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→Hydrogen sulfide
===Hydrogen sulfide===
===Hydrogen sulfide===
A special concern at many drilling locations is hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide (H<sub>2</sub>S) is a colorless gas that has a “rotten egg” odor at concentrations below 1 ppm (part per million). At 10 to 20 ppm, protective steps against long-term exposure need to be taken to prevent worker discomfort, such as eye irritation. At concentrations above 20 ppm, the gas deadens the sense of smell and headaches or nausea may develop. At 600 ppm (or less for some people), the sense of smell is immediately paralyzed, breathing stops, and without immediate resuscitation, death follows<ref name=pt03r1>American National Standards Institute, 1972, Acceptable concentrations of hydrogen sulfide: ANSI Report No. Z37., 2, New York.</ref><ref name=pt03r3>American Petroleum Institute, 1974, API recommended practices for safe drilling of wells containing hydrogen sulfide: API Report No. 49, Dallas, TX, 11 p.</ref>.
A special concern at many drilling locations is hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide (H<sub>2</sub>S) is a colorless gas that has a “rotten egg” odor at concentrations below 1 ppm (part per million). At 10 to 20 ppm, protective steps against long-term exposure need to be taken to prevent worker discomfort, such as eye irritation. At concentrations above 20 ppm, the gas deadens the sense of smell and headaches or nausea may develop. At 600 ppm (or less for some people), the sense of smell is immediately paralyzed, breathing stops, and without immediate resuscitation, death follows.<ref name=pt03r1>American National Standards Institute, 1972, Acceptable concentrations of hydrogen sulfide: ANSI Report No. Z37., 2, New York.</ref><ref name=pt03r3>American Petroleum Institute, 1974, API recommended practices for safe drilling of wells containing hydrogen sulfide: API Report No. 49, Dallas, TX, 11 p.</ref>
When entering a site with known or suspected H<sub>2</sub>S present, conditions should be determined immediately from site personnel or warning signs. When a well is drilling with a risk of H<sub>2</sub>S release, it is important to be continually aware of the wind direction, site layout, safety equipment, and the various means of escape.
When entering a site with known or suspected H<sub>2</sub>S present, conditions should be determined immediately from site personnel or warning signs. When a well is drilling with a risk of H<sub>2</sub>S release, it is important to be continually aware of the wind direction, site layout, safety equipment, and the various means of escape.