Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure - Regulations

In addition to the standards that apply to respiratory hazards in general, oil and gas extraction industry employers must also comply with OSHA rulings that relate more directly to hydrogen sulfide exposure. The OSHA standards for General Industry (29 CFR 1910) and Construction (29 CFR 1926) include comprehensive guidelines for ventilation, permit-required confined spaces, air contaminants, hazard communication, and other health hazards to which hydrogen sulfide can contribute. In two tables, OSHA established the exposure limits for hydrogen sulfide, as follows:

OSHA standard - General Industry (29 CFR 1910:1000 Table Z-2): This standard limits exposure to toxic and hazardous substances to 20 parts per million (ppm) with the exception that during an 8-hour work shift, if no other measurable exposure takes place, exposure levels may range from 20 ppm to 50 ppm (peak) for a single time period that lasts no more than 10 minutes.

OSHA standard - Construction (29 CFR 1910:1000 Table Z-2): This standard limits exposure to gases, vapors, fumes, dusts, and mists to 10 ppm over a time-weighted average.

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