Document ID: OSHA-2020-0010-0042
Agency: osha
Document Type: Supporting & Related Material
Title: 
Posted Date: 2021-09-16T04:00Z

Hydrogen Sulfide Hazards in Marine Environments

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is a toxic gas that in marine environments results from the decomposition of organic material, such as fish products, sewage, oily waste, and fire-fighting aqueous film forming foam (AFFF). 

                    Fish Holds and Other Fish Storage Areas
                          Sewage and Gray Water Tanks

                           KNOW THE SIGNS AND RISKS 
 Colorless and highly odorous, emitting a "rotten egg" smell
   
   Listen to your senses. If you think you smell H2S leave the space, alert others, have a competent person perform atmospheric testing, and ventilate the space.

   
 Can rapidly desensitize and paralyze your sense of smell

 Slightly heavier than air, often accumulating in low-lying areas

 Moderate concentrations can cause severe eye and respiratory irritation, including coughing and difficulty breathing; headache; dizziness; nausea; and vomiting
   
 High concentrations can cause sudden loss of consciousness or "knockdown," and result in death
                              Foam Storage Tanks
                           Oily Waste Storage Tanks
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