Sodium Hydrosulfide (NaHS) Recommended Procedures

for Truck Unloading

TDC, LLC 1916 Farmerville Hwy. Ruston LA 71270

The following presentation was designed to provide specific information on unloading trucks containing Sodium Hydrosulfide (NaHS). This presentation has been developed as a guide only.

THINK SAFETY AT ALL TIMES!

STAY ON TOP OF SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES

Safety is Everyone’s Business

Training Requirements

Personnel handling hazardous chemicals should be trained in accordance with the applicable federal and state requirements These training requirements include, but may not be limited to:

• Hazard Communications - 29 CFR 1910.1200

• Personal Protective Equipment - 29 CFR 1910.132

• Respiratory Protection - 29 CFR 1910.134

• Occupational Noise Exposure - 29 CFR 1910.95

• Hazmat - 49 CFR 172.700

Shipping Requirements

Sodium Hydrosulfide (NaHS) is classified as a corrosive and toxic liquid. The Proper Shipping Description is:UN2922 Corrosive liquids, toxic, n.o.s., 8(6.1), PG II (sodium hydrosulfide solution)

Bulk shipments are placarded “Corrosive”.

KNOW THE PRODUCT!

Read the MSDS

Sodium Hydrosulfide (NaHS) is very alkaline (pH 11.5-12.5) and very corrosive to the skin.

Solution is typically yellow to dark green with a strong hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg) odor.

Solutions are 20% to 45% strength and weigh 9.6 –10.9 ppg.

The vapor space over NaHS solutions contains highly toxic hydrogen sulfide (H2S). This gas is colorless and heavier than air. The level of H2S above the solution is increased by solution contact with acidic materials, heating the solution and dilution, which lowers the pH of the solution.

MSDS Review

H2S + NaOH = NaHS + H2OHydrogen Sulfide Gas + Caustic Soda = Sodium Hydrosulfide + Water

NaHS is manufactured by reacting Hydrogen Sulfide Gas (H2 S) with Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) (NaOH).

Procedure

Employers should consult with their Employers should consult with their

safety personnel and terminal operators safety personnel and terminal operators

when developing a detailed written NaHS when developing a detailed written NaHS

unloading procedure for their specific unloading procedure for their specific

location. location.

Step 1: Wear the required PPE.

• Hard Hat• Chemical Goggles • Full Face Shield• Chemical Suit• Chemical Protective Gloves• Chemical Protective Boots• Breathing Air/ SCBA (When opening vapor space)

Step 2: Inspect the unloading area and stage the truck.

Step 3: Chock the wheels.

Step 4: Place the orange traffic cone.

Step 5: Attach grounding cable.

Step 6: Check for possible hazards.

Step 7: Connect vapor recovery system.

Step 8: Connect unloading hose.

Step 9: Product Sampling, if required.

Step 10: Set the valves for transfer of product to storage.

Step 11: Begin transfer of product.

Step 12: Complete liquid transfer and stop the off-loading process.

Step 13: Disconnect the unloading hose.

Step 14: Disconnect the vapor recovery system.

Step 15: Remove the grounding cable.

Step 16: Remove the wheel chocks and store in a safe location.

Step 17: Check for hazards.

Step 18: Remove the traffic cone and instruct driver on exiting.

Step 19: Clean the unloading area if required

Step 20:Remove and clean the PPE.

Spills and Cleanup

Small Releases

• Confine and absorb small releases with sand, earth or other inert absorbent.

• Oxidize the residual reactive sulfides with a weak (3-5%) hydrogen peroxide solution. Note: Normal drug store hydrogen peroxide is 3%.

• If unavailable, diluted common household bleach may be substituted. Diluted peroxide and bleach minimize the potential for the release of H2 S vapors.

Large Releases

• Wear proper protective equipment.• Confine area to qualified personnel.• Shut off release if safe to do so.• Dike spill area to prevent runoff into sewers,

drains or surface waterways.• Recover as much of the solution as possible.• Treat remaining material as a small release.

Hydrogen Peroxide

• Commercially purchased 35% Hydrogen Peroxide must be diluted to 3–5% before it can be used to oxidize small spills.

• Do not attempt to oxidize a NaHS spill with 35% Hydrogen Peroxide.

• Review the 35% Hydrogen Peroxide label and MSDS before handling and diluting and wear the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Diluting 35% Hydrogen Peroxide to a 3-5% Solution1. Add approximately one-half (1/2) gallon or 1.89 liters of 35% peroxide to a clean/dry, appropriately labeled 5-gallon bucket.

2. Add approximately 4 and one-half (4 ½) gallons or 17.03 liters of water to the bucket. Wear the required PPE.

Apply the diluted Hydrogen Peroxide solution to the small NaHS spill. Always wear the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Hard Hat

Chemical Goggles and Face Shield

Rain Suit/Slicker

Protective Gloves

Protective Boots

• NEVER rinse a NaHS spill into a storm drain or sewer.

• Potential toxic and explosive mixtures ofhydrogen sulfide gas can be created when NaHS comes in contact with acids.

REMEMBER ! ! ! !

Emergencies

Drip buckets and containment pads can be utilized for catching small spills and leaks.

Note: Drip buckets should be labeled to ensure NaHS is not mixed with other chemicals.

Ensure emergency showers and eyewashes are available and tested prior to each unloading operation.

If Sodium Hydrosulfide comes in contact with your eyes:

• Immediately flush with large quantities of water for at least 15 minutes.

• Hold your eyelids apart during the irrigation to insure a thorough flushing of the entire area of the eye.

• Obtain immediate medical attention.

MAN DOWN !

In the event you find a coworker unconscious at the worksite and you suspect H2 S vapors are present

DO NOT attempt a rescue until you have:

1. Notified other personnel, and

2. Donned breathing air (SCBA).

3. Always use the buddy system

FIRE !

•Sodium Hydrosulfide Solution is non- flammable.

• If exposed to heat or acids, H2 S will be released and may form explosive mixtures with the air.

•If the railcar is exposed to fire, cool it with a water spray.

•Remember heating may cause the release of Hydrogen Sulfide vapors.

The information and recommendations contained in this presentation have been compiled from reliable sources, TDC, LLC makes no guarantee as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information or recommendations. Other or additional safety measures may be required based on your particular circumstances.

When handling, transporting, storing or distributing any hazardous chemical, please consult the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

Should you have any questions regarding this presentation or would like additional information on Sodium Hydrosulfide related issues, please contact

TDC, LLC at (800) 422-6274.