20 AAC 25.065. Hydrogen sulfide

(a) If hydrogen sulfide gas is encountered in excess of 20 ppm, the operator shall notify the commission within 24 hours after the encounter.

(b) If a well is to be drilled in an area where a formation to be penetrated is known to contain hydrogen sulfide gas, or if hydrogen sulfide gas is encountered while drilling, the operator shall conform with API RP 49, Recommended Practices for Safe Drilling of Wells Containing Hydrogen Sulfide , 2d edition, April 15, 1987, which is adopted by reference.

(c) If the history of drilling in an area is insufficient to know whether hydrogen sulfide gas exists, the commission will specify on the Permit to Drill (Form 10-401) that the operator shall comply with the minimum requirements for detection monitoring, contingency and control, and training, as follows:

(1) in addition to the automatic hydrogen sulfide detection system required in 20 AAC 25.066, at least three manual detectors with an adequate supply of extra detector tubes must be available on the location;

(2) hydrogen sulfide treating material for the drilling mud must be available on or near the location, in good condition and in sufficient quantity to adequately treat the mud system should hydrogen sulfide be encountered;

(3) detailed emergency operating procedures must be defined and posted to ensure the safety of all personnel should hydrogen sulfide be encountered;

(4) detailed step-by-step remedial procedures must be developed and posted to cover emergencies while drilling or tripping;

(5) personnel protective equipment must be available on the location;

(6) all persons engaged in drilling operations must be trained for emergency procedures in the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas and in the use of personal protective equipment, alarm systems, and emergency exit procedures.

(d) Repealed 11/7/99.

History: Eff. 4/13/80, Register 74; am 4/2/86, Register 97; am 11/7/99, Register 152

Authority: AS 31.05.030

Editor's note: A copy of the American Petroleum Institute recommended practices referred to in 20 AAC 25.065 may be reviewed during business hours at the commission's office and may be obtained from the American Petroleum Institute, Order Desk, 1220 L Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005-4070, or if not available from the American Petroleum Institute, may be obtained from Global Engineering Documents, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80150.

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