Filter element used in respirators protecting from H2S

[1906]

Any body who knows proper "filter or air purifying element used in respirators" protecting operators from the sampling of H.C gas including lots of H2S, please inform. Or, if any good guide you guys have, please let me know.

 

[orenda1168]

1906:

Contact the supplier of your respirators!

Orenda

 

[JJPellin]

I would strongly recommend that you not use a respirator to protect personnel from high levels of H2S. Only positive pressure fresh air should be used in this circumstance. A respirator operates at negative pressure when you are inhaling. If there are any leaks around the seal, H2S can be drawn in. And since H2S is a desensitizer, it will quickly deaden the person’s sense of smell so they are unlikely to detect that there is a leak in time to respond.

 

[Ashereng]

From my H2S training:

TOXIC AT CONCENTRATIONS ABOVE 10 PARTS PER MILLION, H2S GIVES LITTLE WARNING SINCE OLFACTORY SENSORS ARE IMMEDIATELY DESENSITIZED AT LETHAL CONCENTRATIONS.

By the time you smell it, you are already dead.

We also use H2S detectors. The problem is, you are wearing it. By the time the sensor alarm goes off, chances are, you already inhaled it too. H2S sensors on the perimeter would work, unless the source is at your work site.

Unfortunately, and this probably happens way too frequently, and is kind of morbid, but, a common indication of H2S present is your "buddie" going down.

 

[ctmtwilliams]

The only time I’ve worked in H2S areas, supplied air was the only option. The supplied air was on a manifold system with each individual having an escape tank on his hip. I believe the risk is just too great to use filters with potential cross over/filter overload problems. SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) may be the best option for short excursions. There are a number of vendors who specialize in providing the proper equipment along with proper training for the people working in H2S atmospheres.

 

[Ashereng]

Supplied air is the way to go, IF (and this is a big one) you know H2S is in the area, and your work area is more or less well defined and permanent (see above post regarding manifold system).

protecting operators from the sampling of H.C gas including lots of H2S

From 1906's OP, I assumed (hope I assumed correctly) that his/her situation is more non-permanent. The people is going from well to well to do their thing.

For people going from site to site, SCBA is the way to go. The downside of course is bulk, weight, having enough tanks to last you through the job, heat, did I mention weight?

 

[1906]

Thanks for many kinds of comments.
Re Ashereng's comment ; Is it possible to have H2S training information in detail ?

Re the ctmtwilliams's comment ; May I have one or two contact points of vendors specialized in providing the proper equipment and proper training for the people working in H2S atmosphere ?

 

[ctmtwilliams]

Do a Google search on H2S Alive and Secorp H2S.

 

[Ashereng]

1906,

I took my course with PITS. Their website is

http://www.pits.ca

Once you get in, look for H2S Alive.

I don't know where you are located, but if you google H2S alive along with the city you are in, you should get some hits.

 

[DrillerNic]

Depending upon where you are 1906, the survivial people like NUTEC and RGIT etc in Aberdeen will provide full H2S and BA set training. I got my training from Petans in Great Yarmouth when I was working in Libya on a series of sour wells: in the desrt at 40deg C on a cascade system, wearing an emergency Drager bottle, it was f****g awful....