may be lengthened, but it should not exceed 30 days.

Bump Test How often should you bump test your monitor? Mangan currently purchases the BW vendor brand H2S monitor and their recommendation is to test the monitors periodically.

Bump Test When used daily for fulltime activities: Once per week After the initial bump testing of at least 10 days in the intended atmosphere as recommended by the ISEA, Mangan will defer to the vendor’s suggested bump test frequency and interprets this as to require bump testing be performed as follows: When used daily for fulltime activities: Once per week When used intermittently for sporadic site work: Once per month

Bump Test Locations – Long Beach Stations – Long Beach main office, upstairs (@ Heather’s desk) BP T-5 trailer…coming soon Tesoro CEMS Via Oro