H2S Awareness Training – FAQ’s
If you have any questions about the Hydrogen Sulphide Awareness Training you should find it here. If you have a question that's not answered here, please give us a call at (519) 652 5262 or (877) 652 5262 and we'll be happy to answer it for you immediately.
What is the difference between Hydrogen Sulphide and Hydrogen Sulfide?
Nothing! Some countries, like the UK and Canada spell it ‘Sulphide’, others, like the US, spell it ‘Sulfide’.
I think I might have been exposed to Hydrogen Sulphide, how can I tell if this is the case?
Hydrogen sulfide can be measured in your breath, if the sample is taken within a couple of 2 hours after exposure. After then a test can be conducted to measure the level of thiosulfate levels in your urine. This test has to be performed 12 hours of exposure. Both tests require equipment not routinely available in a doctor’s office. Samples must be sent to a special laboratory for the tests. These tests check if you have been exposed to hydrogen sulfide, but not whether harmful effects will occur.
I have heard that special materials must be used in pipes that might come into contact with H2S. Is this true?
Hydrogen sulfide is corrosive and can make some steels brittle, leading to sulphide stress cracking. This is of particular concern for handling "sour gas" and sour crude oil in the oil industry.
I know H2S is harmful, but does it have any useful uses in Industry?
Yes, it can be converted to elemental sulphur using partial combustion via the Claus process. Suphur is used primarily in fertilizers, black gunpowder, matches, insecticides and fungicides.
What are the exposure limits for H2S in Canada?
This question is not easy to answer just now. Please see the paper we wrote on this topic in our
Blog.
