The specific problems associated with the use of steels in H2S-containing environments have been
extensively documented. Perhaps the most severe problem encountered in such environments is
the occurrence of sulphide stress cracking. Years of industrial experience and laboratory tests have
helped define safe conditions for the use of C-Mn steels in sour service. However, whether these conditions
remain for cold-worked material is not clear for the literature. The present paper presents a
critical literature survey on the effect of plastic strain applied prior to service, on the SSC resistance
of C-Mn steels. Based on data published over the past 50 years, this review considers the problem
from two points of view. Firstly, documents are reviewed which discuss results of SSC tests of
plastically strained material. Secondly, results are reviewed which discuss the effect of cold work on
hydrogen embrittlement in a more general manner. Conclusions are drawn on the expected severity
of the impact of strain on SSC resistance, and areas are identified where further experimental work
is required.