1. Fuel Management
H2S Exposure
Slips, Trips & Falls
November 2017

2. Notes for Guidance What the Engagement Pack includes
Key points the supervisor should cover in their discussion
Questions the supervisor can ask the group
Purpose of the Engagement Pack
To help supervisors provide their staff with a platform to have a meaningful safety discussion and encourage sharing of experiences and discussions around their learning outcomes.
Using the Engagement Pack
This pack has been designed for use by a supervisor in front of a group of no more than 10 people. The pack should be placed on a table with the pictures facing the group and the notes facing the supervisor. Use practical demonstration where possible. The notes are memory joggers to highlight key points but should not be read word for word.
Preparing for an Engagement Session
Before beginning the session the supervisor should familiarise themselves with the content and its purpose. Make sure there is enough space and time for the staff to interact with each other.
Who is to be Engaged?
For the use of vessel crews and all those who are involved in marine operations.
Where?
Engagement should be carried out in a quiet room/area where they will not be disturbed. The vessel’s office, mess room, or quiet area in a workshop would be suitable.
When to hold the Engagement
Choose a time that is suitable for all staff. This should be when they are alert and most likely to contribute to the discussion. This will help in absorbing and retaining the information for much longer.
This Engagement Pack IS NOT to be used for skills training or a task requiring a licensed operator. This IS NOT a tool box talk. This is an opportunity for staff on board to talk about safety without feeling rushed to commence their work. The rate of learning is more important than completing the pack so allow two or more sessions if necessary.

3. Characteristics of H2S

4. Characteristics of H2S
Characteristics of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
A colourless, flammable, toxic and corrosive gas which is heavier than air
Both black and clean cargoes may contain H2S
It occurs naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, and hot springs
The only dependable method of determining H2S concentration is by testing with proper instruments.
Can be smelled at low levels (smells like rotten eggs), but with continuous low level exposure or at higher concentrations you lose your ability to smell the gas even though it is still present.
At high concentrations ability to smell the gas can be lost instantly
Generated from decomposing organic materials
Burns with a blue flame and produces sulfur dioxide which is less toxic than H2S but highly irritation to eyes and lungs and can cause serious injury.
Soluble in water and liquid hydrocarbons. H2S dissolves in water forming a weak hydro-sulfurous acid.
Products that may contain significant concentrations of H2S:
Crude oils, particularly sour crudes Cutter stock
Gas oils Condensates
Blending components Unfinished kerosene
Naphtha Raffinate
Fuel oil including bunkers Bitumen
Key Message: Be aware of the H2S exposure risks on board.
Discussion Points:
What does H2S stand for?
What are the characteristics or properties of H2S?
Let’s share some experiences where you or someone you know has been involved in an incident related to H2S

5. Health Effects of H2S
* Typical effects of exposure to Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)

6. Health Effects of H2S
Health Effects:
Chemical asphyxiation
Rapid loss of smell (olfactory fatigue)
Low concentrations irritate the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory system
Moderate concentrations can cause more severe eye and respiratory irritation, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, staggering and excitability
High concentrations can cause shock, convulsions, inability to breathe, extremely rapid unconsciousness, coma and death
Repeated or prolonged exposures may cause eye inflammation, headache, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, digestive disturbances and weight loss
Always pay special attention to:
H2S produces toxic vapours and gases such as sulfur dioxide if ignited
Always having appropriate PPE available in areas where H2S may be present
Avoidance of exposure is always best, however a Time Weighted Average (TWA) of 5 ppm should never be exceeded to avoid adverse health effects.
Key Message: Do not rely on your sense of smell to indicate the presence of H2S
Discussion Points:
What does TWA mean?
What should you do if your H2S monitor alarm sounds?

7. Operations involving H2S

8. Operations involving H2S
Operations on board:
Whenever possible closed operations are always required
Use suitable instrumentation for detecting and measuring the gas concentration in cargo and bunker spaces (e.g. Draeger tubes)
Personnel engaged in cargo operations must use personal H2S monitoring instruments
You should be aware, trained and understand your company policy and procedures related to H2S
Follow the guidance in ISGOTT
Potential H2S exposure for the planned operations should be shared prior to the start of operations
Always pay special attention to:
The fact that the H2S MSDS value is stated in liquid and does not directly reflect the ppm in the vapour space
The corrosive nature of the gas can have damaging effect on many electronic measuring instruments
All crew members must be trained in the hazards associated to H2S and the precautions to be taken to reduce the risks
During sampling, ullaging, etc. try to stand at right angles to the direction of the wind
Key Message: Personal protection and safety onboard is everyone's responsibility
Discussion Points:
What are the extra safety procedures to be followed when carrying cargoes with high H2S content?
Demonstrate use of H2S gas detector or tubes available on board.
What is the difference between H2S in liquid and vapour?
What actions can you take to help maintain your safety when moving around a cargo deck where H2S may be present?

9. Emergency response

10. Emergency response Emergency response actions:
Exercise extreme caution when providing assistance to impacted workers
Provide immediate, emergency medical care for affected personnel
Ensure the correct PPE is being worn
Don self contained breathing apparatus
If an individual is overcome by H2S, it’s important to get the victim into clean air
In the event of a spill or leak, stop the cargo transfer operations immediately
Sound the emergency alarm
Evacuate the area
Isolate and ventilate the area/ space
Remove any ignition sources
Stop or reduce the leakage
Keep away all nonessential and unprotected personnel
Key Message: Use your knowledge and training in an emergency
Discussion Points:
How should we react to an emergency due to accidental release?
What are the hazards and risks should we be aware of when responding to a H2S emergency?

11. Family, Friends, and Colleagues
Remember
Your family needs you

12. Family, Friends, and Colleagues
Notes:
Taking care of ourselves can improve our relationships with family and friends
Demonstrating better safety behaviours and choices also benefits our family, crew, and others too
Achieving work/life balance is important in keeping the mind and body primed to deal with challenging situations
Key message: We all want to get home safely
Discussion points:
Why is taking care of yourself important for your home life?
How can we set good examples of safety for our friends and colleagues so that we can all go back safely to our families?