Transcript
... Think safety!
Working with
Odorants (THT)
HSE in general Environment Health Safety
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Working with
Odorants (THT) Gasunie is one of the biggest gas infrastructure companies in Europe. Within the company, we give safety the highest priority; it forms the basis of our license to operate. We abide by the strictest safety, health and environmental standards, both for our own employees, external contractors and the surroundings. Gasunie’s safety policy is thus characterised by a proactive approach which is designed to prevent accidents, incidents and hazardous situations. General rules Familiarise yourself with the situation at the
installation or construction site where you are going to work as soon as possible Make sure you know who and what is where Take the precautionary measures that are
appropriate to the work you are going to carry out Set aside enough time for safety: consider what
could go wrong and whether you have done everything you can to prevent hazardous situations
Remain alert at all times when you are working. If in any doubt, always ask or suspend activities where necessary.
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... Think safety!
Odorants (aroma compounds) Natural gas is naturally odourless. To ensure that it can be detected by smell, an odorant is added to it in order to warn consumers of gas leaks. The odorant which Gasunie adds is called tetrahydrothiophene (THT). The concentration of THT in the gas is 18 mg/m3. THT is a colourless liquid which smells of rotting eggs. The low detection threshold of this substance is especially vital. Properties of THT Colourless liquid Moderately volatile Highly flammable Smells of rotting eggs
Chemical formula C4H8S
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Working with
Odorants (THT) Risks associated with THT Personnel Highly irritating to skin and respiratory system Nausea and headache on inhaling Flammable Noxious
Environment Leaks can cause THT to spread through the air or
ground water Even very small amounts will be damaging to the
environment and will cause serious noxious odours THT can remain in the groundwater for many
years, causing problems Exposure of personnel to THT Regular maintance on odorant installation
(respiratory tract abd skin/eyes)
Handling or loading of odorant Leakages
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... Think safety!
Contact with THT Exposure
Acute effects
Eyes
Redness and soreness, tears, swelling, blurred vision Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of coordination, blurred vision, sleepiness, confusion or disorientation, palpitations Exposure to increased concentrations (extreme exposure) can affect the central nervous system Irritation. Damage to internal organs due to absorption by the skin is unlikely Stomach cramp, stomach ache, nausea, dizziness Can enter the lungs directly, causing damage or death
Inhalation
Skin
Swallowing
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Working with
Odorants (THT) First aid on contact Exposure
First aid
Eyes
Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes Consult ophthalmologist Fresh air Rest Consult doctor Remove contaminated clothing Rinse skin with plenty of water or have a shower Consult doctor Rinse mouth out Give casualty carbon to eat (carbomix) Call in emergency medical aid without delay
Inhalation
Skin
Swallowing
What personal protection equipment to use? The personal protection equipment for THT are primarily designed to prevent contact with the skin. Exposure to high atmospheric concentrations is prevented by the very low odorant threshold of 3.6 microgrammes per m3. During maintenance work Face visor/full-face mask, acid protection goggles Liquid-resistant gloves Acid protection apron Liquid-resistant disposable overalls (PE) Gloves Safety boots (PU)
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... Think safety!
Helmet Eye protectors
In the event of high concentrations (e.g. when clearing up spilled product or during dismantling work) Full-face visor with ABEKHgP3 filter Alternative: oxygen mask
Preparation of the work Make sure you are aware of the risks involved in
the work Discuss the risks with the supervisor/client Make the necessary preparations Use the correct personal protection measures
What to do in the event of a leak Wear the correct PPE Extra ventilation Contain and suck up spilled or leaked product Clean up residue of product with absorbent solution Neutralise odour with AIR-O-GONE if possible Notify CCP in the event of leaks that could cause
problems in the environment
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Working with
Odorants (THT)
Published by: N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie HSE Department P.O. Box 19 9700 MA Groningen
[email protected] © February 2015 8
