H2S Alive, which is accredited through Enform, has a new Edition 7.4.
This is a summary of the new course and how to get the new certification. Allstar Enviro Safety is an authorized training institute for this program.
Allstar Enviro Safety presents H2S Alive Edition 7.4
This new H2S Alive course has some similarities to the previous Edition 6, in that it still consists of:
- H2S Properties, Scales, Points of Release and Health hazards
- Respiratory Protective Equipment (SCBA and SABA)
- Detection of H2S
- Rescue Techniques and the 7-step Initial Response Strategy
However, major changes were made to modernize the program and prepare new workers entering the oil and gas, transportation, and construction trades.
New additions include
- Hazard Assessment and Control. Severity and Probability, Risk Determination, and Control Application Using Elimination and Substitution, Engineering, Administrative Controls, and Personal Protective Equipment will be emphasized.
- While the previous program had case studies, the new scenarios for a variety of sites in the petroleum industry will teach students how to identify risks and respond to emergencies that could affect people, materials, equipment, and the environment.
- CPR has been removed from the program. Since workers should have first aid and CPR to be employed in these industries, this removes any repetition in training and allows more time for other skills practice.
- The instructor demonstrates detector tubes but emphasizes the use of personal, portable, and fixed monitors less in the new edition.
This popular website has featured H2S Alive and many other classroom-based safety seminars. It also offers online and blended online programs.
About Arliss T.E. Levine, CRSP CHSC BA
Arliss is a certified external health and safety auditor and trainer in Alberta.
By Arliss Levine
Allstar Enviro Safety
557 -7620 Elbow Dr. SW.
Calgary AB T2V 1K2
403-214-1558
Additional Safety Knowledge
Understanding H2S — The Basics
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a colourless, flammable gas heavier than air with a characteristic rotten-egg odour at low concentrations. It is produced naturally by anaerobic decomposition of organic matter and is present in sour oil and gas reservoirs, sewer systems, wastewater treatment, pulp and paper operations, tanneries, and manure storage pits. In Alberta’s upstream oil and gas industry it is the single most common atmospheric hazard.
Exposure Concentrations and Effects
- 0.01–1.5 ppm: detectable by smell — the classic rotten-egg odour.
- 10 ppm: Alberta occupational exposure limit (OEL) 8-hour time-weighted average.
- 15 ppm: Alberta 15-minute short-term exposure limit (STEL).
- 50–100 ppm: eye irritation, respiratory discomfort, olfactory fatigue (sense of smell disappears — a dangerous false-safety signal).
- 100 ppm: NIOSH Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) limit.
- 500–700 ppm: loss of consciousness within minutes, respiratory paralysis, death likely without immediate rescue.
- 1,000 ppm and above: single-breath knockdown — instant collapse and death.
Detection and Personal Monitoring
Every worker in a potential H2S atmosphere must carry a personal 4-gas monitor calibrated for H2S detection. Standard alarm setpoints are 10 ppm (low alarm) and 15 ppm (high alarm). Bump testing is required before every shift; full calibration every 30 days minimum. Fixed detection systems with visual and audible alarms are required at facilities with continuous H2S risk.
H2s Alive Changed H2s Alive Edition 7 — Emergency Response
The first response to an H2S alarm is not to investigate — it is to evacuate upwind and uphill (H2S is heavier than air). Muster at the designated point, complete roll call, and notify the incident commander. Rescue attempts require Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), a trained rescue partner, and a documented rescue plan. Attempting rescue without SCBA is the leading cause of secondary H2S fatalities.
Content reviewed by Arliss Levine, CRSP, CHSC — lead safety instructor at Safety Mom · Allstar Enviro Safety Calgary, an Energy Safety Canada Authorized Training Provider.
