[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 17 (Monday, January 27, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3793-3800]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-1465]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service

30 CFR Part 250

RIN 1010-AB50


Hydrogen Sulfide Requirements for Operations in the Outer 
Continental Shelf

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule revises requirements for preventing hydrogen sulfide 
(H2S) releases, detecting and monitoring H2S and sulphur 
dioxide (SO2), protecting personnel, providing visual and audible 
warnings, and training personnel. The rule also establishes 
requirements for H2S flaring. The revisions are necessary to keep 
up with current practices and technologies, and to enhance personnel 
safety and environmental protection.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 28, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: E.P. Danenberger at (703) 787-1598 or 
John Mirabella at (703) 787-1600.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 11, 1995, we published in the Federal 
Register (60 FR 25178) a reproposed rule, which incorporated comments 
to a previous proposed rule which we published on August 15, 1990 (55 
FR 33326). The reproposed rule incorporated the latest editions of two 
documents:
     American National Standard Institute (ANSI), American 
National Standard for Respiratory Protection (ANSI Z88.2-1992), and
     The National Association of Corrosion Engineers' (NACE) 
Standard (MR-01-92), Recommended Practice (RP), Sulfide Stress Cracking 
Resistant Metallic Materials for Oil Field Equipment.
    We received a total of three responses: one from the National 
Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH) and two from industry. We have 
addressed their comments below and have rewritten the rule in a clearer 
and more user-oriented style. We have subdivided some sections. As a 
result, some sections have been renumbered.

Discussion of Comments

    Comment: NIOSH referred to recommendations it had given to the 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration with respect to ``bearded 
workers'' and ``wearing contact lenses,'' and recommended that the 
pressure-demand-type respirator required should be certified by NIOSH.
    Response: We have incorporated by reference the ANSI Z88.2 standard 
that addresses the topics of ``bearded workers'' and ``wearing of 
contact lenses.'' We believe our rule is consistent with regulations 
promulgated by other Federal agencies but do not agree that 
certification by other agencies is needed.
    Comment: There is a critical need for a system that would 
continuously monitor and detect any emissions the instant they occur at 
wellheads and manifolds.
    Response: We consider the sensors that detect the presence of 
H2S in air to be part of a continuous monitoring system. Sensor 
locations take into consideration design factors such as type of 
decking, location of fire walls, ventilation, or area confinement. 
Alternative monitoring systems may be desirable for production systems 
that have components which are prone to erosion and leaks. MMS 
encourages lessees to use new or alternative monitoring systems that 
enhance leak detection capabilities.
    Comment: Delete the requirements concerning SO2-detection and 
monitoring equipment. The commenter stated that a properly designed 
flare system, coupled with general requirements allowing operators to 
establish personnel exposure limits, should be adequate for personnel 
protection on a facility.
    Response: We agree that operators should be permitted to propose 
alternatives to the use of portable of fixed SO2 monitors to 
monitor air quality while burning gas containing H2S. We added a 
provision to allow the District Supervisor to consider and

[[Page 3794]]

approve alternative engineering controls.
    Comment: The requirement concerning training for visitors who stay 
overnight on a facility should be given to visitors who remain 2 
consecutive nights. The suggested wording would eliminate unnecessary 
detailed training for office associates and other visitors who 
infrequently visit the facility. The commenter also recommended the 
substitution of the phrase ``abbreviated training program'' with the 
word ``briefing.''
    Response: We agree with the commenter that ``overnight'' is not an 
appropriate criteria. We have modified the requirement to provide more 
flexibility by allowing stays of up to 24 hours.
    Comment: Expand the requirement concerning resuscitators by adding 
the words: ``on manned facilities and a number equal to the personnel 
on board, not to exceed three, on unmanned facilities.'' The suggested 
words would indicate that it is not necessary to maintain or provide 
three resuscitators in facilities where there are less than three 
persons.
    Response: We agree and used the suggested words, with 
modifications.
    Comment: Change the requirement of drills for each person within 24 
hours after duty begins and at least once during every subsequent 7-day 
period be changed to say: ``A drill will be conducted for each person 
at the facility during his or her normal duty.'' The commenter felt 
that drills for each person within 24 hours after duty begins is an 
unnecessary administrative burden due to varied work rotations. Also, 
in order to indicate that H2S drills and training can be conducted 
as part of other drills, the following words be inserted: ``H2S 
drills and training may be conducted in conjunction with other safety 
meetings or with rig/facility abandonment drills.''
    Response: We agree with the suggestion concerning drill frequency 
and used the suggested words, with modifications. Lessees may combine 
H2S drills with other training or drills if scenarios are 
realistic and the drill procedures effectively prepare personnel for an 
H2S emergency.
    Comment: Expand the operational danger signs requirement by adding 
the words: ``and/or red flashing lights be illuminated.'' The commenter 
observed that the proposed rule permits use of electronic systems. 
However, the actual language of the proposed rule did not include such 
provisions. The use of flashing lights may be more effective than 
flags.
    Response: We agree. The suggested words, modified to say, ``and/or 
activate flashing red lights,'' will be inserted in the requirement.
    Comment: Clarify sensor locations in enclosed areas in order to 
avoid contradictory interpretations.
    Response: We agree. We have modified that requirement.
    Comment: Expand the requirement concerning the use of detectors in 
nearby facilities by adding the words: ``To invoke this requirement the 
District Supervisor will consider dispersion modeling results from a 
possible release to determine if 20 parts per million (ppm) H2S 
concentration levels could be exceeded at nearby facilities.'' The 
added language would explain the decision process used to invoke the 
requirement of having monitoring equipment at third party sites.
    Response: We agree and used the suggested words with modifications.
    Comment: Reduce the nominal breathing time of ``at least 15 
minutes'' for respirators to ``at least 5 minutes.'' The commenter 
states that experience from drills indicate that a 5 minute nominal 
breathing time is adequate for a trained user to reach a safe briefing 
area, and that the cited ANSI document does not specify a 15 minute 
normal breathing time for this application.
    Response: We do not agree with the commenter. We feel that the risk 
of entering or exiting an H2S atmosphere that is immediately 
dangerous to life or health warrants the use of a self-contained air 
supply as recommended in Section A.9.1.3 of ANSI Z88.2-1992, i.e., a 
supply of 15 minutes or more. Commenters responding to our previously 
proposed rule published in the Federal Register on August 15, 1990, 
requested that we specify a self-contained breathing time. We decided 
to specify a nominal breathing time of at least 15 minutes because 5 
minutes might now allow personnel enough time to escape from an 
emergency.
    Comment: Insert the words ``upon request of the Regional 
Supervisor'' in the recordkeeping requirements concerning monthly 
reports of flared and vented gas containing H2S as required in 
Sec. 250.175(d)(3). Some regions are under control of local authorities 
concerning air pollution and require submission of such reports, making 
the report to MMS optional. The suggested changes would provide local 
MMS offices with the authority to require this report only as needed 
and avoids duplication.
    Response: The suggested words will be inserted in the section. On 
May 20, 1996, a final rule modified Sec. 250.175. In consequence, the 
paragraphs contained in that section were renumbered. Thus, 
Sec. 250.175(d)(3) became Sec. 250.175(f)(3).
    Author: Mario Rivero, Information and Training Branch, prepared 
this document.

