Hydrogen Sulphide – Working with hazardous chemicals

Phil Black - PII Editor 11/08/2023

390 1 minute read

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Hydrogen sulphide is a naturally occurring and industrial compound, commonly used in the manufacturing of pesticides, leather, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and sulfuric acid. While often stored in liquid form at various facilities, it rapidly changes to gas if released.

Exposure to hydrogen sulphide most often occurs during the drilling and production of natural gas, crude oil and petroleum products. Additional contact can occur in refineries, oil and gas wells, battery stations and pipelines, and the transportation of fluids with dissolved H2S.

Due to its heavy density relative to the typical air composition, the gas tends to pool and stagnate in wells and poorly ventilated areas. Universal occupational exposure limits are set to eliminate any risk of adverse health effects.

Because there is a risk of exposure and release, understanding hydrogen sulphide is critical. We’ve put together the following infographic, that identifies the risks and safety hazards of hydrogen sulphide (see next page). It is also downloadable from here