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इंटरनेट मानक

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“Step Out From the Old to the New”

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“The Right to Information, The Right to Live”

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“Knowledge is such a treasure which cannot be stolen”

“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

है”ह”ह

IS 15200 (2002): Hydrogen Sulphide - Code of Safety [CHD 8:Occupational Safety, Health and Chemical Hazards]

IS 15200:2002

W?7RTWEF

* ~–qwi--l +-RaT

Indian Standard ~

HYDROGEN SULPHII)E — CODE OF SAFETY,

.

ICS 13.300; 71.060.99

0 BIS 2002

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDSMANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG

NEW DELHI 110002

September 2002 Price Group 3

l“

Industrial Safety and Chemical Hazards Sectional Committee, CHD 8

FOREWORD

This Indian Standard was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards, after the draft finalized by the industrialSafety and Chemical Hazards Sectional Committee had been approved by the Chemical Division Council.

Hydrogen sulphide is found in volcanic gases and in many spring waters. As a product of putrefaction ofsuIphur containing decaying organic material, it is present in sewer gas and also liberates from waste water oftanneries, glue factories and fertilizer plants. It is also liberated as a by-product of de-hairing and tanningprocess. The unpleasant smell of putrefied hides and rotten eggs is partly due to this gas. Exposure to hydrogensulphide may occur in the production of viscose rayon, sulphur dyes, sulphur, oleum and coke from coal containinghigh sulphur content. The atmosphere usually contains a trace of this gas. It is an important raw material forproducing sulphur and thio-organic compounds. Since long, it is extensively used in the qualitative analysis. Itis also used in production of heavy water.

There is no ISO standard on this subject. In the preparation of this Code of safety, considerable assistance hasbeen derived from the following publications:

a) Chemical Safety Data Sheet SD-36, Hydrogen Sulphide — Manufacturing Chemists Association,Washington.

b) Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials by Irving Sax VIth Edition.

c) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, US Department of Health, Education and Welfare:Criteria for a Recommended Standard on Occupational Exposure to Hydrogen Sulphide, HEWPublication No. (NIOSH) 77-158.

d) Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology — Ulman, 6th Edition.

The composition of the Committee responsible for formulation of this standard is given at Annex A.

Indian Standard

HYDROGEN SULPHIDE — CODE

1 SCOPE

This standard covers properties of hydrogen sulphide,the nature of hazards associated with it and essentialinformation of personal protective equipment, storage,handling, labelling, transport, spillage/leakage, fireprevention and fire fighting, training and healthmonitoring and fmt aid.

2 REFERENCES

The following Indian Standards contain provisionswhich through reference in this text, constituteprovisions of this standard. At the time of publication,the editions indicated were valid. All standards aresubject to revision, and parties to agreements basedon this standard are encouraged to investigate thepossibility of applying the most recent editions of thestandards indicated below:

IS No. Title4155:1966 Glossary of terms relating to

chemical and radiation hazards andhazardous chemicals

4167:1980 Glossary of terms relating to airpollution (first revision)

3 TERMINOLOGY

For the purpose of&is standard, the definitions givenin 1S4155 and IS 4167 shall apply.

4 PROPERTIES

4.1 General Information

4.1.1 Common Names

Hydrogen sulphide, sulphureted hydrogen andhydrosulphuric acid.

4.1.2 Chemical Name

Hydrogen sulphide.

4.1.3 Chemical FormuIa — I+zS.

4.1.4 Molecular Weight — 34.08.

4.1.5 CAS No. — 7783-06-4.

4.1.6 UN NO. — 1053.

4.2 Physical Properties

4.2.1 Description

Colorless flammable gas with a strong offensiveodour of rotten eggs, It is heavier than air and settleson the ground.

