Safety Flash
Case study: Confined space fatalities due to hydrogen sulphide
Case study: Confined space fatalities due to hydrogen sulphide
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 27/23
- Confined SpaceContractor ManagementHydrogen SulphidePermit to Work
- Confined space hazardsHuman factorsHydrogen sulphide
- Confined space entry
- Breathing apparatusGas detector
- Competence and trainingContractor managementAtmospheric gas testingVentilation
- Upstream oil and gas
Summary
Three people died during gas sampling in a jack-up rig’s spud can; a standby worker survived exposure outside the opening. The summary links circumstantial evidence to hydrogen sulphide inhalation and examines unsuitable SCUBA equipment, restricted ventilation, unprotected rescue and contractor assurance. Proposed training covers monitoring, correct breathing apparatus and emergency response.
Classifications: Confined space hazards; confined-space hazards.
Classifications: Human factors; human performance; ergonomics.
Classifications: Hydrogen sulphide; H2S; H₂S; hydrogen sulfide.
Classifications: Confined space entry; tank entry; enclosed space entry.
Classifications: Breathing apparatus; SCBA; self-contained breathing apparatus.
Classifications: Gas detector; gas monitor; gas detection instrument.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Contractor management; contractor assurance.
Classifications: Atmospheric gas testing; gas testing; atmosphere testing.
Classifications: Ventilation; forced ventilation.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Summary
This Safety Flash briefly summarises a recent case report on confined space fatalities on board an oil rig during work involving gas sampling/monitoring inside the “spud cans” of the rig. It is included as a reminder of the danger of Hydrogen Sulphide and as a means to facilitate discussion. The full case study, prepared by Dr Ajit C Kulkarni, of Hyperbaric Solutions, Mumbai, India, can be found here.
IMCA SF 27/23. Themes: confined space, contractor management, hydrogen sulphide, permit to work.