Hydrogen Sulfide – Chemical Safety Board (CSB) investigation into fatal H2S exposure

Hydrogen sulfide is a common occurrence in oil and gas operations and can sometimes be overlooked with catastrophic results.   The CSB released this video of an investigation into a fatal exposure https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jh2HWT8gPeY&feature=youtu.be  

Common hazards can often be overlooked for several reasons ranging from complacency to reliance on systems such as warning devices and alarms.    

The summary of this investigation may not be all that different from related near misses, H2S or other hazard exposures.  The CSB identified the following six safety related issues in this double fatality: 

• Employee was not properly equipped with detection device (left in his vehicle). 
  • Training and expectations of detectors/monitors not enforced.  
• Lack of formal Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.  
  • No LOTO in place or followed allowed the operator to create the hazard. 
• Improper ventilation of the enclosure.  
  • Facilities with the potential for harmful/toxic atmospheres should be properly designed and controls should be in use to protect personnel. 
• Comprehensive safety management programs were not in place. 
  • Hazards may exist or be created by conditions, operations and, or human interaction.  Comprehensive risk assessments, training and controls need to be in place and used by all involved in the process. 
  • Employees must have the required knowledge of the hazards and processes they are utilizing. 
  • Companies must establish expectations for employees to meet and ensure those expectations are being met. 
• Non-functioning safety equipment  
  • Although some monitors were in place they were not properly set and/or otherwise in working condition. 
  • Care must be taken to adequately maintain monitors and ensure they are properly set and functioning.  
• Deficient site security  
  • Gates were not properly locked which allowed the employee’s wife to enter the site and become a second victim  

 Do your crews work in H2S or other hazardous environments?  Innovise’s Risk Control team can help your team identify, implement and manage controls.