IS 15200:2002

OF SAFETY

4.2.2 Boiling Point — -60.4”C.

4.2.3 Melting Point — –85.53°C

4.2.4 Speczjlc Gravity — (18°C/40C) — 1.54.

4.2.5 Vapour Density (Air= 1) — 1.189.

4.2.6 Density of Saturated Liquid — 774 kglm3 at21c10c.

4.2.7 Density of Saturated Vapour—31.04 kglm3 at21.1°c.

4.2.8 Vapour Pressure — 20 atm at 25”C.

4.2.9 Critical Temperature — 100.4”C.

4.2.10 Critical Pressure — 88.9 atm.

4.2.11 Critical Density — 349 kglm3.

4.2.12 Physical Status

Gaseous at ordinary temperature but may exist asliquid at low temperature and high pressure.

4.2.13 Volubility

Slightly so}uble in cold water, 0.32 percent maximumat 26.67°C (m/m), more soluble in alcohol.

4.3 Chemical Properties

4.3.1 Reactivity

In aqueous solution it is weakly acidic in nature andreacts vigorously with nitrogen halides, metal oxides,sodium peroxide and oxidants.

4.4 Explosion Hazard

At elevated temperature, it decomposes to its elementsand may cause bursting of container. Thermaldecomposition is promoted by contact with metal likeplatinum.

4.5 Fire Hazard

4.5.1 Hydrogen sulphide is a flammable gas and burnsin air with blue flame. It may cause fire and explosionwhen exposed to heat, flame or oxidizer. It emits high iytoxic fumes of oxides of sulphur in case of fire.Hydrogen sulphide gas is heavier than air and maytravel considerable distance to a source of ignition andflash back.

4.5.2 Auto Ignition Temperature in Air — 260”C.

4.5.3 Flammable Limits in Air (Percent by Volume) ut20”C:

a) Lower explosion limit (LEL) : 4,3

1

IS 15200:2002

b) Upper explosive limit (UEL) : 46

4.6 Corrosivity

Hydrogen sulphide is a corrosive material. It attacksmany metals, which results in the formation ofsulphide. In presence of moisture and any oxidizingmaterial, it may form sulphuric acid and corrode thecontainers.

5 HEALTH HAZARD

5.1 Hydrogen sulphide can affect the body if it isinhaled or if comes in contact with the eyes, skin, noseor throat. It can also affect the body if it is swallowed.Inhalation of high concentrations of hydrogen sulphidevapour may cause loss of consciousness and death.Inhalation of lower concentrations may causeheadache, dizziness and upset stomach. Exposure tohydrogen sulphide can cause temporary loss of thesense of smell, and irritation of the eyes, nose or throat.The toxic effects of hydrogen sulphide can becategorized as acute effects, sub-acute effects andchronic effects.

The acute toxic effects of hydrogen sulphide in humanpoisoning are summarized in Table 1.

5.2 Toxicity

5.2.1 Threshold Limit Value (TL~ — 10 ppm (15mg/m3) (ACGIH).

5.2.2 Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL)-- 15 ppmfor 15 min.

5.2.3 Toxic Dose Level (TDL) — 0.0047.

5.2.4 Odour ThreshoId — 0,13 ppm (0.215 mg/m3).

5.2.5 LC50 (inhal-rat) — 444 ppm.

5.2.6 Target Organs — Respiratory organs and eyes.

6 PERSONAL PROTECTION

6.1 Wear impervious clothing to prevent the skincontact from liquid hydrogen sulphide or from contactwith vessels containing liquid hydrogen sulphide.

6.2 Wear splash-proof safety goggles to prevent anypossibility of eye contact where liquid hydrogensulphide is handling.

6.3 Employees should wash promptly when skinbecomes wet.

6.4 Remove clothing immediately that becomes wetwith liquid hydrogen sulphide until the hydrogensulphide is evaporated.

6.5 Respiratory protection is essential to preventinhalation of gas. Minimum respiratory protectionrequired for concentration above 10 ppm are given inTable 2.

