Hydrogen Sulfide Requirements for Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service

30 CFR Part 250

RIN 1010-AB50

Hydrogen Sulfide Requirements for Operations in the Outer

Continental Shelf

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule revises requirements for preventing hydrogen sulfide

(H2S) releases, detecting and monitoring H2S and sulphur

dioxide (SO2), protecting personnel, providing visual and audible

warnings, and training personnel. The rule also establishes

requirements for H2S flaring. The revisions are necessary to keep

up with current practices and technologies, and to enhance personnel

safety and environmental protection.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 28, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: E.P. Danenberger at (703) 787-1598 or

John Mirabella at (703) 787-1600.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 11, 1995, we published in the Federal

Register (60 FR 25178) a reproposed rule, which incorporated comments

to a previous proposed rule which we published on August 15, 1990 (55

FR 33326). The reproposed rule incorporated the latest editions of two

documents:

American National Standard Institute (ANSI), American

National Standard for Respiratory Protection (ANSI Z88.2-1992), and

The National Association of Corrosion Engineers' (NACE)

Standard (MR-01-92), Recommended Practice (RP), Sulfide Stress Cracking

Resistant Metallic Materials for Oil Field Equipment.

We received a total of three responses: one from the National

Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH) and two from industry. We have

addressed their comments below and have rewritten the rule in a clearer

and more user-oriented style. We have subdivided some sections. As a

result, some sections have been renumbered.

Discussion of Comments

Comment: NIOSH referred to recommendations it had given to the

Occupational Safety and Health Administration with respect to ``bearded

workers'' and ``wearing contact lenses,'' and recommended that the

pressure-demand-type respirator required should be certified by NIOSH.

Response: We have incorporated by reference the ANSI Z88.2 standard

that addresses the topics of ``bearded workers'' and ``wearing of

contact lenses.'' We believe our rule is consistent with regulations

promulgated by other Federal agencies but do not agree that

certification by other agencies is needed.

Comment: There is a critical need for a system that would

continuously monitor and detect any emissions the instant they occur at

wellheads and manifolds.

Response: We consider the sensors that detect the presence of

H2S in air to be part of a continuous monitoring system. Sensor

locations take into consideration design factors such as type of

decking, location of fire walls, ventilation, or area confinement.

Alternative monitoring systems may be desirable for production systems

that have components which are prone to erosion and leaks. MMS

encourages lessees to use new or alternative monitoring systems that

enhance leak detection capabilities.

Comment: Delete the requirements concerning SO2-detection and

monitoring equipment. The commenter stated that a properly designed

flare system, coupled with general requirements allowing operators to

establish personnel exposure limits, should be adequate for personnel

protection on a facility.

Response: We agree that operators should be permitted to propose

alternatives to the use of portable of fixed SO2 monitors to

monitor air quality while burning gas containing H2S. We added a

provision to allow the District Supervisor to consider and

[[Page 3794]]

approve alternative engineering controls.

Comment: The requirement concerning training for visitors who stay

overnight on a facility should be given to visitors who remain 2

consecutive nights. The suggested wording would eliminate unnecessary

detailed training for office associates and other visitors who

infrequently visit the facility. The commenter also recommended the

substitution of the phrase ``abbreviated training program'' with the

word ``briefing.''

Response: We agree with the commenter that ``overnight'' is not an

appropriate criteria. We have modified the requirement to provide more

flexibility by allowing stays of up to 24 hours.

Comment: Expand the requirement concerning resuscitators by adding

the words: ``on manned facilities and a number equal to the personnel

on board, not to exceed three, on unmanned facilities.'' The suggested

words would indicate that it is not necessary to maintain or provide

three resuscitators in facilities where there are less than three

persons.

Response: We agree and used the suggested words, with

modifications.

Comment: Change the requirement of drills for each person within 24

hours after duty begins and at least once during every subsequent 7-day

period be changed to say: ``A drill will be conducted for each person

at the facility during his or her normal duty.'' The commenter felt

that drills for each person within 24 hours after duty begins is an

unnecessary administrative burden due to varied work rotations. Also,

in order to indicate that H2S drills and training can be conducted

as part of other drills, the following words be inserted: ``H2S

drills and training may be conducted in conjunction with other safety

meetings or with rig/facility abandonment drills.''

Response: We agree with the suggestion concerning drill frequency

and used the suggested words, with modifications. Lessees may combine

H2S drills with other training or drills if scenarios are

realistic and the drill procedures effectively prepare personnel for an

H2S emergency.

Comment: Expand the operational danger signs requirement by adding

the words: ``and/or red flashing lights be illuminated.'' The commenter

observed that the proposed rule permits use of electronic systems.

However, the actual language of the proposed rule did not include such

provisions. The use of flashing lights may be more effective than

flags.

Response: We agree. The suggested words, modified to say, ``and/or

activate flashing red lights,'' will be inserted in the requirement.

Comment: Clarify sensor locations in enclosed areas in order to

avoid contradictory interpretations.

Response: We agree. We have modified that requirement.

