The International Association of Dredging Companies (IADC) has just released this new article named ‘A Common Sense Approach for H2S Release During Dredging’.
The release of H2S (Hydrogen Sulphide) is a known risk in the dredging industry. It is a highly toxic and flammable gas (flammable range: 4.3-46%).
Being heavier than air, it tends to accumulate at the bottom of poorly ventilated spaces. In addition, it is very pungent at first, but quickly deadens the sense of smell, so that it may easily go unnoticed and victims may be unaware of its presence until it is too late.
H2S is highly poisonous with both long- and short-term effects similar to those of carbon monoxide.
This article focuses on the H2S exposure which can occur during traditional dredging works and suggests some possible preventive measures such as recognizing the H2S risk during the tender phase and taking measures to minimize it. As well, alerting crews to the risk and training them to prevent H2S risks are crucial.
Authors: Christophe Leroy, Steven Huleu
For the complete article, click here .