6.6 Respirators may be used for operations whichrequire entry into tanks or closed vessels and inemergency situation. The respirator used shall beapproved by the concerned authority.

6.7 Lead acetate paper should be carried along withportable hydrogen sulphide monitor for use wherenecessary.

6.8 Amyl nitrite should be given to the victim forinhalation by crushing the ampule in fkont of nostrilsof the victim.

Table 1 Acute Toxic Effects of Hydrogen Sulphide in Human

(Clause 5.1)

SI Concentration. Durntinnof Exposure CommentsNo. of H2S,ppm .

15min >15min-lh >lh-4h >4-8h

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (3)

i) 10 Eye irritation Maximum tolerableconcentration forprolonged exposure

ii) 50-100 Lossofolfactory Eyeirritation Eyeandbronchial Danger in case of Working conditionperception irritation continuousexposure necessitate

protective measuresiii) 150-250 do

Eye and bronchial Serious respiratory Serious respiratorydistress and asthenia distress sod asthenia

doirritation

iv) 300-400 Lossofolfactory Severerespiratory Pulmonaryedema Pulmonary edema Risk of death if noperception eye and distress acute asthenia and risk of death and risk of death appropriatebronchial irritation measures takenasthenia

v) 500-1000 Loss of consciousness Rkk of pulmonary —do

respiratory distress edema and deathvi) >I 000 Immediate loss of consciousnessand respiratorydistress

2

l’!

Table 2 Respiratory Protection forHydrogen Sulphide

(Clause 6.5)

N Condition Minimum RespiratoryNo. Protection Required

Above 10 ppm

(1) (2) (3)

i) Low concentration Anysupplied-airrespirator with a(up to 300 ppm) full faeepiece,helmet or hood

ii) >300 ppm and escap Self-contained breatldngfrom unknow apparatus with a fill facepiececoncentration operated in pressure demand or

other positive pressure mode

7 STORAGE/HANDLING

7.1 Storage

7.1.1 Anhydrous hydrogen sulphide does not reactwith steel at ambient temperature. However, in aqueousmedium, the hydrogen generated by reacting with ironcan diffuse in the metal causing blistering andembrittlement. The degree of corrosion depends uponthe quality of steel and is very limited with stainlesssteel. Ferritic steel is much more sensitive to hydrogenembrittlement than austenitic steel. Residual stress ofhigh strength steel for storing hydrogen sulphide is tobe relieved after welding otherwise it is likely to crackunder stress.

7.1.2 The use of copper and its alloys are to beprohibited.

7.1.3 Storage area should be well ventilated, and ifpossible, equipped with a watercooling system in caseof tire.

7.1.4 Hydrogen sulphide should be stored separatelyfrom incompatible products (oxidizing agents,inflammable materials, etc).

7.1.5 Area should be declared as ‘NO SMOKINGAREA’.

7.2 Handling

Personal protective wears are to be used invariablywhile hartdling hydrogen sulphide.

7.3 Labelling

All containers should bear an identifying label as perthe provision of prevailing relevant regulationsindicating that the contents are highly flammable andtoxic. The label should also list the special risks andinclude cautionary advices.

7.4 Transportation

7.4.1 Hydrogen sulphide is flammable and toxic. ItsUN No. is 1053, UN hazard Class 2, 3 and 6.1,

IS 15200:2002

7.4.2 The Rules and Regulations for transportation ofhazardous chemicals shall be adhered to.

8 SPILLAGE/LEAUGE AND DISPOSAL

If hydrogen sulphide is spilled or leaked, the followingsteps should be taken:

a) Remove all ignition source;

b) Ventilate area of spill or leak to disperse gas;

c) If in the gaseous form, stop flow of gas. Ifsource of leak is a cylinder and the leakcannot be stopped in place, remove theleaking cylinder to a safe place in the openair, and repair the leak or allow the cylindersto empty; and

d) If in the liquid form, allow to vaporize.