Executive Order (E.O.) 12866

    This final rule does not meet the criteria for a significant rule 
requiring review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 
E.O. 12866.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This proposed amendment to the rule will not have any significant 
effects on a substantial number of small entities. In general, the 
entities that engage in offshore activities are not small due to the 
technical and financial resources and experience needed to safely 
conduct such activities. Small entities are more likely to operate 
onshore or in State waters--areas not covered by the proposed rule. 
When small entities do work in the OCS, they are likely to be 
contractors. Working in an H2S environment can be dangerous, and 
it is important that all operators and contractors follow the rules. 
Small entities that work on the OCS have been able to comply with 
existing rules and will be able to comply with the new rules. These 
changes to the rules will not affect their ability to compete.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    MMS has submitted to OMB for approval the information collection 
requirements in this final rule which revises Sec. 250.67 (OMB Control 
Number 1010-0053) and adds Sec. 250.175(f) (OMB Control Number 1010-
0041). On February 6, 1996, we provided a 60-day review and comment 
process through a notice in the Federal Register (61 FR 4480). The 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 provides that an agency may not conduct 
or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of 
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
    The titles of the collections of information are ``30 CFR Part 250, 
Subpart D, Oil and Gas Drilling Operations'' (1010-0053) and ``30 CFR 
Part 250, Subpart K, Oil and Gas Production Rates'' (1010-0041).
    The collections of information in this final rule consist of the 
reporting and recordkeeping necessary to prevent H2S releases, 
protect human safety, and detect and monitor SO2. They include 
critical contingency plan requirements; recordkeeping on training, 
drilling, and equipment monitoring activities; posting of safety, 
emergency and warning procedures; and MMS reporting requirements. 
Responses are mandatory.

[[Page 3795]]

    MMS needs the information to ascertain the condition of a drilling 
site and to determine if lessees are properly providing for the safety 
of operations and protection of human life or health and the 
environment. We use the information to avoid and eliminate hazards 
inherent in drilling operations.
    The respondents are approximately 26 Federal oil and gas lessees. 
The frequency of response is ``on occasion.''
    In Sec. 250.67, we estimate an annual reporting burden of 849 hours 
and an annual recordkeeping burden of 16,189 hours. In Sec. 250.175(f), 
we estimate an annual reporting burden of 432 hours. The burden 
estimates include the time for reviewing instructions, searching 
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and 
completing and reviewing the collection of information.
    Send comments regarding the burden or any other aspect of the 
collections of information contained in Sec. 250.67 and 
Sec. 250.175(f), including suggestions for reducing the burdens, to the 
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and 
Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior, Room 
10102, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503 (OMB control number 
1010-0053 or 1010-0041). Send a copy of your comments to the 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Minerals Management Service, 
Mail Stop 2053, 381 Elden Street, Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817.

Takings Implication Assessment

    The DOI determined that this final rule does not represent a 
governmental action capable of interference with constitutionally 
protected rights. Thus, DOI does not need to prepare a Takings 
Implication Assessment pursuant to E.O. 12630, Governmental Actions and 
Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.

E.O. 12988

    The DOI certified to OMB that the rule meets the applicable reform 
standards provided in Sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    The DOI has determined and certifies according to the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this rule will not 
impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given year on State, 
local, and tribal governments, or the private sector.

National Environmental Policy Act

    The DOI determined that this action does not constitute a major 
Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human 
environment; therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement is not 
required.

