Industrial facilities are often vulnerable to an array of hazardous gases. Gases such as carbon monoxide, mercury vapor, and petroleum gases can cause respiratory diseases, nausea, and other conditions, and can result in temporary and long-lasting health effects for exposed workers. This is why it’s of the utmost importance to prevent and detect the leaking of these dangerous substances. This is especially necessary when it comes to one of the most dangerous gases: hydrogen sulfide. Here are some things you should know about hydrogen sulfide, and the ways in which an H2S gas detector can protect your facility and staff.
Portable Gas DetectorThe Basics of H2S
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is most commonly present anywhere there’s crude oil and natural gas. Since it’s created during the process of decay in organic materials, it can be uncovered in the formations where oil is being drilled, and subsequently released into the atmosphere. That’s not the only place where H2S can be found, as it’s also commonly present in wastewater treatment and sewage plants, as well as some utility facilities. A colorless gas, H2S, can be identified in low concentrations by its noticeable “rotten egg” smell. You can’t depend on its smell, however, to protect yourself. As the concentration of the gas increases, it deadens a person’s sense of smell, resulting in what is ultimately an odorless quality for H2S.
H2S Health Threats
Hydrogen sulfide is similar in toxicity to carbon monoxide, and can quickly overwhelm a person, resulting in both short-term and long-term health effects. Some of the symptoms that can appear due to exposure to H2S are:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Eye and nose irritation
- Nausea
- Loss of consciousness
Under extreme circumstances, if a worker is subjected to a concentration of H2S that is too high too quickly, that person may die. The reason an H2S gas monitor is so vital to the safety of a vulnerable work environment is that the speed with which it’s discovered can literally mean the difference between life and death. Similarly, under extreme conditions, H2S is considered flammable and can put an entire facility at risk should conditions be allowed to get out of hand.
The Importance of Gas Monitors
H2S is a fast-acting poison, so no time can be wasted in detecting it. An H2S monitor that’s portable and can be worn is the best way to ensure that a worker is alerted to the presence of this deadly gas so that they can remove themselves from a toxic environment as quickly as possible. Another safety feature of portable gas monitors is their ability to alert others to the presence of H2S. The moment the presence of H2S is detected, monitoring personnel are notified. This allows them to take precautions to secure the facility, and to send aid to the exposed worker should they become immobilized by the gas. If the stricken worker can’t move on their own, rescuers will need to have the necessary respiratory equipment to enter the affected area.
If you need to take precautions to protect your workplace from the effects of H2S, contact the professionals at DOD Technologies. Whatever you require, we have the gas detection system for sale to suit your needs. Give us a call today at (815) 788-5200.