Deadly gas, hydrogen sulfide, leads to death of worker

A report has just been released that Johnny Mills, 65, died just before noon Monday after he was exposed to hydrogen sulfide while working in an oil field in Texas. Mills and his fellow coworker were exposed to the gas when they opened a valve on top of a tank battery early Monday. When emergency services arrived, they found Walters had fallen off the tank and Mills unconscious on top of the tank. Mike Moore and Ernie Hicks were also on site at the time of the accident. They were both transported via ambulance to a local hospital; both are believed to be in stable condition. Two of the workers were employed by Cat Construction out of Big Spring and two by Sheridan Enterprises out of Garden City. Although an official cause of death won't be announced until after an autopsy is completed,hydrogen sulfide is a powerful and deadly gas that could have a big factor in Mill's death.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a highly toxic gas; OSHA describes it as a
“flammable, colorless gas that is toxic at extremely low concentrations.” At low concentrations, this gas can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, and irritation of the respiratory tract. At high concentrations, hydrogen sulfide can cause unconsciousness, respiratory failure, and death within minutes. The gas is formed by the decomposition of organic materials, so it is found in natural gas and oil, in mines, wells, fertilizers, sewers, and cesspools. It is possible for hydrogen sulfide gas to accumulate in any low or enclosed area, such as a gas venting system, mud system, cellars, pits, and tanks. The gas can quickly make you lose your sense of smell; making it more dangerous to identify warning signals.

OSHA states that "active monitoring for hydrogen sulfide gas and good planning and training programs for workers are the best ways to prevent injury and death." It is imperative that companies conduct a process hazard analysis and implement engineering controls to avoid exposure to any deadly gas. OSHA requires that appropriate respiratory protection be in place.

WorkSafeBC provides an excellent slide show/video of the dangers of hydrogen sulfide gas. To view it, click here http://bit.ly/8IuLEi


Sources:
osha.gov
niosh.com
Staff Reports. "Breaking News: Industrial accident leaves one dead." MyWestTexas News. 11 Jan. 2010. Web. 12 Jan. 2010.