Op
STAYSAFE 10
– Hydrogen Sulphide(H2S)
Reporting
or Notification?
Incidents in the fleet
BZ Locker
At
times we may be forgiven for thinking that hydrogen sulphide
(H2S) is just an excuse for the ship’s NBCDI to waste our stand
easy breaks with a toxic hazard exercise. However, in reality
it is a serious and ever present danger that we face in our
workplace.
H2S is a colourless gas produced by the decay of organic matter
such as raw sewage, oils, and salt water. We can fi nd it in
omnipures, collection holding tanks (CHT), salt water lines,
bilges, void spaces, and storage tanks. Because H2S is heavier
than air it likes to find its way to lower compartments and
bilges where it will remain until disturbed (this is why we
position gas detection equipment at the lowest point possible).
If disturbed H2S can engulf unsuspecting personnel. We have
all heard that hydrogen sulphide (H2S) smells like rotten eggs.
This smell is usually detected in the range of 10PPB (parts
per billion) to 50 PPM (parts per million), these are considered
low levels.
At levels higher than this, the poisonous gas will start to
degrade the olfactory nerves, making it impossible to smell.
Prolonged exposure will kill.
H2S is a deadly asphyxiant that binds to haemoglobin in the
red blood cells stopping the transportation of oxygen around
the body. Studies have shown that H2S is non-accumulative in
the body, so if you can remove personnel from the danger and
get them to clean air, rapid recovery should follow; this is
why we train.
H2S, as well as being highly toxic, is also extremely flammable
(it burns with a bright blue flame) and very corrosive. It is
soluble in water, which means, before conducting atmosphere
readings in tanks and void spaces, any residual water will need
to be agitated or mopped up.
In salt water, H2S is produced from the breakdown of micro-organisms,
so you should be wary of stagnant pools of water.
Dissolved H2S will form a weak hydro sulphuric acid, which is
another danger to look out for.
GAS DETECTION EQUIPMENT
Two new models of gas detector have recently entered service
to supersede the older GX/HS-91 units.
These are the IMPACT PRO and IMPULSE XT detectors.
These detectors were chosen because they are believed to be
the best equipment for the job.
They are reliable, easy to use and, as far as possible “sailor
proof”.
The new detectors have been provided with a good training package
and support system, which includes:
• Internet support;
• Down loadable information for fault rectifi cation;
• CD training;
• Database utilities for reading and results.
The IMPACT PRO detects the same range of gases as the
GX-91 (O2, Flammable Gases (calibrated for methane), CO and
H2S).
The display is a little different in that we now have two lines
of readings that are presented in the format: O2 in %, Flammable
Gases read as % of Lower Explosive Limit (LEL), CO in parts
per million (ppm) and fi nally H2S in ppm.
The gas readings are pre-programmed with alarm values that will
cause the unit to emit an audible warning when a limit is being
approached.
These aren’t big changes but some may find the order inconsistent
with the layout on their D.C. board and should be aware of this.
The unit has an internal memory, which is stamped with the ship
name and a serial number (eg SUCCESS 01,02,03,04). The internal
memory functions as a data logger and every operation is recorded
and will be able to be downloaded to the ship’s database.
The IMPULSE XT is light, durable, splash proof, user
friendly and features two function (O2- H2S) detection – same
as the old HS-91 unit. It should last two years with correct
use and maintenance.
The IMPULSE XT is a quarter of the size of the HS-91 and ten
times as reliable in that, if you drop it, the chances of the
unit still functioning is very high.
If you were to drop the HS-91, you may as well return it to
stores (this is not an invitation to conduct your own drop test).
As stated, the life of the IMPULSE XT is around two years.
The test button should only be activated once a day or if the
wearer is in doubt - constant use of the test function will
decrease battery life.
A few warnings to maintainers and users are to keep both the
IMPACT PRO and IMPULSE XT away from silicon based aerosols and
never clean them with citrus-based products.
These chemicals will burn the sensors.
Any enquires regarding this equipment can be directed to the
SONBCD at Warfare Division MHQ. SONBCD: nic.zillman@defence.gov.au
ASONBCD: giovanni.cercone@defence.gov.au
ASOFF2: dean.plowman1@defence.gov.au
By LSMT Dean Plowman, Combat Survivability Cell, Warfare Division
MHQ
Top
Reporting
or Notification?
Timely
and accurate reporting of safety incidents and occurrences is
possibly the single most important contribution you can make
to the effectiveness of Safety Management System – Navy (SMS-N).
The most common formats of report raised are the Navy OHS Incident
Report – the OHSIR, and the Defence OHS Incident Report – form
AC563. The content and format of these reports is different,
and each serves a different purpose.
To distinguish between the different purposes we use the terms
“reporting” and “notifi cation” and it seems that there may
be some confusion about the difference between the two.
So here is an attempt to explain… Reporting means the use of
the OHSIR to inform Navy and the use of an AC563 to inform the
Defence OHS and Compensation (DOHSC) Branch. The OHSIR ‘feeds’
the SMSN Hazard Risk Management Process.
It serves to inform Navy personnel of the incident or occurrence
and allows the organisation do something to stop it happening
again. OHSIR records are available via the OHSIR Database on
the MHQ website.
They help Navy recognise trends and gradually improve its safety
performance.
The AC563 contributes to the DOHSC Branch’s statistical record
of Defencewide occurrences but, of greater importance to the
individual, the AC563 records personal details and becomes the
‘corporate record’ of his/her involvement.
It is in the interest of any Navy personnel involved in an incident
to ensure an AC563 is raised and sent to the DOHSC Branch.
It is also advised that the individual keep a copy for themselves
and have a copy placed in their personal fi le. The OHSIR and
AC563 reports conform to standard formats.
The OHSIR is signalled, whilst the AC563 requires signatures
and is faxed. Notifi cation means the use of the AC563 or telephone
to inform the Commonwealth OHS Regulator (Comcare), and (for
occurrences involving radiation) the Australian Radiological
Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), in order to
comply with national legislation.
The occasions on which reporting or notification is required
are set out in ABR6303 Chapter 7 and on the front cover of the
AC563. Supervisors and managers need to be aware that the timescale
requirements for notifi cation are strict and it is their legal
responsibility to conform.
This means that the AC563 should not be left in the ‘in-tray’
for days awaiting signature!
Always check the references if you are unsure but as a ‘rule
of thumb’ it is better to err on the side of caution and, if
in doubt, report and notify.
Writing and submitting OHSIR and AC563 reports can be a lot
of work but have faith that you are doing it because it is a
vital contribution to KEEP NAVY SAFE.
Top
Incidents
in the fleet
