A hydrogen sulfide monitor can help ensure the safety of workers in environments where this dangerous gas may be present. It can be found in oil and natural gas drilling and production, wastewater treatment facilities, utility spaces, and sewers. Hydrogen sulfide is colorless, odorless, and poisonous at high levels in the air. It can also be flammable and corrosive, making it a serious danger to those who enter into such confined spaces for work.

Inhaling hydrogen sulfide can cause eye irritation, nausea, headaches, and unconsciousness in extreme cases. It can even be fatal if the level of exposure is high enough. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends that all teams use a personal H2S detector to monitor their environment while working in confined spaces or in areas where the potential for hazardous H2S levels exists.

There are several types of portable hydrogen sulfide monitors to choose from, including handheld units and fixed point gas monitoring systems. Portable handheld models feature a display that displays current live readings, at-a-glance gas concentration information, and alarms when the detector is in danger of reaching dangerous levels of H2S. Handheld units are usually battery-operated and feature a convenient clip or hook for attachment to the worker’s clothing. They offer immediate alerts for H2S in the breathing zone and can be networked together to provide a continuous view of the area where exposure is likely occurring.

Unlike some other handheld devices, portable H2S monitors are designed to be maintained and have the ability to “bump test” themselves. A bump test involves exposing the device to a known level of the gas, typically 25 ppm of H2S, for one minute. If the device goes into alarm, it has passed the bump test and is ready for use.

H2S is a colorless, odorless gas that can build up in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces. It is formed when organic sulfur compounds decompose in the absence of oxygen, and it can be emitted by a variety of industrial processes, such as the drilling and production of crude oil and natural gas, the processing of waste water, and the production of petrochemicals.

Although a rotten egg smell can be detectable at low concentrations in the air, workers who are continuously exposed to high levels of the chemical may lose their sense of smell (olfactory fatigue) or become completely insensitive to it (olfactory paralysis). To avoid this, all employees should wear a personal H2S detector and follow the appropriate safety procedures when entering confined spaces. This includes a thorough risk assessment of the space, ventilation, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment. When a leak occurs, the ability to communicate with other team members and management is also crucial. Many models of portable gas monitors include wireless capability and can connect to a central system to provide real-time data to engineers, technicians, or anyone else who needs to know about the situation. This can prevent delays in implementing remedial actions or taking appropriate action to keep everyone safe.