List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 250

    Continental shelf, Environmental impact statements, Environmental 
protection, Government contracts, Incorporation by reference, 
Investigations, Mineral royalties, Oil and gas development and 
production, Oil and gas exploration, Oil and gas reserves, Penalties, 
Pipelines, Public lands--minerals resources, Public lands--rights-of-
way, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulphur development and 
production, Sulphur exploration, Surety bonds.

    Dated: January 9, 1997.
Sylvia V. Baca,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, Minerals Management Service 
(MMS) amends 30 CFR part 250 as follows:

PART 250--OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER 
CONTINENTAL SHELF

    1. The authority citation for part 250 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1334.

    2. In Sec. 250.1, paragraphs (c)(7) and (g)(1) are revised to read 
as follows:


Sec. 250.1  Documents incorporated by reference.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *

    (7) ANSI Z88.2-1992, American National Standard for Respiratory 
Protection, Incorporated by Reference at: Secs. 250.67(g)(4)(iv) and 
(j)(13)(ii).
* * * * *
    (g) * * * 

    (1) NACE Standard MR.01-75-96, Sulfide Stress Cracking Resistant 
Metallic Materials for Oil Field Equipment, January 1996, 
Incorporated by Reference at: Sec. 250.67(p)(2).
* * * * *
    3. In Sec. 250.2, the definitions for Zones known to contain 
H2S, Zones where the absence of H2S has been confirmed, and 
Zones where the presence of H2S is unknown are removed.
    4. Section 250.67 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 250.67  Hydrogen sulfide

    (a) What precautions must I take when operating in an H2S 
area? You must:
    (1) Take all necessary and feasible precautions and measures to 
protect personnel from the toxic effects of H2S and to mitigate 
damage to property and the environment caused by H2S. You must 
follow the requirements of this section when conducting drilling, well-
completion/well-workover, and production operations in zones with 
H2S present and when conducting operations in zones where the 
presence of H2S is unknown. You do not need to follow these 
requirements when operating in zones where the absence of H2S has 
been confirmed; and
    (2) Follow your approved contingency plan.
    (b) Definitions. Terms used in this section have the following 
meanings:
    Facility means a vessel, a structure, or an artificial island used 
for drilling, well-completion, well-workover, and/or production 
operations.
    H2S absent means:
    (1) Drilling, logging, coring, testing, or producing operations 
have confirmed the absence of H2S in concentrations that could 
potentially result in atmospheric concentrations of 20 ppm or more of 
H2S; or
    (2) Drilling in the surrounding areas and correlation of geological 
and seismic data with equivalent stratigraphic units have confirmed an 
absence of H2S throughout the area to be drilled.
    H2S present means that drilling, logging, coring, testing, or 
producing operations have confirmed the presence of H2S in 
concentrations and volumes that could potentially result in atmospheric 
concentrations of 20 ppm or more of H2S.
    H2S unknown means the designation of a zone or geologic 
formation where neither the presence nor absence of H2S has been 
confirmed.
    Well-control fluid means drilling mud and completion or workover 
fluid as appropriate to the particular operation being conducted.
    (c) Classifying an area for the presence of H2S. You must:
    (1) Request and obtain an approved classification for the area from 
the Regional Supervisor before you begin operations. Classifications 
are ``H2S absent,'' H2S present,'' or ``H2S unknown'';
    (2) Submit your request with your application for permit to drill;
    (3) Support your request with available information such as 
geologic and geophysical data and correlations, well logs, formation 
tests, cores and analysis of formation fluids; and
    (4) Submit a request for reclassification of a zone when additional 
data indicate a different classification is needed.
    (d) What do I do if conditions change? If you encounter H2S 
that could

[[Page 3796]]