9 FIRE PROTECTION AND FIRE FIGHTING

9.1 Stop flow of hydrogen sulphide gas.

9.2 Carbon dioxide and alcohol foam type ofextinguisher should be used for fire fighting.

9.3 Fire fighting personnel should have the requiredself-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepieceoperated in pressure demand or other positive pressuremode.

10 TRAINING AND HEALTH MONITORING

10.1 Training

10.1.1 Safety in handling depends to a great extentupon the effectiveness of employees education and

training.

10.1.2 Employees should be familiar with itsflammable and toxic properties.

10.1.3 Continuous training and restraining should bedone in the safe handling procedures.

10.2 Health Monitoring

10.2.1 During pre-employment medical check up,examination of the eyes and lungs should be stressed.The following procedures should be made availableto each employee who is exposed to hydrogen sulphideat potentially hazard levels:

a)

b)

A complete history andphysical examination— The purpose is to detect pre-existingconditions that might place the exposedemployee at increased risk and to establish abaseline for future health monitoring.

Eye disease — Hydrogen sulphide is a severeeye irritant and may cause tissue damage.Those with pre-existing eye problems maybe at increased risk from exposure.

3

IS 15200:2002

c) 14 “-1 7“’chest roentgenogram — Hydrogensulphide may cause human lungs damage.Surveillance of the lungs is indicated.

d) FVC and FEV (1 See) — Hydrogen sulphideis a respiratory irritant. Persons with impairedpulmoqary function maybe at increased riskfrom exposure. Peridic surveillance isindicated.

10.2.2 Periodical medical examination should be doneon annual basis for all the above mentioned criteria,except that an X-ray is considered necessary only whenindicated by the results of pulmonary function testing,or by signs and symptoms of respiratory diseases.

11 FIRST AID

11.1 Eye Contact

11.1.1 [f liquid hydrogen sulphide gets into the eyesimmediately wash the eyes with large quantity of waterfor at least 15 rein, occasionally lifting the lower andupper lids.

11.1.2 Get medical attention immediately.

11.1.3 Contact lenses should not be used when workingwith this chemical.

11.2 Skin Contact

11.2.1 If liquid hydrogen sulphide gets on the skin,immediately flush the contaminated skin with water.

11.2.2 If it soaks through the clothing, immediatelyremove the clothing and flush the skin with water.

11.2.3 If irritation persists afier washing, get medicalattention.

11.3 Inhalation

11.3.1 If a person breathes in large amount of hydrogensulphide move the exposed person to fresh airimmediately and administer oxygen if available.

11.3.2 If breathing has stopped, give artificialrespiration.

11.3.3 Keep the affected person warm but not hot andat rest.

11.3.4 Get medical attention as soon as possible.

I I

IS 15200:2002

ANNEX A

(Foreword)

