Controlling the Hazards of Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure in the Construction Industry

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H ₂ S) is a highly toxic gas often encountered in various industrial settings, including the construction industry. When H ₂ S is encountered in construction environments, it not only poses severe health risks to workers but also causes project delays and economic losses. In this study, a quantitative survey was conducted to assess construction professionals’ awareness of H ₂ S hazards, evaluate the impacts of regulatory measures on project performance, and identify effective mitigation measures. A structured online survey was administered to 59 construction engineers and professionals in Kuwait, and the responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS. The results revealed significant gaps in hazard awareness, with 41.1% of the respondents incorrectly identifying H ₂ S as a harmless gas. While 61.4% reported preemptive testing of H ₂ S concentrations during groundwater pumping, nearly half of the participants reported no regular training on H ₂ S management. H ₂ S emissions negatively impact safety (81.0%), cost (79.3%), and schedule (75.9%). Effective mitigation measures identified include implementing water treatment systems (59.6%), installing on-site gas monitoring labs (49.1%), and utilizing exhaust ventilation in confined spaces (54.4%). The findings underscore the need for enhanced training protocols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and the integration of proactive engineering controls to reduce occupational hazards, protect worker health, and ensure project delivery in H ₂ S-prone environments.