potentially result in atmospheric concentrations of 20 ppm or more in 
areas not previously classified as having H2S present, you must 
immediately notify MMS and begin to follow requirements for areas with 
H2S present.
    (e) What are the requirements for conducting simultaneous 
operations? When conducting any combination of drilling, well-
completion, well-workover, and production operations simultaneously, 
you must follow the requirements in the section applicable to each 
individual operation.
    (f) Requirements for submitting an H2S Contingency Plan. 
Before you begin operations, you must submit an H2S Contingency 
Plan to the District Supervisor for approval. Do not begin operations 
before the District Supervisor approves your plan. You must keep a copy 
of the approved plan in the field, and you must follow the plan at all 
times. Your plan must include:
    (1) Safety procedures and rules that you will follow concerning 
equipment, drills, and smoking;
    (2) Training you provide for employees, contractors, and visitors;
    (3) Job position and title of the person responsible for the 
overall safety of personnel;
    (4) Other key positions, how these positions fit into your 
organization, and what the functions, duties, and responsibilities of 
those job positions are;
    (5) Actions that you will take when the concentration of H2S 
in the atmosphere reaches 20 ppm, who will be responsible for those 
actions, and a description of the audible and visual alarms to be 
activated;
    (6) Briefing areas where personnel will assemble during an H2S 
alert. You must have at least two briefing areas on each facility and 
use the briefing area that is upwind of the H2S source at any 
given time;
    (7) Criteria you will use to decide when to evacuate the facility 
and procedures you will use to safely evacuate all personnel from the 
facility by vessel, capsule, or lifeboat. If you use helicopters during 
H2S alerts, describe the types of H2S emergencies during 
which you consider the risk of helicopter activity to be acceptable and 
the precautions you will take during the flights;
    (8) Procedures you will use to safely position all vessels 
attendant to the facility. Indicate where you will locate the vessels 
with respect to wind direction. Include the distance from the facility 
and what procedures you will use to safely relocate the vessels in an 
emergency;
    (9) How you will provide protective-breathing equipment for all 
personnel, including contractors and visitors;
    (10) The agencies and facilities you will notify in case of a 
release of H2S (that constitutes an emergency), how you will 
notify them, and their telephone numbers. Include all facilities that 
might be exposed to atmospheric concentrations of 20 ppm or more of 
H2S;
    (11) The medical personnel and facilities you will use if needed, 
their addresses, and telephone numbers;
    (12) H2S detector locations in production facilities producing 
gas containing 20 ppm or more of H2S. Include an ``H2S 
Detector Location Drawing'' showing:
    (i) All vessels, flare outlets, wellheads, and other equipment 
handling production containing H2S;
    (ii) Approximate maximum concentration of H2S in the gas 
stream; and
    (iii) Location of all H2S sensors included in your contingency 
plan;
    (13) Operational conditions when you expect to flare gas containing 
H2S including the estimated maximum gas flow rate, H2S 
concentration, and duration of flaring;
    (14) Your assessment of the risks to personnel during flaring and 
what precautionary measures you will take;
    (15) Primary and alternate methods to ignite the flare and 
procedures for sustaining ignition and monitoring the status of the 
flare (i.e., ignited or extinguished);
    (16) Procedures to shut off the gas to the flare in the event the 
flare is extinguished;
    (17) Portable or fixed sulphur dioxide (SO2)-detection 
system(s) you will use to determine SO2 concentration and exposure 
hazard when H2S is burned;
    (18) Increased monitoring and warning procedures you will take when 
the SO2 concentration in the atmosphere reaches 2 ppm;
    (19) Personnel protection measures or evacuation procedures you 
will initiate when the SO2 concentration in the atmosphere reaches 
5 ppm;
    (20) Engineering controls to protect personnel from SO2; and
    (21) Any special equipment, procedures, or precautions you will use 
if you conduct any combination of drilling, well-completion, well-
workover, and production operations simultaneously.
    (g) Training program.
    (1) When and how often do employees need to be trained? All 
operators and contract personnel must complete an H2S training 
program to meet the requirements of this section:
    (i) Before beginning work at the facility; and
    (ii) Each year, within 1 year after completion of the previous 
class.
    (2) What training documentation do I need? For each individual 
working on the platform, either:
    (i) You must have documentation of this training at the facility 
where the individual is employed; or
    (ii) The employee must carry a training completion card.
    (3) What training do I need to give to visitors and employees 
previously trained on another facility?
    (i) Trained employees or contractors transferred from another 
facility must attend a supplemental briefing on your H2S equipment 
and procedures before beginning duty at your facility;
    (ii) Visitors who will remain on your facility more than 24 hours 
must receive the training required for employees by paragraph (g)(4) of 
this section; and
    (iii) Visitors who will depart before spending 24 hours on the 
facility are exempt from the training required for employees, but they 
must, upon arrival, complete a briefing that includes:
    (A) Information on the location and use of an assigned respirator; 
practice in donning and adjusting the assigned respirator; information 
on the safe briefing areas, alarm system, and hazards of H2S and 
SO2; and
    (B) Instructions on their responsibilities in the event of an 
H2S release.
    (4) What training must I provide to all other employees? You must 
train all individuals on your facility on the:
    (i) Hazards of H2S and of SO2 and the provisions for 
personnel safety contained in the H2S Contingency Plan;
    (ii) Proper use of safety equipment which the employee may be 
required to use;
    (iii) Location of protective breathing equipment, H2S 
detectors and alarms, ventilation equipment, briefing areas, warning 
systems, evacuation procedures, and the direction of prevailing winds;
    (iv) Restrictions and corrective measures concerning beards, 
spectacles, and contact lenses in conformance with ANSI Z88.2;
    (v) Basic first-aid procedures applicable to victims of H2S 
exposure. During all drills and training sessions, you must address 
procedures for rescue and first aid for H2S victims;
    (vi) Location of:
    (A) The first-aid kit on the facility;
    (B) Resuscitators; and
    (C) Litter or other device on the facility.
    (vii) Meaning of all warning signals.
    (5) Do I need to post safety information? You must prominently

[[Page 3797]]

