Free H2S Safety Written Program Template (ANSI Z390.1 + OSHA)
Free hydrogen sulfide safety written program template for oil and gas contractors. Covers ANSI Z390.1 training, exposure monitoring, SCBA use, and Texas RRC Rule 36 contingency planning.
Your H2S safety written program template arrives instantly. We'll send a few Permian Basin contingency planning tips, then stay quiet unless you want more.
H2S Safety Written Program
PDF Checklist
What's Included in This Checklist
Why H2S Safety Written Programs Matter in Oil & Gas
Hydrogen sulfide is the most lethal gas hazard in upstream oil and gas operations. H2S is colorless, odorless at high concentrations (after olfactory fatigue), heavier than air, and immediately dangerous to life at 100 ppm. Most H2S fatalities include would-be rescuers who entered contaminated areas without proper SCBA. A compliant written H2S program is required for any operation handling sour gas — it establishes hazard recognition, monitoring, engineering controls, SCBA use, training per ANSI Z390.1, and contingency planning for public protection. ISNetworld RAVS requires a written H2S program for any contractor working in sour environments, especially the Permian Basin.
Key Inspection Areas Covered
Program Purpose and Scope
Covers all employees, contractors, and visitors in sour operations — drilling, production, well servicing, gas plants, tank batteries.
Hazard Recognition
H2S physical and chemical properties, physiological effects at various concentrations, and OSHA/ACGIH exposure limits.
Roles and Responsibilities
Program Administrator, supervisors, employees, and contractors — each with specific H2S duties.
Exposure Assessment and Monitoring
Fixed H2S detection at key equipment, personal monitors for all personnel, daily bump test and calibration.
Engineering Controls
Closed-loop sampling, wellhead flares, ventilation, positive-pressure buildings, and H2S scrubbers where feasible.
Respiratory Protection (SCBA)
SCBA or supplied-air respirator with auxiliary escape bottle required above IDLH; annual fit testing and medical clearance.
ANSI Z390.1 Training
Initial and annual training covering properties, effects, PPE, monitoring, emergency response, and first aid.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
Muster point procedures upwind of release points, accountability, wind-direction indicators, and stop-work authority.
Rescue Procedures
Buddy system with SCBA before entering affected areas — prevents the most common H2S fatality pattern.
Contingency Planning
Texas RRC Rule 36 and NM OCD contingency plan requirements including ROE calculation and public notification.
Recordkeeping and Review
Exposure records (30-year retention), monitor logs, training records, and annual program review.
Regulatory Requirements & Compliance
OSHA's General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) requires employers to protect workers from recognized hazards including H2S. 29 CFR 1910.1000 sets the permissible exposure limits (20 ppm ceiling, 50 ppm peak). 29 CFR 1910.134 governs respiratory protection including SCBA. ANSI Z390.1-2017 establishes training requirements. Texas Railroad Commission Statewide Rule 36 (16 TAC §3.36) requires radius of exposure calculations and contingency plans for sour operations in Texas. New Mexico OCD Rule 19.15.11 has equivalent requirements for New Mexico.
Why Safety Teams Trust This Template
ANSI Z390.1 + OSHA Aligned
Built to meet OSHA General Duty Clause obligations and ANSI Z390.1-2017 training requirements.
Multi-Page Template PDF
Complete written program with hazard recognition, monitoring, SCBA, training, and contingency planning sections.
Permian Basin Ready
Addresses Texas RRC Rule 36 and New Mexico OCD contingency planning for sour operations.
Common Questions About H2S Safety Written Programs
Can I use air-purifying respirators for H2S?
No. Air-purifying respirators (even those with H2S cartridges) are NOT acceptable above the IDLH (100 ppm). Approved respiratory protection is limited to: (a) self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with a full facepiece in pressure-demand mode, or (b) a supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece and an auxiliary SCBA escape bottle.
What training is required for H2S work?
ANSI Z390.1-2017 sets the accepted practices for H2S training. Initial training is required before assignment and annually thereafter. Training covers physical and chemical properties, physiological effects, PPE including SCBA, monitoring, emergency response, and first aid. Documentation must include instructor qualifications, training content, date, and employee signature.
Does this address Texas Rule 36 and New Mexico OCD rules?
The template includes a Contingency Planning section that references Texas RRC Rule 36 (16 TAC §3.36) and New Mexico OCD Rule 19.15.11. For specific radius of exposure calculations and contingency plan requirements, see our H2S Radius of Exposure Calculator tool. Actual contingency plans require sign-off from a qualified engineer.
About This Free Download
Is this H2S template free?
Yes, completely free. Submit your email and receive the template instantly — no credit card required.
Does this replace a qualified safety engineer?
No. H2S is a recognized lethal hazard and your written program must be reviewed and customized by a qualified safety professional. This template is a starting point that ensures you cover all required sections.
Can I pair this with the H2S Radius of Exposure calculator?
Yes — the H2S ROE calculator computes the 100 ppm and 500 ppm radius of exposure under Texas RRC Rule 36, which feeds directly into the Contingency Planning section of this written program.
Ready to Go Paperless with H2S Safety Written Programs?
More Free Safety Checklists
Want All 6 Templates Including This H2S Safety Written Program?
Get Complete KitGet Your Free H2S Safety Written Program
Your H2S safety written program template arrives instantly. We'll send a few Permian Basin contingency planning tips, then stay quiet unless you want more.