Comment: Expand the requirement concerning the use of detectors in

nearby facilities by adding the words: ``To invoke this requirement the

District Supervisor will consider dispersion modeling results from a

possible release to determine if 20 parts per million (ppm) H2S

concentration levels could be exceeded at nearby facilities.'' The

added language would explain the decision process used to invoke the

requirement of having monitoring equipment at third party sites.

Response: We agree and used the suggested words with modifications.

Comment: Reduce the nominal breathing time of ``at least 15

minutes'' for respirators to ``at least 5 minutes.'' The commenter

states that experience from drills indicate that a 5 minute nominal

breathing time is adequate for a trained user to reach a safe briefing

area, and that the cited ANSI document does not specify a 15 minute

normal breathing time for this application.

Response: We do not agree with the commenter. We feel that the risk

of entering or exiting an H2S atmosphere that is immediately

dangerous to life or health warrants the use of a self-contained air

supply as recommended in Section A.9.1.3 of ANSI Z88.2-1992, i.e., a

supply of 15 minutes or more. Commenters responding to our previously

proposed rule published in the Federal Register on August 15, 1990,

requested that we specify a self-contained breathing time. We decided

to specify a nominal breathing time of at least 15 minutes because 5

minutes might now allow personnel enough time to escape from an

emergency.

Comment: Insert the words ``upon request of the Regional

Supervisor'' in the recordkeeping requirements concerning monthly

reports of flared and vented gas containing H2S as required in

Sec. 250.175(d)(3). Some regions are under control of local authorities

concerning air pollution and require submission of such reports, making

the report to MMS optional. The suggested changes would provide local

MMS offices with the authority to require this report only as needed

and avoids duplication.

Response: The suggested words will be inserted in the section. On

May 20, 1996, a final rule modified Sec. 250.175. In consequence, the

paragraphs contained in that section were renumbered. Thus,

Sec. 250.175(d)(3) became Sec. 250.175(f)(3).

Author: Mario Rivero, Information and Training Branch, prepared

this document.

Executive Order (E.O.) 12866

This final rule does not meet the criteria for a significant rule

requiring review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under

E.O. 12866.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

This proposed amendment to the rule will not have any significant

effects on a substantial number of small entities. In general, the

entities that engage in offshore activities are not small due to the

technical and financial resources and experience needed to safely

conduct such activities. Small entities are more likely to operate

onshore or in State waters--areas not covered by the proposed rule.

When small entities do work in the OCS, they are likely to be

contractors. Working in an H2S environment can be dangerous, and

it is important that all operators and contractors follow the rules.

Small entities that work on the OCS have been able to comply with

existing rules and will be able to comply with the new rules. These

changes to the rules will not affect their ability to compete.

Paperwork Reduction Act

MMS has submitted to OMB for approval the information collection

requirements in this final rule which revises Sec. 250.67 (OMB Control

Number 1010-0053) and adds Sec. 250.175(f) (OMB Control Number 1010-

0041). On February 6, 1996, we provided a 60-day review and comment

process through a notice in the Federal Register (61 FR 4480). The

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 provides that an agency may not conduct

or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of

information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

The titles of the collections of information are ``30 CFR Part 250,

Subpart D, Oil and Gas Drilling Operations'' (1010-0053) and ``30 CFR

Part 250, Subpart K, Oil and Gas Production Rates'' (1010-0041).

The collections of information in this final rule consist of the

reporting and recordkeeping necessary to prevent H2S releases,

protect human safety, and detect and monitor SO2. They include

critical contingency plan requirements; recordkeeping on training,

drilling, and equipment monitoring activities; posting of safety,

emergency and warning procedures; and MMS reporting requirements.

Responses are mandatory.

[[Page 3795]]

MMS needs the information to ascertain the condition of a drilling

site and to determine if lessees are properly providing for the safety

of operations and protection of human life or health and the

environment. We use the information to avoid and eliminate hazards

inherent in drilling operations.

The respondents are approximately 26 Federal oil and gas lessees.

The frequency of response is ``on occasion.''

In Sec. 250.67, we estimate an annual reporting burden of 849 hours

and an annual recordkeeping burden of 16,189 hours. In Sec. 250.175(f),

we estimate an annual reporting burden of 432 hours. The burden

estimates include the time for reviewing instructions, searching

existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and

completing and reviewing the collection of information.

Send comments regarding the burden or any other aspect of the

collections of information contained in Sec. 250.67 and

Sec. 250.175(f), including suggestions for reducing the burdens, to the

Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and

Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior, Room

10102, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503 (OMB control number

1010-0053 or 1010-0041). Send a copy of your comments to the

Information Collection Clearance Officer, Minerals Management Service,

Mail Stop 2053, 381 Elden Street, Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817.

Takings Implication Assessment

The DOI determined that this final rule does not represent a

governmental action capable of interference with constitutionally

protected rights. Thus, DOI does not need to prepare a Takings

Implication Assessment pursuant to E.O. 12630, Governmental Actions and

Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.

E.O. 12988

The DOI certified to OMB that the rule meets the applicable reform

standards provided in Sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

The DOI has determined and certifies according to the Unfunded

Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this rule will not

impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given year on State,

local, and tribal governments, or the private sector.

National Environmental Policy Act

The DOI determined that this action does not constitute a major

Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human

environment; therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement is not

required.