COMMITTEE COMPOSITION

Industrial Safety and Chemical Hazards Secitonal Committee, CHD 8

Organization

National Safety Council, Mumbai

Airports Authority of IndlANew DclhI

Atomic EnergyRegulatoryBoard, Mumbai

BhabhaAtomic ResearchCentre,Mumbai

Central Boiler Board,New Delhi

Century Rayon, Tharre

Central LeatherResearch Institute,Chennai

Central Mining ResearchInstitute,Dhanbad

Central WarehousingCorporation,New Delhi

Confederationof Indian Industries,New Deihi

Departmentof Explosives,Nagpur

Department of IndustrialPolicy&Promotion, New Delhi

DevelopmentCommissioner(SS1),New Delhi

Dkectorate Gtneral of Health Services,New Delhi

DirectorateGeneral Factory Advice Servicesand LabourInstitutes,Mumbai

Directorateof Industrial Safety and Health (Factory Inspectorate),Mumbai

DirectorateGenerrdof Mhres Safety,Dhanbad

EmployeesS&&InsuranceCorporation,New Delhi

Excel IndustriesLimited, Mumbai

HindustanAeronauticsLimited, Bangalore

HlndustanLever Limited, Mumbai

Indian lnstitutcof ChemicalTechnology,I-iydembad

IndianChemical ManufacturersAssociation,Mumbai

IndianDrugs and PharmaceuticalsLimited,RNrikesh

IndianPetrochemicrdCorporationLimited,Vadodara

Indian SpaceResearchOrganization,Sriharikota

IndustrialToxicologyResearchCentre,Lucknow

Ministryof Defence(DGQA),New Delhi

Ministryof Defence,Dkcctorate of Standardization,New DeJhl

Ministryof Defence(OFB), Kolkata

Representative(s)

Sm K.C. -A (Chsdrmn)

~AIN@

StrruP.K.Gsrosa

IhB.N. Rmm

~ATSVS

SrrrrrH.G. LJmmicxmrmmrrSrnuS. K. Mrwm (Alternate)

REH@ENTATNS

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~ATNS

DRD.R Cr+.ww

k3W5FNTATIW

bWZJ3XTATIVS

DrtA.K. IvhrumMSsnuS. P. RANA(Alternate)

~AllVE

~R OFhhr?s S~ (MSE)Dasurv hIUXtVROFMaws S.wr?m(I-IQ)(Alternate)

~ATNE

SrmiVrrmB. IMsrn

~A~

Sm B. B.DAVE%tru&rnYAJHAvAR(A&rrate)

Smas. vmxmEawARAluo

SrnuV.N. DNSrnuA. A. Ptwwma (Akmrate)

~ATIVS

%llUp.VUAWl,@iAVANSmoM. R. PAma,(Alternate ~

Smu A. V. S.m+m (Aknate II)

SrnuP.N. S~SrrraV.K.SSUVASTAVA(Alternate)

DRvrRENLrRAMssaADRV.P. Ssrmmm(Alternate)

Smr M.S. Sr.a-TMSmuSumGOSH(Alternate)

%Up. S. /ii+uJALT-COL‘fmwm Smcw(Ahernate)

DRD.S. S. GmrormYSrauR. .%UNWASAN(Alternate)

-,-

(Continued on page 6)

5

f,-7

1S 15200:2002

(Continuedfrom page 5)

Organization

Ministry of Dcfence (R&D), Kanpur

Mhsistryof Environment &Forest New Delhi

National Institute of Occupational Heaftb,Ahmedabad

National Grganic Chemical IndustriesLimited, Thane

National Safety Council, Mumbai

Gil Industry Safety Dkcctorate, New Delhi

SaferyAppliancesManufacturers’Association,Mumbai

Standing Fire Advisory Council, New Delhi

Steel Authority of India Limited, Ranchi

SIEL Chemical Complex, New Delhi

Southern PetrochemicalIndustriesCorporationLimited,Tuticorin

Tata AfG Rkk Management Services Limited, Mumbsd

BIS Dkectorate Generrd

Representative(s)

Ds A.K. SAXSNADs R.4mrw Snmr (Mternde)

~AIWE

RHREWIWATIVE

DRB.V. BAPATWasV. R.NASLA(/4fternate)

SNRSP.M. RAOWinsD. BISWAS(Akvrrate)

Smu S. K.CHAXRASARTISmr V.K.SIUVASTAVA(Alternate)

f@SBENTAIIVS

RHWSENTAYIVE

SmuV.JAYASAMANSmuS.MuarJGANANDAM(Ahenrote)

SmuURMSSHD.SHAH

SHRIS. K.C~rJOHORI,Director& Head (CHD)~epresenting DirectorGeneral (Ek-oficio)]

Member .!kcretkyySHIUN.K. PAL

Dkector (CHD), BIS

iii

6

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This Indian Standard has been developed from Doc : No. CHD 8 (896).

Amendments Issued Since Publication

Amend No. Date of Issue Text Affected

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