The greatest respect: lethal byproduct, sour gas, spawns healthy business niche in worker and public safety

During the years 1976-1985, 17 workers died in the Alberta petroleum industry as a result of H2S-related incidents. In the next eleven years, six workers died. The improvement is the result of advances in safety standards, improved reliability of detection and monitoring equipment and lower detection thresholds. Current detection limits range from parts per million to parts per billion, depending on the specific device used. Remote sensors are generally placed in compressor and process buildings. Portables are used in confined spaces to test them before entering and to monitor them while employees are working. Personal detectors are also frequently used in such situations. Substantial increases in public awareness and concerns about H2S, plus the less lethal but still obnoxious gas released when it is incinerated, sulphur dioxide, and the more stringent practices of the industry, has been helpful in reducing the number of emergency response calls, and in improving worker safety