Roustabout how-to

How to Respond to an H2S Alarm

H2S can kill in seconds.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

H2S can kill in seconds. In short: hold; go; alert, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Hold your breath and move upwind.

  2. Go to the safe briefing area.

  3. Alert others.

  4. Account for the crew.

  5. Never enter without breathing air.

  6. Wait for clearance.

Safety reminders for roustabouts

  • Wear H2S monitors and know escape routes
  • Use stop work authority when unsafe
  • Follow lifting and rigging rules
  • Wear PPE including hard hat, FR clothing and steel toes

Lease · Tank battery · Flowline · Pumpjack · Wellhead · SafeLand: see the full roustabout glossary.

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