Risk Mitigation of H2S Exposure at ON Power

Abstract

The biggest threat to ON Power power plant’s employees is H2S, a colorless, flammable and toxic gas which can cause death in high concentrations. H2S is one of the NCGs (non-condensable gases) contained in the geothermal fluid. Each employee has his/her personal H2S monitor which ON Power collects data from for analysis. Initial studies have found that certain groups of employees are at a significantly more risk than others. ON Power has strict safety procedures for employees when working in conditions with a significant risk of H2S. All power plant employees are trained in safety procedures and awareness of H2S and employees out in the field get specialized training which focuses on these dangers. Employees have gotten annual doctor’s check-up since 2012, which assesses the effect of H2S on ON Power’s employees. This article presents the measures ON Power has taken to mitigate the risk of H2S exposure at the company’s plant sites.