List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 250

Continental shelf, Environmental impact statements, Environmental

protection, Government contracts, Incorporation by reference,

Investigations, Mineral royalties, Oil and gas development and

production, Oil and gas exploration, Oil and gas reserves, Penalties,

Pipelines, Public lands--minerals resources, Public lands--rights-of-

way, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulphur development and

production, Sulphur exploration, Surety bonds.

Dated: January 9, 1997.

Sylvia V. Baca,

Deputy Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management.

For the reasons stated in the preamble, Minerals Management Service

(MMS) amends 30 CFR part 250 as follows:

PART 250--OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER

CONTINENTAL SHELF

1. The authority citation for part 250 continues to read as

follows:

Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1334.

2. In Sec. 250.1, paragraphs (c)(7) and (g)(1) are revised to read

as follows:

Sec. 250.1 Documents incorporated by reference.

* * * * *

(c) * * *

(7) ANSI Z88.2-1992, American National Standard for Respiratory

Protection, Incorporated by Reference at: Secs. 250.67(g)(4)(iv) and

(j)(13)(ii).

* * * * *

(g) * * *

(1) NACE Standard MR.01-75-96, Sulfide Stress Cracking Resistant

Metallic Materials for Oil Field Equipment, January 1996,

Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.67(p)(2).

* * * * *

3. In Sec. 250.2, the definitions for Zones known to contain

H2S, Zones where the absence of H2S has been confirmed, and

Zones where the presence of H2S is unknown are removed.

4. Section 250.67 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 250.67 Hydrogen sulfide

(a) What precautions must I take when operating in an H2S

area? You must:

(1) Take all necessary and feasible precautions and measures to

protect personnel from the toxic effects of H2S and to mitigate

damage to property and the environment caused by H2S. You must

follow the requirements of this section when conducting drilling, well-

completion/well-workover, and production operations in zones with

H2S present and when conducting operations in zones where the

presence of H2S is unknown. You do not need to follow these

requirements when operating in zones where the absence of H2S has

been confirmed; and

(2) Follow your approved contingency plan.

(b) Definitions. Terms used in this section have the following

meanings:

Facility means a vessel, a structure, or an artificial island used

for drilling, well-completion, well-workover, and/or production

operations.

H2S absent means:

(1) Drilling, logging, coring, testing, or producing operations

have confirmed the absence of H2S in concentrations that could

potentially result in atmospheric concentrations of 20 ppm or more of

H2S; or

(2) Drilling in the surrounding areas and correlation of geological

and seismic data with equivalent stratigraphic units have confirmed an

absence of H2S throughout the area to be drilled.

H2S present means that drilling, logging, coring, testing, or

producing operations have confirmed the presence of H2S in

concentrations and volumes that could potentially result in atmospheric

concentrations of 20 ppm or more of H2S.

H2S unknown means the designation of a zone or geologic

formation where neither the presence nor absence of H2S has been

confirmed.

Well-control fluid means drilling mud and completion or workover

fluid as appropriate to the particular operation being conducted.

(c) Classifying an area for the presence of H2S. You must:

(1) Request and obtain an approved classification for the area from

the Regional Supervisor before you begin operations. Classifications

are ``H2S absent,'' H2S present,'' or ``H2S unknown'';

(2) Submit your request with your application for permit to drill;

(3) Support your request with available information such as

geologic and geophysical data and correlations, well logs, formation

tests, cores and analysis of formation fluids; and

(4) Submit a request for reclassification of a zone when additional

data indicate a different classification is needed.

(d) What do I do if conditions change? If you encounter H2S

that could

[[Page 3796]]

potentially result in atmospheric concentrations of 20 ppm or more in

areas not previously classified as having H2S present, you must

immediately notify MMS and begin to follow requirements for areas with

H2S present.

(e) What are the requirements for conducting simultaneous

operations? When conducting any combination of drilling, well-

completion, well-workover, and production operations simultaneously,

you must follow the requirements in the section applicable to each

individual operation.

(f) Requirements for submitting an H2S Contingency Plan.

Before you begin operations, you must submit an H2S Contingency

Plan to the District Supervisor for approval. Do not begin operations

before the District Supervisor approves your plan. You must keep a copy

of the approved plan in the field, and you must follow the plan at all

times. Your plan must include:

(1) Safety procedures and rules that you will follow concerning

equipment, drills, and smoking;

(2) Training you provide for employees, contractors, and visitors;

(3) Job position and title of the person responsible for the

overall safety of personnel;

(4) Other key positions, how these positions fit into your

organization, and what the functions, duties, and responsibilities of

those job positions are;

(5) Actions that you will take when the concentration of H2S

in the atmosphere reaches 20 ppm, who will be responsible for those

actions, and a description of the audible and visual alarms to be

activated;

(6) Briefing areas where personnel will assemble during an H2S

alert. You must have at least two briefing areas on each facility and

use the briefing area that is upwind of the H2S source at any

given time;

(7) Criteria you will use to decide when to evacuate the facility

and procedures you will use to safely evacuate all personnel from the

facility by vessel, capsule, or lifeboat. If you use helicopters during

H2S alerts, describe the types of H2S emergencies during

which you consider the risk of helicopter activity to be acceptable and

the precautions you will take during the flights;

