Operating in the natural resource sector comes with many risks especially when handling and refining raw resources into end products. Understanding the dangers is an important factor in risk management and ensuring your employees are safe at all times. Sulphur is commonly stored, handled, and shipped in liquid and solid forms. With Sulphur’s versatility comes with adverse risks. Safe Sulphur Systems Ltd.'s mission is to ensure that every task we undertake provides our clients with practical, safe, and solutions to potential dangers on projects to ensure that accidents are a thing of the past. As subject matter experts, we have created a list of potential hazards associated with Sulphur and solutions designed to mitigate dangers. We always suggest our clients pay close attention to the risks at hand to understand better why there is a need for designs that not only offer maximum outputs but also ensure the design and staff have safety factored in every step of development.

Burns:

One issue that is not often mentioned in data sheets is the risk of severe skin burns from contact with molten sulphur. The minimum handling temperature for liquid sulphur is 140°C and this heat is retained for some time due to the insulation properties. Liquid sulphur is viscous and will adhere to the skin; use cold water to cool and seek medical assistance After sulphur has been converted to granules, sulphur retains temperature for a considerable time. Direct contact with molten sulphur can result in serious third-degree burns. Temperatures around 100°C inside the storage are not uncommon many hours after being stockpiled. It is recommended that stockpiles are built in thin layers to provide maximum surface exposure to cooling air. Correct PPE must be worn when working with molten or solid sulphur where skin contact is possible.

Fires:

Many hazards are associated with sulphur’s flammability. Liquid sulphur has a reported low flash point of 168°C, although is usually higher at about 190°C. Spontaneous combustion has been reported from 232°C and above.  Liquid sulphur is a high fire risk. Have a plan to manage fires with steam or other acceptable methods. H2S gas is a flammable and poisonous gas released from burning sulphur and can be fatal. SO2, SO3, and other noxious gases may be present in sulphur fires. Do not fight sulphur fires without suitable PPE and breathing apparatus.

Static build-up:

 Sulphur is electrically nonconductive and will build up a significant static electric charge if incorrectly handled and earthed. Static electricity discharge is not only a major cause of dust explosions in sulphur but there are incidents where static has discharged to the ground through an employee giving them a significant electric shock. Static electricity will ground through the lowest resistance, and it is recommended that personnel do not stand close to free discharge onto stockpiles or near equipment where bonding and earthing are not tested. Static build-up varies considerably with ambient conditions and the speed of particle movement. Low humidity and high chute drop result in the static build-up, often resulting in almost continuous explosions in chutes. All structures and equipment should be bonded electrically and grounded to remove the opportunity for static to accumulate. Conveyor belts should be FRAS (Fire Resistant Anti-Static) type. Anti-static DIN K belts should be adequate for sulphur conveying. Conveying speed should be kept low.

Explosions:

Solid sulphur always includes a portion of dust from production and handing as solid sulphur is friable. Sulphur dust has low ignition energy and a low explosion level concentration. Combined with the build-up of static, these result in sulphur dust having a very high risk of explosion. If sulphur dust is allowed to accumulate it can be ignited by static discharge, a flame, sparks from equipment and the like. The explosions have high energy and can generate shock waves sufficient to shake loose any local accumulated dust, creating a dangerous chain reaction. Storage buildings should be designed with structures that minimize the potential for dust to accumulate. Baghouse dust collectors are not recommended as these provide ideal locations for explosions. Wet scrubbers are preferred.

Health:

Burns from molten sulphur have been covered above. Solid sulphur releases gases and/or dust and is a general irritant both internally and externally. Contact can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes with possible eye damage. Immediately flush your eyes with large amounts of water and Seek medical attention. Immediately wash contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water. Inhaling Sulphur can irritate the nose, throat and lungs. Exposure to Sulphur can cause headaches, nausea and vomiting. Sulphur may cause an asthma-like allergy and Repeated exposure may cause bronchitis to develop. Prolonged or repeated contact can cause dermatitis with drying, cracking and redness of the skin. Take precautions and wear suitable PPE made from material that cannot be permeated or degraded by sulphur.

Compatibility:

Although these hazards seem daunting, having a team of industry leading professionals who are focused on improving the handling and design of sulphur systems reduces the dangers at hand. Safe Sulphur offers our clients invaluable experience paired with services aimed at providing the safest and most effective results with simplicity.