post safety information on the facility and on vessels serving the 
facility (i.e,, basic first-aid, escape routes, instructions for use of 
life boats, etc.).
    (h) Drills. (1) When and how often do I need to conduct drills on 
H2S safety discussions on the facility? You must:
    (i) Conduct a drill for each person at the facility during normal 
duty hours at least once every 7-day period. The drills must consist of 
a dry-run performance of personnel activities related to assigned jobs.
    (ii) At a safety meeting or other meetings of all personnel, 
discuss drill performance, new H2S considerations at the facility, 
and other updated H2S information at least monthly.
    (2) What documentation do I need? You must keep records of 
attendance for:
    (i) Drilling, well-completion, and well-workover operations at the 
facility until operations are completed; and
    (ii) Production operations at the facility or at the nearest field 
office for 1 year.
    (i) Visual and audible warning systems--(1) How must I install wind 
direction equipment? You must install wind-direction equipment in a 
location visible at all times to individuals on or in the immediate 
vicinity of the facility.
    (2) When do I need to display operational danger signs, display 
flags, or activate visual or audible alarms?
    (i) You must display warning signs at all times on facilities with 
wells capable of producing H2S and on facilities that process gas 
containing H2S in concentrations of 20 ppm or more.
    (ii) In addition to the signs, you must activate audible alarms and 
display flags or activate flashing red lights when atmospheric 
concentration of H2S reaches 20 ppm.
    (3) What are the requirements for signs? Each sign must be a high-
visibility yellow color with black lettering as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Letter height                           Wording          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 inches.................................  Danger.                     
                                            Poisonous Gas.              
                                            Hydrogen Sulfide.           
7 inches..................................  Do not approach if red flag 
                                             is flying.                 
(Use appropriate wording at right)........  Do not approach if red      
                                             lights are flashing.       
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) May I use existing signs? You may use existing signs containing 
the words ``Danger-Hydrogen Sulfide-H2S,'' provided the words 
``Poisonous Gas. Do Not Approach if Red Flag is Flying'' or ``Red 
Lights are Flashing'' in lettering of a minimum of 7 inches in height 
are displayed on a sign immediately adjacent to the existing sign.
    (5) What are the requirements for flashing lights or flags? You 
must activate a sufficient number of lights or hoist a sufficient 
number of flags to be visible to vessels and aircraft. Each light must 
be of sufficient intensity to be seen by approaching vessels or 
aircraft any time it is activated (day or night). Each flag must be 
red, rectangular, a minimum width of 3 feet, and a minimum height of 2 
feet.
    (6) What is an audible warning system? An audible warning system is 
a public address system or siren, horn, or other similar warning device 
with a unique sound used only for H2S.
    (7) Are there any other requirements for visual or audible warning 
devices? Yes, you must:
    (i) Illuminate all signs and flags at night and under conditions of 
poor visibility; and
    (ii) Use warning devices that are suitable for the electrical 
classification of the area.
    (8) What actions must I take when the alarms are activated? When 
the warning devices are activated, the designated responsible persons 
must inform personnel of the level of danger and issue instructions on 
the initiation of appropriate protective measures.
    (j) H2S-detection and H2S monitoring equipment.--(1) What 
are the requirements for an H2S detection system? An H2S 
detection system must:
    (i) Be capable of sensing a minimum of 10 ppm of H2S in the 
atmosphere; and
    (ii) Activate audible and visual alarms when the concentration of 
H2S in the atmosphere reaches 20 ppm.
    (2) Where must I have sensors for drilling, well-completion, and 
well-workover operations? You must locate sensors at the:
    (i) Bell nipple;
    (ii) Mud-return line receiver tank (possum belly);
    (iii) Pipe-trip tank;
    (iv) Shale shaker;
    (v) Well-control fluid pit area;
    (vi) Driller's station;
    (vii) Living quarters; and
    (viii) All other areas where H2S may accumulate.
    (3) Do I need mud sensors? The District Supervisor may require mud 
sensors in the possum belly in cases where the ambient air sensors in 
the mud-return system do not consistently detect the presence of 
H2S.
    (4) How often must I observe the sensors? During drilling, well-
completion and well-workover operations, you must continuously observe 
the H2S levels indicated by the monitors in the work areas during 
the following operations:
    (i) When you pull a wet string of drill pipe or workover string;
    (ii) When circulating bottoms-up after a drilling break;
    (iii) During cementing operations;
    (iv) During logging operations; and
    (v) When circulating to condition mud or other well-control fluid.
    (5) Where must I have sensors for production operations? On a 
platform where gas containing H2S of 20 ppm or greater is 
produced, processed, or otherwise handled:
    (i) You must have a sensor in rooms, buildings, deck areas, or low-
laying deck areas not otherwise covered by paragraph (j)(2) of this 
section, where atmospheric concentrations of H2S could reach 20 
ppm or more. You must have at least one sensor per 400 square feet of 
deck area or fractional part of 400 square feet;
    (ii) You must have a sensor in buildings where personnel have their 
living quarters;
    (iii) You must have a sensor within 10 feet of each vessel, 
compressor, wellhead, manifold, or pump, which could release enough 
H2S to result in atmospheric concentrations of 20 ppm at a 
distance of 10 feet from the component;
    (iv) You may use one sensor to detect H2S around multiple 
pieces of equipment, provided the sensor is located no more than 10 
feet from each piece, except that you need to use at least two sensors 
to monitor compressors exceeding 50 horsepower;
    (v) You do not need to have sensors near wells that are shut in at 
the master valve and sealed closed;
    (vi) When you determine where to place sensors, you must consider:
    (A) The location of system fittings, flanges, valves, and other 
devices subject to leaks to the atmosphere; and
    (B) Design factors, such as the type of decking and the location of 
fire walls; and
    (vii) The District Supervisor may require additional sensors or 
other monitoring capabilities, if warranted by site specific 
conditions.
    (6) How must I functionally test the H2S Detectors?
    (i) Personnel trained to calibrate the particular H2S detector 
equipment being used must test detectors by exposing them to a known 
concentration in the range of 10 to 30 ppm of H2S.
    (ii) If the results of any functional test are not within 2 ppm or 
10 percent, whichever is greater, of the applied concentration, 
recalibrate the instrument.
    (7) How often must I test my detectors?