(8) Procedures you will use to safely position all vessels

attendant to the facility. Indicate where you will locate the vessels

with respect to wind direction. Include the distance from the facility

and what procedures you will use to safely relocate the vessels in an

emergency;

(9) How you will provide protective-breathing equipment for all

personnel, including contractors and visitors;

(10) The agencies and facilities you will notify in case of a

release of H2S (that constitutes an emergency), how you will

notify them, and their telephone numbers. Include all facilities that

might be exposed to atmospheric concentrations of 20 ppm or more of

H2S;

(11) The medical personnel and facilities you will use if needed,

their addresses, and telephone numbers;

(12) H2S detector locations in production facilities producing

gas containing 20 ppm or more of H2S. Include an ``H2S

Detector Location Drawing'' showing:

(i) All vessels, flare outlets, wellheads, and other equipment

handling production containing H2S;

(ii) Approximate maximum concentration of H2S in the gas

stream; and

(iii) Location of all H2S sensors included in your contingency

plan;

(13) Operational conditions when you expect to flare gas containing

H2S including the estimated maximum gas flow rate, H2S

concentration, and duration of flaring;

(14) Your assessment of the risks to personnel during flaring and

what precautionary measures you will take;

(15) Primary and alternate methods to ignite the flare and

procedures for sustaining ignition and monitoring the status of the

flare (i.e., ignited or extinguished);

(16) Procedures to shut off the gas to the flare in the event the

flare is extinguished;

(17) Portable or fixed sulphur dioxide (SO2)-detection

system(s) you will use to determine SO2 concentration and exposure

hazard when H2S is burned;

(18) Increased monitoring and warning procedures you will take when

the SO2 concentration in the atmosphere reaches 2 ppm;

(19) Personnel protection measures or evacuation procedures you

will initiate when the SO2 concentration in the atmosphere reaches

5 ppm;

(20) Engineering controls to protect personnel from SO2; and

(21) Any special equipment, procedures, or precautions you will use

if you conduct any combination of drilling, well-completion, well-

workover, and production operations simultaneously.

(g) Training program.

(1) When and how often do employees need to be trained? All

operators and contract personnel must complete an H2S training

program to meet the requirements of this section:

(i) Before beginning work at the facility; and

(ii) Each year, within 1 year after completion of the previous

class.

(2) What training documentation do I need? For each individual

working on the platform, either:

(i) You must have documentation of this training at the facility

where the individual is employed; or

(ii) The employee must carry a training completion card.

(3) What training do I need to give to visitors and employees

previously trained on another facility?

(i) Trained employees or contractors transferred from another

facility must attend a supplemental briefing on your H2S equipment

and procedures before beginning duty at your facility;

(ii) Visitors who will remain on your facility more than 24 hours

must receive the training required for employees by paragraph (g)(4) of

this section; and

(iii) Visitors who will depart before spending 24 hours on the

facility are exempt from the training required for employees, but they

must, upon arrival, complete a briefing that includes:

(A) Information on the location and use of an assigned respirator;

practice in donning and adjusting the assigned respirator; information

on the safe briefing areas, alarm system, and hazards of H2S and

SO2; and

(B) Instructions on their responsibilities in the event of an

H2S release.

(4) What training must I provide to all other employees? You must

train all individuals on your facility on the:

(i) Hazards of H2S and of SO2 and the provisions for

personnel safety contained in the H2S Contingency Plan;

(ii) Proper use of safety equipment which the employee may be

required to use;

(iii) Location of protective breathing equipment, H2S

detectors and alarms, ventilation equipment, briefing areas, warning

systems, evacuation procedures, and the direction of prevailing winds;

(iv) Restrictions and corrective measures concerning beards,

spectacles, and contact lenses in conformance with ANSI Z88.2;

(v) Basic first-aid procedures applicable to victims of H2S

exposure. During all drills and training sessions, you must address

procedures for rescue and first aid for H2S victims;

(vi) Location of:

(A) The first-aid kit on the facility;

(B) Resuscitators; and

(C) Litter or other device on the facility.

(vii) Meaning of all warning signals.

(5) Do I need to post safety information? You must prominently

[[Page 3797]]

post safety information on the facility and on vessels serving the

facility (i.e,, basic first-aid, escape routes, instructions for use of

life boats, etc.).

(h) Drills. (1) When and how often do I need to conduct drills on

H2S safety discussions on the facility? You must:

(i) Conduct a drill for each person at the facility during normal

duty hours at least once every 7-day period. The drills must consist of

a dry-run performance of personnel activities related to assigned jobs.

(ii) At a safety meeting or other meetings of all personnel,

discuss drill performance, new H2S considerations at the facility,

and other updated H2S information at least monthly.

(2) What documentation do I need? You must keep records of

attendance for:

(i) Drilling, well-completion, and well-workover operations at the

facility until operations are completed; and

(ii) Production operations at the facility or at the nearest field

office for 1 year.

(i) Visual and audible warning systems--(1) How must I install wind

direction equipment? You must install wind-direction equipment in a

location visible at all times to individuals on or in the immediate

vicinity of the facility.

(2) When do I need to display operational danger signs, display

flags, or activate visual or audible alarms?

