OSHA Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Awareness Training

Encompasses all topics outlined in 29 CFR 1910.120.
Offers a self-paced learning experience optimized for mobile devices.
SCORM-compliant for seamless LMS integration and tracking.
Offers a self-paced learning experience optimized for mobile devices.
SCORM-compliant for seamless LMS integration and tracking.

View Demo

CEU:
0.3

Starting from

$29.99/Seat

3 Hour(s) Course

$29.99

Bulk Buying

Employee

Per Seat

2-10

$29.69

11-20

$29.39

21-50

$29.09

51-100

$28.49

101-250

$27.89

Employee	Per Seat
2-10	$29.69
11-20	$29.39
21-50	$29.09
51-100	$28.49
101-250	$27.89

Enroll

Jeff Morrison

Assistant Manager - Oil Refining Operations

It was a good training. Now that I am working in a situation where there is a possibility for me to be exposed to H2S gases, I was happy to learn what OSHA says about hydrogen sulfide and how to be prepared in the case of a disaster occurring.

Roger Deanson

Supervisor Mining Operations

The lessons helped me to clearly understand the hazards of hydrogen sulfide and how to prepare myself for any H2S gas leaks while at work.

Chad Baker

Petrochemical Engineer

Engaging course and the animations to explain some of the key points were very helpful.

Paul Bryan

Loader Operator

"I usually don't like wearing a mask when I'm at work, but my hydrogen sulfide training taught me the importance of wearing one without putting my life in unnecessary danger by not following simple safety rules. A good course!"

Gary Joseph

System Repair technician

"My co-worker suggested that I take the H2S course from HAZWOPER OSHA. It only took me 4 hours to finish it but the best part was that the course covered all the important safety points."

Henry Franklin

Field Operations Associate

"I needed to have my hydrogen sulfide training certificate before I could begin working. I'm really happy to have received my training certificate from HAZWOPER OSHA as I now know that I am ready to face the dangers at my work site."

Course Facts

What You Get

Certificate of Completion

Click here to view a sample certificate

Training Duration

3 Hour(s)

Learning Type

100% online, available 24/7

Course Access Validity

3-month completion timeline, 1-year access to training materials.

Device Support

Certificate Validity

12 months, before a refresher is required.

OSHA Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training is designed to provide general information and guidelines to workers who may be exposed to hydrogen sulfide in the workplace in accordance with OSHA’s General Duty Clause and ANSI/ASSP Z390.1-2017 which sets forth accepted practices for hydrogen sulfide training programs.

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a colorless, highly flammable, and extremely hazardous gas with a characteristic, pungent “rotten egg” odor. Hydrogen sulfide is produced naturally by decaying organic matter and is released from sludge, liquid manure, sulfur hot springs, and natural gas. It is used in several industrial processes and is produced as a by-product during oil refining, mining, and rayon manufacturing. Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic substance; therefore, adequate training and knowledge are of prime importance when working with or around sources of hydrogen sulfide.

This online training program provides participants with an understanding of the dangers associated with hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and the skills and confidence to work safely in environments where H₂S may be present. The program teaches participants how to identify H₂S, how to avoid exposure, and what to do if they are exposed.

The program is designed for anyone who may be exposed to H₂S, including:

Offshore and onshore oil rig workers
Ship and vessel workers
Mine workers
Construction workers
Food processing factory workers

The program is delivered online and can be completed at the participant's own pace. The program includes interactive exercises, videos, and quizzes.

Upon completion of the program, participants will be able to:

Identify H₂S
Avoid exposure to H₂S
Respond to an H₂S emergency

The program is a valuable resource for anyone who may be exposed to H₂S. It provides participants with the knowledge and skills they need to work safely in H₂S-containing environments.

The core objective of this course is to familiarize workers with the properties of hydrogen sulfide and the hazard controls that must be implemented to minimize exposures within safe limits in compliance with  OSHA’s General Duty Clause and  ANSI/ASSP Z390.1-2017.

Course Objectives

After completion of the OSHA Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training course, the learner will be able to:

Explain the characteristics of hydrogen sulfide and the natural and industrial sources of the gas;
Describe the safety and health hazards associated with hydrogen sulfide exposure;
Outline the occupational exposure limits for hydrogen sulfide recommended by various organizations;
Discuss the symptoms associated with acute and chronic exposure to hydrogen sulfide;
Discuss the significance of medical surveillance for employees working in potentially hazardous conditions;
Explain the Hierarchy of Controls and its application in reducing occupational exposure to hydrogen sulfide;
Discuss the requirements of personal monitoring and continuous area monitoring programs; and
Summarize the essential elements of a contingency plan and the first-aid procedures required for specific exposures to hydrogen sulfide.

OSHA Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training Syllabus

This OSHA Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness Training course consists of 5 lessons. Students are required to take each lesson in sequential order as listed below.