[[Page 3798]]

    (i) When conducting drilling, drill stem testing, well-completion, 
or well-workover operations in areas classified as H2S present or 
H2S unknown, test all detectors at least once every 24 hours. When 
drilling, begin functional testing before the bit is 1,500 feet 
(vertically) above the potential H2S zone.
    (ii) When conducting production operations, test all detectors at 
least every 14 days between tests.
    (iii) If equipment requires calibration as a result of two 
consecutive functional tests, the District Supervisor may require that 
H2S-detection and H2S-monitoring equipment be functionally 
tested and calibrated more frequently.
    (8) What documentation must I keep?
    (i) You must maintain records of testing and calibrations (in the 
drilling or production operations report, as applicable) at the 
facility to show the present status and history of each device, 
including dates and details concerning:
    (A) Installation;
    (B) Removal;
    (C) Inspection;
    (D) Repairs;
    (E) Adjustments; and
    (F) Reinstallation.
    (ii) Records must be available for inspection by MMS personnel.
    (9) What are the requirements for nearby vessels? If vessels are 
stationed overnight alongside facilities in areas of H2S present 
or H2S unknown, you must equip vessels with an H2S-detection 
system that activates audible and visual alarms when the concentration 
of H2S in the atmosphere reaches 20 ppm. This requirement does not 
apply to vessels positioned upwind and at a safe distance from the 
facility in accordance with the positioning procedure described in the 
approved H2S Contingency Plan.
    (10) What are the requirements for nearby facilities? The District 
Supervisor may require you to equip nearby facilities with portable or 
fixed H2S detector(s) and to test and calibrate those detectors. 
To invoke this requirement, the District Supervisor will consider 
dispersion modeling results from a possible release to determine if 20 
ppm H2S concentration levels could be exceeded at nearby 
facilities.
    (11) What must I do to protect against SO2 if I burn gas 
containing H2S? You must:
    (i) Monitor the SO2 concentration in the air with portable or 
strategically placed fixed devices capable of detecting a minimum of 2 
ppm of SO2;
    (ii) Take readings at least hourly and at any time personnel detect 
SO2 odor or nasal irritation;
    (iii) Implement the personnel protective measures specified in the 
H2S Contingency Plan if the SO2 concentration in the work 
area reaches 2 ppm; and
    (iv) Calibrate devices every 3 months if you use fixed or portable 
electronic sensing devices to detect SO2.
    (12) May I use alternative measures? You may follow alternative 
measures instead of those in paragraph (j)(11) of this section if you 
propose and the Regional Supervisor approves the alternative measures.
    (13) What are the requirements for protective-breathing equipment? 
In an area classified as H2S present or H2S unknown, you 
must:
    (i) Provide all personnel, including contractors and visitors on a 
facility, with immediate access to self-contained pressure-demand-type 
respirators with hoseline capability and breathing time of at least 15 
minutes.
    (ii) Design, select, use, and maintain respirators to conform to 
ANSI Z88.2, American National Standard for Respiratory Protection.
    (iii) Make available at least two voice-transmission devices, which 
can be used while wearing a respirator, for use by designated 
personnel.
    (iv) Make spectacle kits available as needed.
    (v) Store protective-breathing equipment in a location that is 
quickly and easily accessible to all personnel.
    (vi) Label all breathing-air bottles as containing breathing-
quality air for human use.
    (vii) Ensure that vessels attendant to facilities carry appropriate 
protective-breathing equipment for each crew member. The District 
Supervisor may require additional protective-breathing equipment on 
certain vessels attendant to the facility.
    (viii) During H2S alerts, limit helicopter flights to and from 
facilities to the conditions specified in the H2S Contingency 
Plan. During authorized flights, the flight crew and passengers must 
use pressure-demand-type respirators. You must train all members of 
flight crews in the use of the particular type(s) of respirator 
equipment made available.
    (ix) As appropriate to the particular operation(s), (production, 
drilling, well-completion or well-workover operations, or any 
combination of them), provide a system of breathing-air manifolds, 
hoses, and masks at the facility and the briefing areas. You must 
provide a cascade air-bottle system for the breathing-air manifolds to 
refill individual protective-breathing apparatus bottles. The cascade 
air-bottle system may be recharged by a high-pressure compressor 
suitable for providing breathing-quality air, provided the compressor 
suction is located in an uncontaminated atmosphere.
    (k) Personnel safety equipment.--(1) What additional personnel-
safety equipment do I need? You must ensure that your facility has:
    (i) Portable H2S detectors capable of detecting a 10 ppm 
concentration of H2S in the air available for use by all 
personnel;
    (ii) Retrieval ropes with safety harnesses to retrieve 
incapacitated personnel from contaminated areas;
    (iii) Chalkboards and/or note pads for communication purposes 
located on the rig floor, shale-shaker area, the cement-pump rooms, 
well-bay areas, production processing equipment area, gas compressor 
area, and pipeline-pump area;
    (iv) Bull horns and flashing lights; and
    (v) At least three resuscitators on manned facilities, and a number 
equal to the personnel on board, not to exceed three, on normally 
unmanned facilities, complete with face masks, oxygen bottles, and 
spare oxygen bottles.
    (2) What are the requirements for ventilation equipment? You must:
    (i) Use only explosion-proof ventilation devices;
    (ii) Install ventilation devices in areas where H2S or 
SO2 may accumulate; and
    (iii) Provide movable ventilation devices in work areas. The 
movable ventilation devices must be multidirectional and capable of 
dispersing H2S or SO2 vapors away from working personnel.
    (3) What other personnel safety equipment do I need? You must have 
the following equipment readily available on each facility:
    (i) A first-aid kit of appropriate size and content for the number 
of personnel on the facility; and
    (ii) At least one litter or an equivalent device.
    (l) Do I need to notify MMS in the event of an H2S release? 
You must notify MMS without delay in the event of a gas release which 
results in a 15-minute time weighted average atmospheric concentration 
of H2S of 20 ppm or more anywhere on the facility.
    (m) Do I need to use special drilling, completion and workover 
fluids or procedures? When working in an area classified as H2S 
present or H2S unknown:
    (1) You may use either water- or oil-base muds in accordance with 
Sec. 250.40(b)(1).
    (2) If you use water-base well-control fluids, and if ambient air 
sensors detect H2S, you must immediately conduct either the 
Garrett-Gas-Train test or a

