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Additional Information
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During construction at the above location, contractor Corravo inadvertently damaged a 6 inch low pressure pipe (10 PSI) routing methane gas to a site flare system.
Carravo failed to report the damage to the site manager allowing the damaged pipe to emit an unknown amount of gas for approximately six hours.
Reportedly, upon notification, DRPI workers immediately repaired the pipe preventing further emission. Site Management advised they reported the unintended release to DNREC Division of Air Quality by phone and email.
Upon contacting DENREC Department of Air Quality Program Engineer Davis M. Potter, he advised that Methane commonly contains significant quantities of Hydrogen Sulfide.
Methane is not specifically listed in DERNS Cameo data base, therefore, Hydrogen Sulfide is annotated in the chemical / substance field of this report. |
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Medical Attention: (Information provided here may be from the Cameo Chemical database and may or may
not pertain to this specific release. It is provided as a precaution only.)
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HYDROGEN SULFIDE
The following chemical information was taken from the CAMEO Chemical database.
Warning: Caution is advised. Vital signs should be monitored closely.
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to hydrogen sulfide may include tachycardia (rapid heart rate) or bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), cyanosis (blue tint to skin and mucous membrane), cardiac palpitations, and cardiac arrhythmias. Dyspnea (shortness of breath), tachypnea (rapid respiratory rate), bronchitis, pulmonary edema, respiratory depression, and respiratory paralysis may occur. Neurological effects include giddiness, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, confusion, delirium, amnesia, headache, sweating, and dizziness. Muscle cramping, tremor, excessive salivation, cough, convulsions, and coma may be noted. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are commonly seen. Exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas may result in skin irritation, lacrimation (tearing), inability to detect odors, photophobia (heightened sensitivity to light), and blurred vision.
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to hydrogen sulfide may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.
Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to hydrogen sulfide.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. RUSH to a health care facility!
Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to hydrogen sulfide.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas for at least 15 minutes with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. RUSH to a health care facility!
Ingestion Exposure: No information is available. (EPA, 1998) |
