Hydrogen sulphide gas is a current hazard in the Oil and Gas Industry. It is also prevalent in sewers, landfills, barges, pig farms, muskegs, mines and pulp and paper mills
Alberta is one of the most dangerous places in the world for H2S. Other areas where H2S is common include Europe, the Middle East and also any areas where volcanic activity may produce H2S.
This gas is a colorless chemical that is difficult to pick up with your own senses. Vapor density is heavier than air, but it can rise when mixed with a lighter than air gas stream. It will flow with the other products when agitated, depressurized or heated, and eventually settle into low spots. Be particularly careful in confined spaces and non ventilated areas such as pits, trenches, under the substructure, berms and basements.
We feature the 7th edition of the Enform certified course. 5 sections include Physical properties, scales and probable locations, Hazard assessment and scenarios, Respiratory protective equipment including SCBA or SABA, Gas monitoring and sampling and Rescues. You can learn more about the hazards of H2S gas at http://safetymom.ca/h2s-awareness/
Additional Safety Knowledge
Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Framework
Alberta’s workplace safety system is built on the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the OHS Regulation, and the OHS Code (which contains the detailed technical requirements). The three-legged framework applies to virtually all Alberta workplaces except federally regulated industries (which follow Canada Labour Code Part II). Workers have three fundamental rights: the right to know about hazards, the right to participate in safety decisions, and the right to refuse unsafe work without reprisal.
Employer, Supervisor, and Worker Responsibilities
- Employers must ensure the health and safety of workers, provide instruction and training, maintain equipment, and prepare a health and safety program (mandatory for workplaces with 20+ regular workers).
- Supervisors must take all reasonable steps to protect workers, ensure workers use required equipment and follow procedures, and advise workers of hazards.
- Workers must protect their own health and safety and that of co-workers, use required equipment, cooperate with the OHS system, and report hazards or incidents.
Failure to fulfill these duties can result in administrative penalties, orders, prosecution, and in severe cases criminal charges under the federal Criminal Code (Bill C-45).
Hazard Assessment — The Foundation of Workplace Safety
Every task should begin with a hazard assessment. Formal assessments identify hazards, evaluate risk (probability multiplied by severity), and prescribe controls following the hierarchy: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE. Field Level Hazard Assessments (FLHAs) are completed for each shift or task change. Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) document safe procedures for repetitive or non-routine work.
Important Facts H2s Gas — Ongoing Competency
Safety competency is not a one-time event. Workers require initial training before first exposure to a hazard, refresher training when procedures change, and periodic competency verification. Employer records must include worker names, training dates, course content, trainer identification, and assessment results. Alberta OHS inspectors routinely review training records during inspections and incident investigations.
Content reviewed by Arliss Levine, CRSP, CHSC — lead safety instructor at Safety Mom · Allstar Enviro Safety Calgary, an Energy Safety Canada Authorized Training Provider.