[[Page 3799]]

comparable test for soluble sulfides to confirm the presence of 
H2S.
    (3) If the concentration detected by air sensors in over 20 ppm, 
personnel conducting the tests must don protective-breathing equipment 
conforming to paragraph (j)(13) of this section.
    (4) You must maintain on the facility sufficient quantities of 
additives for the control of H2S, well-control fluid pH, and 
corrosion equipment.
    (i) Scavengers. You must have scavengers for control of H2S 
available on the facility. When H2S is detected, you must add 
scavengers as needed. You must suspend drilling until the scavenger is 
circulated throughout the system.
    (ii) Control pH. You must add additives for the control of pH to 
water-base well-control fluids in sufficient quantities to maintain pH 
of at least 10.0.
    (iii) Corrosion inhibitors. You must add additives to the well-
control fluid system as needed for the control of corrosion.
    (5) You must degas well-control fluids containing H2S at the 
optimum location for the particular facility. You must collect the 
gases removed and burn them in a closed flare system conforming to 
paragraph (q)(6) of this section.
    (n) What must I do in the event of a kick? In the event of a kick, 
you must use one of the following alternatives to dispose of the well-
influx fluids giving consideration to personnel safety, possible 
environmental damage, and possible facility well-equipment damage:
    (1) Contain the well-fluid influx by shutting in the well and 
pumping the fluids back into the formation.
    (2) Control the kick by using appropriate well-control techniques 
to prevent formation fracturing in an open hole within the pressure 
limits of the well equipment (drill pipe, work string, casing, 
wellhead, BOP system, and related equipment). The disposal of H2S 
and other gases must be through pressurized or atmospheric mud-
separator equipment depending on volume, pressure and concentration of 
H2S. The equipment must be designed to recover well-control fluids 
and burn the gases separated from the well-control fluid. The well-
control fluid must be treated to neutralize H2S and restore and 
maintain the proper quality.
    (o) Well testing in a zone known to contain H2S. When testing 
a well in a zone with H2S present, you must do all of the 
following:
    (1) Before starting a well test, conduct safety meetings for all 
personnel who will be on the facility during the test. At the meetings, 
emphasize the use of protective-breathing equipment, first-aid 
procedures, and the Contingency Plan. Only competent personnel who are 
trained and are knowledgeable of the hazardous effects of H2S must 
be engaged in these tests.
    (2) Perform well testing with the minimum number of personnel in 
the immediate vicinity of the rig floor and with the appropriate test 
equipment to safely and adequately perform the test. During the test, 
you must continuously monitor H2S levels.
    (3) Not burn produced gases except through a flare which meets the 
requirements of paragraph (q)(6) of this section. Before flaring gas 
containing H2S, you must activate SO2 monitoring equipment in 
accordance with paragraph (j)(11) of this section. If you detect 
SO2 in excess of 2 ppm, you must implement the personnel 
protective measures in your H2S Contingency Plan, required by 
paragraph (f)(13)(iv) of this section. You must also follow the 
requirements of Sec. 250.175. You must pipe gases from stored test 
fluids into the flare outlet and burn them.
    (4) Use downhole test tools and wellhead equipment suitable for 
H2S service.
    (5) Use tubulars suitable for H2S service. You must not use 
drill pipe for well testing without the prior approval of the District 
Supervisor. Water cushions must be thoroughly inhibited in order to 
prevent H2S attack on metals. You must flush the test string fluid 
treated for this purpose after completion of the test.
    (6) Use surface test units and related equipment that is designed 
for H2S service.
    (p) Metallurgical properties of equipment. When operating in a zone 
with H2S present, you must use equipment that is constructed of 
materials with metallurgical properties that resist or prevent sulfide 
stress cracking (also known as hydrogen embrittlement, stress corrosion 
cracking, or H2S embrittlement), chloride-stress cracking, 
hydrogen-induced cracking, and other failure modes. You must do all of 
the following:
    (1) Use tubulars and other equipment, casing, tubing, drill pipe, 
couplings, flanges, and related equipment that is designed for H2S 
service.
    (2) Use BOP system components, wellhead, pressure-control 
equipment, and related equipment exposed to H2S-bearing fluids 
that conform to NACE Standard MR.01-75-96.
    (3) Use temporary downhole well-security devices such as 
retrievable packers and bridge plugs that are designed for H2S 
service.
    (4) When producing in zones bearing H2S, use equipment 
constructed of materials capable of resisting or preventing sulfide 
stress cracking.
    (5) Keep the use of welding to a minimum during the installation or 
modification of a production facility. Welding must be done in a manner 
that ensures resistance to sulfide stress cracking.
    (q) General requirements when operating in an H2S zone--(1) 
Coring operations. When you conduct coring operations in H2S-
bearing zones, all personnel in the working area must wear protective-
breathing equipment at least 10 stands in advance of retrieving the 
core barrel. Cores to be transported must be sealed and marked for the 
presence of H2S.
    (2) Logging operations. You must treat and condition well-control 
fluid in use for logging operations to minimize the effects of H2S 
on the logging equipment.
    (3) Stripping operations. Personnel must monitor displaced well-
control fluid returns and wear protective-breathing equipment in the 
working area when the atmospheric concentration of H2S reaches 20 
ppm or if the well is under pressure.
    (4) Gas-cut well-control fluid or well kick from H2S-bearing 
zone. If you decide to circulate out a kick, personnel in the working 
area during bottoms-up and extended-kill operations must wear 
protective-breathing equipment.
    (5) Drill- and workover-string design and precautions. Drill- and 
workover-strings must be designed consistent with the anticipated 
depth, conditions of the hole, and reservoir environment to be 
encountered. You must minimize exposure of the drill- or workover-
string to high stresses as much as practical and consistent with well 
conditions. Proper handling techniques mut be taken to minimize 
notching and stress concentrations. Precautions must be taken to 
minimize stresses caused by doglegs, improper stiffness ratios, 
improper torque, whip, abrasive wear on tool joints, and joint 
imbalance.
    (6) Flare system. The flare outlet must be of a diameter that 
allows easy nonrestricted flow of gas. You must locate flare line 
outlets on the downside of the facility and as far from the facility as 
is feasible, taking into account the prevailing wind directions, the 
wake effects caused by the facility and adjacent structure(s), and the 
height of all such facilities and structures. You must equip the flare 
outlet with an automatic ignition system including a pilot-light gas 
source or an equivalent system. You must have alternate

