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Case Study | Science and Technology | Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026 | Pages: 229 - 233 | India
Case Study of H2S Exposure & Fatality on External Floating Roof Tank Deck Hydrogen Sulphide Incident at MRPL Refinery
Abstract: On 12 July 2025, two operators at the Oil Movement and Storage (OM&S) section of a large petroleum refinery in India were fatally overcome by hydrogen sulphide (H?S) gas while conducting a routine inspection of a floating roof slop tank. This paper presents a systematic analysis of the incident, examining the sequence of events, the physicochemical conditions that led to lethal H?S accumulation on the floating roof deck, and the compounding failures of procedural compliance, hazard communication, and safety management systems. Post-incident sampling confirmed H?S concentrations of 890 ppm in the tank and 40 ppm at the top platform 48 hours after the event, concentrations far exceeding the Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) threshold of 100 ppm. The investigation identified multiple latent organisational failures including the absence of confined space entry permits, non-use of personal H?S detection equipment, solo entry in violation of safe work protocols, and failure to act on documented warning signs of H?S presence. The paper concludes with fourteen evidence-based recommendations covering engineering controls, procedural safeguards, training, and regulatory compliance, aimed at preventing recurrence in similar petroleum storage operations.
Keywords: Hydrogen sulphide, H?S fatality, floating roof tank, confined space entry, occupational safety, petroleum refinery, slop tank, toxic gas exposure, OISD standards, process safety management
How to Cite?: Ananta Bhende, "Case Study of H2S Exposure & Fatality on External Floating Roof Tank Deck Hydrogen Sulphide Incident at MRPL Refinery", Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 229-233, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26518160815, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26518160815