Course Content

Lessons

Introduction

Lesson 1: Hydrogen Sulfide – An Overview

This lesson will explain the characteristics of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and the natural and industrial sources of the H₂S gas, describe the safety and health hazards of hydrogen sulfide, how H₂S amalgamates with the environment, and outline the occupational exposure limits of hydrogen sulfide as recommended by various safety organizations.

Lesson 2: Hydrogen Sulfide – A Health Hazard

This lesson will summarize how hydrogen sulfide enters the body and its biological pathway once inside the body, discuss the acute and chronic health effects associated with hydrogen sulfide exposure, explain the effects of hydrogen sulfide on various organs and systems of the human body, and the importance of medical surveillance in protecting the health and well-being of employees working in potentially hazardous work conditions.

Lesson 3: Air Monitoring

This third lesson will describe the Hierarchy of Controls and its application in reducing occupational exposure to hydrogen sulfide, explain the importance of air monitoring in controlling H₂S exposure, discuss the requirements of personal monitoring and continuous area monitoring programs, and explain the three types of detectors used for monitoring hydrogen sulfide in the workplace.

Lesson 4: Hazard Controls

This lesson focuses on hazard control procedures when working in and around hydrogen sulfide. The lesson will explain the engineering controls used to protect employees from hydrogen sulfide exposure; describe the administrative controls used by employers to reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of H₂S exposure, summarize the personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for workers with potential exposure to hydrogen sulfide; and expound on the procedures and safe work practices for entering confined spaces.

Lesson 5: Contingency Plans and Emergency Procedures

This lesson will explain the importance of precautions and control measures to prevent exposure to hydrogen sulfide and the emergencies that should be anticipated and planned for in advance due to the extremely toxic nature of the hydrogen sulfide gas. The lesson will define the term contingency plan, describe the essential elements of a contingency plan that must be developed for emergencies relating to a release of the H₂S gas, explain the roles and responsibilities of essential and non-essential employees during an emergency, and describe the emergency procedures relating to specific exposures to hydrogen sulfide.

Final Examination

Frequently Asked Questions

This online course generally requires about 3 hours to complete. However, the actual time may vary depending on each student’s learning pace.

The primary objectives are to:

Familiarize workers with the properties and hazards of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S).
Outline the engineering and administrative controls necessary to minimize exposures within safe limits.
Aid employers in meeting OSHA’s General Duty Clause and complying with ANSI/ASSP Z390.1-2017.
Protect the health and safety of workers in occupations where H₂S is present or produced.

Any employee who may be exposed—directly or indirectly—to hydrogen sulfide should complete this training. It’s especially relevant to industries such as:

Oil and Gas (exploration, refining)
Sewer and Wastewater Treatment
Mining, Tanning, Pulp and Paper
Agriculture, Hot Asphalt Paving
Any other sectors where H₂S is generated or used

While OSHA does not have a separate H₂S-specific regulation, employers must train employees on recognized hazards. This course is designed to help you comply with:

OSHA’s General Duty Clause
ANSI/ASSP Z390.1-2017 (Accepted Practices for Hydrogen Sulfide Training Programs)

Certificate of Completion: Immediately after passing the final exam, you can download, save, or print your certificate in PDF format.

Validity: The H₂S Awareness Training certificate is valid for 12 months.

Renewal: To renew, simply retake the course each year to maintain compliance and stay current on best practices.

CLEAR H₂S Energy vs H₂S General Awareness

Category	CLEAR H₂S Energy	H₂S General Awareness
Purpose & Scope	Specifically designed for the energy sector (oil & gas, petrochemical, refineries). Tailored for drilling, well servicing, refinery operations, etc.	Provides broad coverage of H₂S hazards across multiple industries (e.g., wastewater, utilities). Offers a basic overview rather than detailed, sector-specific content.
Depth of Training	Covers detection methods, PPE usage, gas monitoring, rescue techniques, and real-world case studies. Emphasizes site-specific protocols and practical, hands-on exercises.	Focuses on fundamental H₂S properties, exposure limits, and basic hazard recognition. Usually includes general emergency steps but minimal or no hands-on practice.
Regulatory & Industry Recognition	Often recognized by major operator safety programs (e.g., SafeLandUSA, SafeGulf). Addresses advanced requirements for high-risk oil & gas worksites.	Meets OSHA/MIOSHA minimums for hazard communication and general H₂S awareness. May not satisfy specialized or rigorous site requirements in higher-risk industries.
Format & Length	Often 4–8 hours, including practical scenarios and interactive sessions. May be offered onsite or as a structured classroom/online hybrid.	Usually shorter (1–2 hours), frequently available in purely online formats. Primarily theory-based, emphasizing fundamental awareness.
Best Fit	Ideal for those in high-risk energy operations who need in-depth H₂S training. Offers recognized credentials often required by oil and gas sites.	Suited for employees with limited H₂S exposure or industries needing only basic hazard instruction. Not always accepted in specialized, high-risk environments.