[[Page 3800]]

methods for igniting the flare. You must pipe to the flare system used 
for H2S all vents from production process equipment, tanks, relief 
valves, burst plates, and similar devices.
    (7) Corrosion mitigation. You must use effective means of 
monitoring and controlling corrosion caused by acid gases (H2S and 
CO2) in both the downhole and surface portions of a production 
system. You must take specific corrosion monitoring and mitigating 
measures in areas of unusually severe corrosion where accumulation of 
water and/or higher concentration of H2S exists.
    (8) Wireline lubricators. Lubricators which may be exposed to 
fluids containing H2S must be of H2S-resistant materials.
    (9) Fuel and/or instrument gas. You must not use gas containing 
H2S for instrument gas. You must not use gas containing H2S 
for fuel gas without the prior approval of the District Supervisor.
    (10) Sensing lines and devices. Metals used for sensing line and 
safety-control devices which are necessarily exposed to H2S-
bearing fluids must be constructed of H2S-corrosion resistant 
materials or coated so as to resist H2S corrosion.
    (11) Elastomer seals. You must use H2S-resistant materials for 
all seals which may be exposed to fluids containing H2S.
    (12) Water disposal. If you dispose of produced water by means 
other than subsurface injection, you must submit to the District 
Supervisor an analysis of the anticipated H2S content of the water 
at the final treatment vessel and at the discharge point. The District 
Supervisor may require that the water be treated for removal of 
H2S. The District Supervisor may require the submittal of an 
updated analysis if the water disposal rate or the potential H2S 
content increases.
    (13) Deck drains. You must equip open deck drains with traps or 
similar devices to prevent the escape of H2S gas into the 
atmosphere.
    (14) Sealed voids. You must take precautions to eliminate sealed 
spaces in piping designs (e.g., slip-on flanges, reinforcing pads) 
which can be invaded by atomic hydrogen when H2S is present.
    5. In Sec. 250.175, the section heading is revised and paragraph 
(f) is added to read as follows:


Sec. 250.175  Flaring or venting gas and burning liquid hydrocarbons.

* * * * *
    (f) Requirements for flaring and venting of gas containing 
H2S--(1) Flaring of gas containing H2S. (i) The Regional 
Supervisor may, for safety or air pollution prevention purposes, 
further restrict the flaring of gas containing H2S. The Regional 
Supervisor will use information provided in the lessee's H2S 
Contingency Plan (Sec. 250.67(f)), Exploration Plan or Development and 
Production Plan, and associated documents in determining the need for 
such restrictions.
    (ii) If the Regional Supervisor determines that flaring at a 
facility or group of facilities may significantly affect the air 
quality of an onshore area, the Regional Supervisor may require the 
operator(s) to conduct an air quality modeling analysis to determine 
the potential effect of facility emissions on onshore ambient 
concentrations of SO2. The Regional Supervisor may require 
monitoring and reporting or may restrict or prohibit flaring pursuant 
to Secs. 250.45 and 250.46.
    (2) Venting of gas containing H2S. You must not vent gas 
containing H2S except for minor releases during maintenance and 
repair activities that do not result in a 15-minute time weighted 
average atmospheric concentration of H2S of 20 ppm or higher 
anywhere on the platform.
    (3) Reporting flared gas containing H2S. In addition to the 
recordkeeping requirements of paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, 
when required by the Regional Supervisor, the operator must submit to 
the Regional Supervisor a monthly report of flared and vented gas 
containing H2S. The report must contain the following information:
    (i) On a daily basis, the volume and duration of each flaring 
episode;
    (ii) H2S concentration in the flared gas; and
    (iii) Calculated amount of SO2 emitted.

[FR Doc. 97-1465 Filed 1-24-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-M