(i) You must display warning signs at all times on facilities with

wells capable of producing H2S and on facilities that process gas

containing H2S in concentrations of 20 ppm or more.

(ii) In addition to the signs, you must activate audible alarms and

display flags or activate flashing red lights when atmospheric

concentration of H2S reaches 20 ppm.

(3) What are the requirements for signs? Each sign must be a high-

visibility yellow color with black lettering as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Letter height Wording

------------------------------------------------------------------------

12 inches................................. Danger.

Poisonous Gas.

Hydrogen Sulfide.

7 inches.................................. Do not approach if red flag

is flying.

(Use appropriate wording at right)........ Do not approach if red

lights are flashing.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(4) May I use existing signs? You may use existing signs containing

the words ``Danger-Hydrogen Sulfide-H2S,'' provided the words

``Poisonous Gas. Do Not Approach if Red Flag is Flying'' or ``Red

Lights are Flashing'' in lettering of a minimum of 7 inches in height

are displayed on a sign immediately adjacent to the existing sign.

(5) What are the requirements for flashing lights or flags? You

must activate a sufficient number of lights or hoist a sufficient

number of flags to be visible to vessels and aircraft. Each light must

be of sufficient intensity to be seen by approaching vessels or

aircraft any time it is activated (day or night). Each flag must be

red, rectangular, a minimum width of 3 feet, and a minimum height of 2

feet.

(6) What is an audible warning system? An audible warning system is

a public address system or siren, horn, or other similar warning device

with a unique sound used only for H2S.

(7) Are there any other requirements for visual or audible warning

devices? Yes, you must:

(i) Illuminate all signs and flags at night and under conditions of

poor visibility; and

(ii) Use warning devices that are suitable for the electrical

classification of the area.

(8) What actions must I take when the alarms are activated? When

the warning devices are activated, the designated responsible persons

must inform personnel of the level of danger and issue instructions on

the initiation of appropriate protective measures.

(j) H2S-detection and H2S monitoring equipment.--(1) What

are the requirements for an H2S detection system? An H2S

detection system must:

(i) Be capable of sensing a minimum of 10 ppm of H2S in the

atmosphere; and

(ii) Activate audible and visual alarms when the concentration of

H2S in the atmosphere reaches 20 ppm.

(2) Where must I have sensors for drilling, well-completion, and

well-workover operations? You must locate sensors at the:

(i) Bell nipple;

(ii) Mud-return line receiver tank (possum belly);

(iii) Pipe-trip tank;

(iv) Shale shaker;

(v) Well-control fluid pit area;

(vi) Driller's station;

(vii) Living quarters; and

(viii) All other areas where H2S may accumulate.

(3) Do I need mud sensors? The District Supervisor may require mud

sensors in the possum belly in cases where the ambient air sensors in

the mud-return system do not consistently detect the presence of

H2S.

(4) How often must I observe the sensors? During drilling, well-

completion and well-workover operations, you must continuously observe

the H2S levels indicated by the monitors in the work areas during

the following operations:

(i) When you pull a wet string of drill pipe or workover string;

(ii) When circulating bottoms-up after a drilling break;

(iii) During cementing operations;

(iv) During logging operations; and

(v) When circulating to condition mud or other well-control fluid.

(5) Where must I have sensors for production operations? On a

platform where gas containing H2S of 20 ppm or greater is

produced, processed, or otherwise handled:

(i) You must have a sensor in rooms, buildings, deck areas, or low-

laying deck areas not otherwise covered by paragraph (j)(2) of this

section, where atmospheric concentrations of H2S could reach 20

ppm or more. You must have at least one sensor per 400 square feet of

deck area or fractional part of 400 square feet;

(ii) You must have a sensor in buildings where personnel have their

living quarters;

(iii) You must have a sensor within 10 feet of each vessel,

compressor, wellhead, manifold, or pump, which could release enough

H2S to result in atmospheric concentrations of 20 ppm at a

distance of 10 feet from the component;

(iv) You may use one sensor to detect H2S around multiple

pieces of equipment, provided the sensor is located no more than 10

feet from each piece, except that you need to use at least two sensors

to monitor compressors exceeding 50 horsepower;

(v) You do not need to have sensors near wells that are shut in at

the master valve and sealed closed;

(vi) When you determine where to place sensors, you must consider:

(A) The location of system fittings, flanges, valves, and other

devices subject to leaks to the atmosphere; and

(B) Design factors, such as the type of decking and the location of

fire walls; and

(vii) The District Supervisor may require additional sensors or

other monitoring capabilities, if warranted by site specific

conditions.

(6) How must I functionally test the H2S Detectors?

(i) Personnel trained to calibrate the particular H2S detector

equipment being used must test detectors by exposing them to a known

concentration in the range of 10 to 30 ppm of H2S.

(ii) If the results of any functional test are not within 2 ppm or

10 percent, whichever is greater, of the applied concentration,

recalibrate the instrument.

(7) How often must I test my detectors?

[[Page 3798]]

(i) When conducting drilling, drill stem testing, well-completion,

or well-workover operations in areas classified as H2S present or

H2S unknown, test all detectors at least once every 24 hours. When

drilling, begin functional testing before the bit is 1,500 feet

(vertically) above the potential H2S zone.

