The HazMat Guys: Archives
THMG476 – Hydrogen Sulfide | Part I
Join us for this two-part series as we dive into the details of hydrogen sulfide and its presence on all our meters. We'll explore why OSHA mandates it, the industry's focus on it, and why it's important for you to be informed.
Thank you to our sponsor for this episode:
ObexionFR
Another tremendous battery containment product that is making storage safer. Check it out.
908 Devices
In the hazmat industry, 908 Devices is particularly known for its handheld mass spectrometry solutions like the MX908, which enables first responders and hazardous material teams to identify chemical, biological, and explosive threats in real time. These portable devices offer advanced detection capabilities that are crucial for responding to chemical spills, illicit drug identification, and chemical warfare agents, providing critical, immediate insights in life-threatening situations. Learn more about 908 Devices and their offerings.
HazMatters: If you’ve been living under a rock, here’s your wake-up call: we're crisscrossing the continent every week, delivering top-tier training (just ask J.M. POWERS). Don’t let your agency fall behind—get in on the action. Got a specific course in mind? Submit a training request, and our team will reach out. Not sure yet? Schedule a chat with our kick-ass sales team to get exactly what your crew needs. Skip the theory-only providers (IFYKYK). Get trained by people who’ve been in the field for more than 5 minutes—let’s take your team to the next level.
Download our course catalog here.
Click here for 1-pagers on each course.
Vendors: Want to advertise on this podcast or any of the other shows under our umbrella? Request more information to make some moves on this market and see how we can help put your company in front of the right eyeballs. We’ve got options that’ll fit your needs, big or small—just check out our ad comparison chart in the sponsor section for more details. Let’s get your message out there.
PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP: You know you deserve more. Picture this... the hazmat equivalent of the champagne room. Full access to 10 years of weekly shows, exclusive resources, early releases, and even a monthly happy hour with the crew. It’s the ultimate backstage pass to everything we’ve got. Ready to join the club? Sign up as a premium member now and make it official.
Sick of Lame Online Training?
Yeah, we were too. So we fixed it. You’re welcome. Now you can take a course you won’t just survive—you’ll actually want to brag about it. Check out our online courses.
Hey NERDs!
Our latest book, NHERD2 (National Hazmat Emergency Response Drills), just dropped. Grab your copy here. Missed the first one? Order your copy of Volume 1 now. and complete the set. Buy both, and you’ll be ready to take on anything—plus, you might just earn a good old-fashioned punch in the mouth.
New Shows Under the Haz Mat Guys Media Umbrella:
- Hazard Class Show
- Industrial Strength Show | Haz Mat Harder
- U.S. & Eh?
Conference, You Say?
You know us at The HazMat Guys—never satisfied with the status quo. We’re all about bringing the freshest products, tech, and training to YOU, our hazmat community. Our latest obsession? Conferences. Sure, many are average, a few are good, but we’re aiming to make one that’s great. Mark your calendars: February 3-5, 2026.
Introducing... The Southern Most Hazmat Conference!
Get ready for something a little different, a lot more exciting, and definitely worth the trip. Learn more and get on the mailing list for updates as they happen.
Grab Some SWAG
Support THMG, Hazard Class, HMAF, and more with some killer swag. Shop now.
Follow us on the socials:
Thanks for listening and watching!
Don’t just get on the job, get into it.™
Episode Overview
In this episode, the hosts dive deep into the topic of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an extremely toxic and pervasive gas. Through a mix of historical context, case studies, and practical safety advice, they explore why understanding H2S is critical for first responders, industrial workers, and the general public. The discussion also highlights OSHA regulations, the gas's biological effects, and memorable incidents emphasizing the importance of safety measures.
Segment Breakdown and Timestamps
Introduction to Hydrogen Sulfide (3:57 - 5:48)- What sparked the interest in H2S?
- The importance of H2S detection in safety meters.
- Initial overview of toxicity and exposure risks.
- First documentation by Bernardino Ramazzini.
- Contributions from chemists like Carl Wilhelm Scheele.
- Evolution of awareness during the Industrial Revolution.
- Permissible exposure limits (TWA, STEL).
- Industrial settings with frequent H2S exposure.
- Importance of metering and PPE.
- Tragic incidents in Cincinnati and Odessa, Texas.
- Key takeaways: lack of safety protocols, insufficient ventilation, and complacency.
- How H2S disrupts cellular respiration.
- Short- and long-term effects on organs like the brain, heart, and lungs.
- "Sour gas" vs. "sweet gas" terminology.
- Challenges in transportation and pipeline safety.
Key Moments
- Memorable Historical Anecdote: The term "stink air," coined by Carl Wilhelm Scheele, reflects the humor and simplicity of early scientific observations. (7:29)
- Powerful Case Study: The tragic deaths in Odessa, Texas, showcase the life-threatening risks of improper safety protocols. (14:04 - 15:33)
- Critical Safety Insight: The concept of olfactory fatigue, where exposure to H2S deadens your sense of smell, emphasizing why meters are essential. (22:16 - 22:51)
Resources and References
- OSHA Guidelines on Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure
- Chemical Safety Board Reports on H2S Incidents
- Hydrogen Sulfide Detection and Safety Equipment
Visit Podcast Website
RSS Podcast Feed
Subscribe
Share
Add to MyCast