(ii) When conducting production operations, test all detectors at

least every 14 days between tests.

(iii) If equipment requires calibration as a result of two

consecutive functional tests, the District Supervisor may require that

H2S-detection and H2S-monitoring equipment be functionally

tested and calibrated more frequently.

(8) What documentation must I keep?

(i) You must maintain records of testing and calibrations (in the

drilling or production operations report, as applicable) at the

facility to show the present status and history of each device,

including dates and details concerning:

(A) Installation;

(B) Removal;

(C) Inspection;

(D) Repairs;

(E) Adjustments; and

(F) Reinstallation.

(ii) Records must be available for inspection by MMS personnel.

(9) What are the requirements for nearby vessels? If vessels are

stationed overnight alongside facilities in areas of H2S present

or H2S unknown, you must equip vessels with an H2S-detection

system that activates audible and visual alarms when the concentration

of H2S in the atmosphere reaches 20 ppm. This requirement does not

apply to vessels positioned upwind and at a safe distance from the

facility in accordance with the positioning procedure described in the

approved H2S Contingency Plan.

(10) What are the requirements for nearby facilities? The District

Supervisor may require you to equip nearby facilities with portable or

fixed H2S detector(s) and to test and calibrate those detectors.

To invoke this requirement, the District Supervisor will consider

dispersion modeling results from a possible release to determine if 20

ppm H2S concentration levels could be exceeded at nearby

facilities.

(11) What must I do to protect against SO2 if I burn gas

containing H2S? You must:

(i) Monitor the SO2 concentration in the air with portable or

strategically placed fixed devices capable of detecting a minimum of 2

ppm of SO2;

(ii) Take readings at least hourly and at any time personnel detect

SO2 odor or nasal irritation;

(iii) Implement the personnel protective measures specified in the

H2S Contingency Plan if the SO2 concentration in the work

area reaches 2 ppm; and

(iv) Calibrate devices every 3 months if you use fixed or portable

electronic sensing devices to detect SO2.

(12) May I use alternative measures? You may follow alternative

measures instead of those in paragraph (j)(11) of this section if you

propose and the Regional Supervisor approves the alternative measures.

(13) What are the requirements for protective-breathing equipment?

In an area classified as H2S present or H2S unknown, you

must:

(i) Provide all personnel, including contractors and visitors on a

facility, with immediate access to self-contained pressure-demand-type

respirators with hoseline capability and breathing time of at least 15

minutes.

(ii) Design, select, use, and maintain respirators to conform to

ANSI Z88.2, American National Standard for Respiratory Protection.

(iii) Make available at least two voice-transmission devices, which

can be used while wearing a respirator, for use by designated

personnel.

(iv) Make spectacle kits available as needed.

(v) Store protective-breathing equipment in a location that is

quickly and easily accessible to all personnel.

(vi) Label all breathing-air bottles as containing breathing-

quality air for human use.

(vii) Ensure that vessels attendant to facilities carry appropriate

protective-breathing equipment for each crew member. The District

Supervisor may require additional protective-breathing equipment on

certain vessels attendant to the facility.

(viii) During H2S alerts, limit helicopter flights to and from

facilities to the conditions specified in the H2S Contingency

Plan. During authorized flights, the flight crew and passengers must

use pressure-demand-type respirators. You must train all members of

flight crews in the use of the particular type(s) of respirator

equipment made available.

(ix) As appropriate to the particular operation(s), (production,

drilling, well-completion or well-workover operations, or any

combination of them), provide a system of breathing-air manifolds,

hoses, and masks at the facility and the briefing areas. You must

provide a cascade air-bottle system for the breathing-air manifolds to

refill individual protective-breathing apparatus bottles. The cascade

air-bottle system may be recharged by a high-pressure compressor

suitable for providing breathing-quality air, provided the compressor

suction is located in an uncontaminated atmosphere.

(k) Personnel safety equipment.--(1) What additional personnel-

safety equipment do I need? You must ensure that your facility has:

(i) Portable H2S detectors capable of detecting a 10 ppm

concentration of H2S in the air available for use by all

personnel;

(ii) Retrieval ropes with safety harnesses to retrieve

incapacitated personnel from contaminated areas;

(iii) Chalkboards and/or note pads for communication purposes

located on the rig floor, shale-shaker area, the cement-pump rooms,

well-bay areas, production processing equipment area, gas compressor

area, and pipeline-pump area;

(iv) Bull horns and flashing lights; and

(v) At least three resuscitators on manned facilities, and a number

equal to the personnel on board, not to exceed three, on normally

unmanned facilities, complete with face masks, oxygen bottles, and

spare oxygen bottles.

(2) What are the requirements for ventilation equipment? You must:

(i) Use only explosion-proof ventilation devices;

(ii) Install ventilation devices in areas where H2S or

SO2 may accumulate; and

(iii) Provide movable ventilation devices in work areas. The

movable ventilation devices must be multidirectional and capable of

dispersing H2S or SO2 vapors away from working personnel.

(3) What other personnel safety equipment do I need? You must have

the following equipment readily available on each facility:

(i) A first-aid kit of appropriate size and content for the number

of personnel on the facility; and

(ii) At least one litter or an equivalent device.

(l) Do I need to notify MMS in the event of an H2S release?

You must notify MMS without delay in the event of a gas release which

results in a 15-minute time weighted average atmospheric concentration

of H2S of 20 ppm or more anywhere on the facility.

(m) Do I need to use special drilling, completion and workover

fluids or procedures? When working in an area classified as H2S

present or H2S unknown:

(1) You may use either water- or oil-base muds in accordance with

Sec. 250.40(b)(1).

(2) If you use water-base well-control fluids, and if ambient air

sensors detect H2S, you must immediately conduct either the

Garrett-Gas-Train test or a

[[Page 3799]]

comparable test for soluble sulfides to confirm the presence of

H2S.

(3) If the concentration detected by air sensors in over 20 ppm,

personnel conducting the tests must don protective-breathing equipment

conforming to paragraph (j)(13) of this section.

(4) You must maintain on the facility sufficient quantities of

additives for the control of H2S, well-control fluid pH, and

corrosion equipment.

(i) Scavengers. You must have scavengers for control of H2S

available on the facility. When H2S is detected, you must add

scavengers as needed. You must suspend drilling until the scavenger is

circulated throughout the system.

(ii) Control pH. You must add additives for the control of pH to

water-base well-control fluids in sufficient quantities to maintain pH

of at least 10.0.

(iii) Corrosion inhibitors. You must add additives to the well-

control fluid system as needed for the control of corrosion.

(5) You must degas well-control fluids containing H2S at the

optimum location for the particular facility. You must collect the

gases removed and burn them in a closed flare system conforming to

paragraph (q)(6) of this section.

(n) What must I do in the event of a kick? In the event of a kick,

you must use one of the following alternatives to dispose of the well-

influx fluids giving consideration to personnel safety, possible

environmental damage, and possible facility well-equipment damage:

(1) Contain the well-fluid influx by shutting in the well and

pumping the fluids back into the formation.

(2) Control the kick by using appropriate well-control techniques

to prevent formation fracturing in an open hole within the pressure

limits of the well equipment (drill pipe, work string, casing,

wellhead, BOP system, and related equipment). The disposal of H2S

and other gases must be through pressurized or atmospheric mud-

separator equipment depending on volume, pressure and concentration of

H2S. The equipment must be designed to recover well-control fluids

and burn the gases separated from the well-control fluid. The well-

control fluid must be treated to neutralize H2S and restore and

maintain the proper quality.

(o) Well testing in a zone known to contain H2S. When testing

a well in a zone with H2S present, you must do all of the

following:

(1) Before starting a well test, conduct safety meetings for all

personnel who will be on the facility during the test. At the meetings,

emphasize the use of protective-breathing equipment, first-aid

procedures, and the Contingency Plan. Only competent personnel who are

trained and are knowledgeable of the hazardous effects of H2S must

be engaged in these tests.

(2) Perform well testing with the minimum number of personnel in

the immediate vicinity of the rig floor and with the appropriate test

equipment to safely and adequately perform the test. During the test,

you must continuously monitor H2S levels.

(3) Not burn produced gases except through a flare which meets the

requirements of paragraph (q)(6) of this section. Before flaring gas

containing H2S, you must activate SO2 monitoring equipment in

accordance with paragraph (j)(11) of this section. If you detect

SO2 in excess of 2 ppm, you must implement the personnel

protective measures in your H2S Contingency Plan, required by

paragraph (f)(13)(iv) of this section. You must also follow the

requirements of Sec. 250.175. You must pipe gases from stored test

fluids into the flare outlet and burn them.

(4) Use downhole test tools and wellhead equipment suitable for

H2S service.

(5) Use tubulars suitable for H2S service. You must not use

drill pipe for well testing without the prior approval of the District

Supervisor. Water cushions must be thoroughly inhibited in order to

prevent H2S attack on metals. You must flush the test string fluid

treated for this purpose after completion of the test.

(6) Use surface test units and related equipment that is designed

for H2S service.

(p) Metallurgical properties of equipment. When operating in a zone

with H2S present, you must use equipment that is constructed of

materials with metallurgical properties that resist or prevent sulfide

stress cracking (also known as hydrogen embrittlement, stress corrosion

cracking, or H2S embrittlement), chloride-stress cracking,

hydrogen-induced cracking, and other failure modes. You must do all of

the following:

(1) Use tubulars and other equipment, casing, tubing, drill pipe,

couplings, flanges, and related equipment that is designed for H2S

service.

(2) Use BOP system components, wellhead, pressure-control

equipment, and related equipment exposed to H2S-bearing fluids

that conform to NACE Standard MR.01-75-96.

(3) Use temporary downhole well-security devices such as

retrievable packers and bridge plugs that are designed for H2S

service.

(4) When producing in zones bearing H2S, use equipment

constructed of materials capable of resisting or preventing sulfide

stress cracking.

(5) Keep the use of welding to a minimum during the installation or

modification of a production facility. Welding must be done in a manner

that ensures resistance to sulfide stress cracking.

(q) General requirements when operating in an H2S zone--(1)

Coring operations. When you conduct coring operations in H2S-

bearing zones, all personnel in the working area must wear protective-

breathing equipment at least 10 stands in advance of retrieving the

core barrel. Cores to be transported must be sealed and marked for the

presence of H2S.

(2) Logging operations. You must treat and condition well-control

fluid in use for logging operations to minimize the effects of H2S

on the logging equipment.

(3) Stripping operations. Personnel must monitor displaced well-

control fluid returns and wear protective-breathing equipment in the

working area when the atmospheric concentration of H2S reaches 20

ppm or if the well is under pressure.

(4) Gas-cut well-control fluid or well kick from H2S-bearing

zone. If you decide to circulate out a kick, personnel in the working

area during bottoms-up and extended-kill operations must wear

protective-breathing equipment.

(5) Drill- and workover-string design and precautions. Drill- and

workover-strings must be designed consistent with the anticipated

depth, conditions of the hole, and reservoir environment to be

encountered. You must minimize exposure of the drill- or workover-

string to high stresses as much as practical and consistent with well

conditions. Proper handling techniques mut be taken to minimize

notching and stress concentrations. Precautions must be taken to

minimize stresses caused by doglegs, improper stiffness ratios,

improper torque, whip, abrasive wear on tool joints, and joint

imbalance.

(6) Flare system. The flare outlet must be of a diameter that

allows easy nonrestricted flow of gas. You must locate flare line

outlets on the downside of the facility and as far from the facility as

is feasible, taking into account the prevailing wind directions, the

wake effects caused by the facility and adjacent structure(s), and the

height of all such facilities and structures. You must equip the flare

outlet with an automatic ignition system including a pilot-light gas

source or an equivalent system. You must have alternate

[[Page 3800]]

methods for igniting the flare. You must pipe to the flare system used

for H2S all vents from production process equipment, tanks, relief

valves, burst plates, and similar devices.

(7) Corrosion mitigation. You must use effective means of

monitoring and controlling corrosion caused by acid gases (H2S and

CO2) in both the downhole and surface portions of a production

system. You must take specific corrosion monitoring and mitigating

measures in areas of unusually severe corrosion where accumulation of

water and/or higher concentration of H2S exists.

(8) Wireline lubricators. Lubricators which may be exposed to

fluids containing H2S must be of H2S-resistant materials.

(9) Fuel and/or instrument gas. You must not use gas containing

H2S for instrument gas. You must not use gas containing H2S

for fuel gas without the prior approval of the District Supervisor.

(10) Sensing lines and devices. Metals used for sensing line and

safety-control devices which are necessarily exposed to H2S-

bearing fluids must be constructed of H2S-corrosion resistant

materials or coated so as to resist H2S corrosion.

(11) Elastomer seals. You must use H2S-resistant materials for

all seals which may be exposed to fluids containing H2S.

(12) Water disposal. If you dispose of produced water by means

other than subsurface injection, you must submit to the District

Supervisor an analysis of the anticipated H2S content of the water

at the final treatment vessel and at the discharge point. The District

Supervisor may require that the water be treated for removal of

H2S. The District Supervisor may require the submittal of an

updated analysis if the water disposal rate or the potential H2S

content increases.

(13) Deck drains. You must equip open deck drains with traps or

similar devices to prevent the escape of H2S gas into the

atmosphere.

(14) Sealed voids. You must take precautions to eliminate sealed

spaces in piping designs (e.g., slip-on flanges, reinforcing pads)

which can be invaded by atomic hydrogen when H2S is present.

5. In Sec. 250.175, the section heading is revised and paragraph

(f) is added to read as follows:

Sec. 250.175 Flaring or venting gas and burning liquid hydrocarbons.

* * * * *

(f) Requirements for flaring and venting of gas containing

H2S--(1) Flaring of gas containing H2S. (i) The Regional

Supervisor may, for safety or air pollution prevention purposes,

further restrict the flaring of gas containing H2S. The Regional

Supervisor will use information provided in the lessee's H2S

Contingency Plan (Sec. 250.67(f)), Exploration Plan or Development and

Production Plan, and associated documents in determining the need for

such restrictions.

(ii) If the Regional Supervisor determines that flaring at a

facility or group of facilities may significantly affect the air

quality of an onshore area, the Regional Supervisor may require the

operator(s) to conduct an air quality modeling analysis to determine

the potential effect of facility emissions on onshore ambient

concentrations of SO2. The Regional Supervisor may require

monitoring and reporting or may restrict or prohibit flaring pursuant

to Secs. 250.45 and 250.46.

(2) Venting of gas containing H2S. You must not vent gas

containing H2S except for minor releases during maintenance and

repair activities that do not result in a 15-minute time weighted

average atmospheric concentration of H2S of 20 ppm or higher

anywhere on the platform.

(3) Reporting flared gas containing H2S. In addition to the

recordkeeping requirements of paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section,

when required by the Regional Supervisor, the operator must submit to

the Regional Supervisor a monthly report of flared and vented gas

containing H2S. The report must contain the following information:

(i) On a daily basis, the volume and duration of each flaring

episode;

(ii) H2S concentration in the flared gas; and

(iii) Calculated amount of SO2 emitted.

[FR Doc. 97-1465 Filed 1-24-97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-MR-M