HSE Interview

Questions
This is a concise book on Health Safety & Environment related safety
questions mostly asked in HSE Interviews. Especially helpful for students
starting there carrier in the field of HSE and struggling with interviews.

By Engr. Zulqarnan
Zulqarnan.hse@gmail.com
z

1. What is JSA and what is its use?

Job safety analysis is the step by step analysis of a job to determine the safe working procedure. It includes
the following steps.

 Watch the job being done (selecting the job to be analyzed)

 Breakdown the job into basic steps
 Describe the hazards in each step of the task (Identifying the potential hazard)
 Identify the desired control measures (determine the preventive measures to overcome these
hazards)
 Implement these counter measures in the job execution

2. What is work permit?

Work permit is a documented piece of paper formulating safety procedures and it is a part of safe system of
work. Work permit also authorize a person or a group to perform maintenance, inspection or construction
work.
It is an essential document that categorically spells out task, equipment involved, time limitation, precautionary
measures to be taken together with likely hazards to be encountered.
Permit to work is a legal document identifying the details and location of an activity including the hazard and risk
associated with a specific control measures and approved by a responsible person.

3. What is work method statement?

It is the document submitted by contractor to client covering the general work procedures of a particular job
in a safe manner as per required standard. With the use of WMS we can plan and execute the job easily and
safely.

4. What is the use of work method statement?

We can plan and execute the work safely. It also helps to know the codes and standards used for each activity.

5. What is confined space?

Any enclosed space in which a person can bodily enter, which is not designed for long term human occupancy and
have limited access and egress.
Any space having a limited means of access and egress which subject to the hazards like deficiency of oxygen,
toxic or flammable gases or substances, dust etc.
Confined space is a place where person can enter to work but not for natural survival. It is a place which is
not designed for continuous occupancy.

6. Give some examples of a confined space

Storage tank, reaction vessels, pipes, combustion chamber in furnaces, boilers and tube areas, silos, ductwork,
trenches and excavation deeper than 4 feet, sludge pits etc.

7. Name one hazardous job in a confined space?

Welding, grinding, chemical cleaning, use of gas cutting set, erection of materials.

8. In what circumstances a confined space work permit can be issued?

If properly ventilated, gas test readings are satisfactory, properly barricaded and warning signs are posted,
trained standby person is present with log sheet, sufficient lighting and low voltage electricity (24v), proper
means of communication, lock out and tag out if necessary, lifeline and man retrieval system if necessary etc.
9. Who is confined space attendant?
He is the one who is aware of the confined space hazards and knows how to react if anything goes wrong and
able to maintain confined space entry log sheet etc.

10. What are the hazards in a confined space?

Oxygen deficiency or enrichment, presence of toxic or flammable gases, chemical hazards, fire hazard, fall of
materials, fall of person hazard, electrocution, dust, heat or cold, sound, caught between moving parts of
equipment and engulfment etc.

11. What are the specific risks involved in confined space?

 Fire or explosion
 Loss of consciousness due to increase of body temperature
 Loss of consciousness due to Asphyxiation (suffocation - lack of O2)
 Poisonous gases and liquids can build up in underground works
 Drowning e.g. Flooding by liquids
 Visibility, noise, radiation, biological hazards

12. Atmospheric hazards in confined space.

 Oxygen deficiency and enrichment
 Carbon monoxide
 Carbon di-oxide
 Hydrogen sulfide
 Ammonia
 Welding gases

13. What are the duties of a confined space attendant?

He is responsible for the life of the entrants, should be present whenever people are working in confined
space, maintain updated entry log sheet, maintain continuous communication with entrants and monitor
conditions in the confined space to ensure safe working atmosphere, prevent unauthorized entry of personnel,
initiate alarm for help if needed, evacuate the entrants if conditions are not satisfying or in case of any general
evacuation is initiated, contact rescue personnel if necessary etc.

14. Who is a competent person?

Competent person is one who is properly trained and authorized to perform a specific work in a safe manner.

15. What is (PEL) permissible exposure limit?

The permissible exposure limit is a legal limit in the United States for exposure of an employee to a chemical
substance (ppm or mg/m3). A PEL is usually given as a time weighted average.

16. What is Time weighted average or long term exposure limit?

Average exposure on the basis of 8 hours per day 40 hours per week work schedule (10ppm in case of H2S).

17. What is (STEL) short term exposure limit?

Short exposure for a duration of 15 minutes that cannot be repeated more than 4 time per day (15 ppm of
H2S) 15 min work + minimum 1 hour break, 4 times / day, 5 days/week.
18. What is Threshold limit value?
TLV is a level to which it is believed a worker can be exposed day after day for a working life time without any
adverse health effects.

19. What is TLV Ceiling?

Absolute exposure limit that should not be exceeded at any time 10ppm of H2S is NIOSH ceiling limit (should not
be exceeded without proper respiratory protection) Monitors should be set for this concentration and designed
as the action level. If the level is above its ceiling limit the employees should leave the area and don supplied
air respiratory protection.

20. What is (LEL) Lower explosive limit?

The lowest concentration (%) of gas or vapor in air capable of producing a flash of fire in presence of an
ignition source.

21. What is (UEL) upper explosive limit?

The highest concentration (%) of gas or vapor in air capable of producing a flash of fire in presence of an
ignition source.

22. What is flash point?

It is the lowest temperature at which fuel produces significant vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air
capable of producing a flash of fire by introducing an ignition source. Flashpoint is the lowest temperature at
which sufficient vapor is given off to “flash” i.e. ignite momentarily (not continue to burn) when a source of
ignition is applied to that vapor. The flashpoint of a volatile material is the lowest temperature at which it
can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air, will ignite but not continue to burn.

23. Explain the various steps while working in a confined space.

 Appoint supervision
 Arranged communication
 Isolate gas lines, electricity utility lines
 Permit to work
 Limit the working time
 Check the size of the entrance
 Gas purging
 Clean before entry
 Provision of ventilation
 Rescue equipment and crew should be ready
 Provide special tools and lighting
 Breathing apparatus, prevailing winds, H2S alarms, first-aid kit.

24. Properties of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Gas?

 Hydrogen sulfide is a gas present along with natural gas.
 It is a very toxic gas, which in concentrations of more than 700 ppm can cause immediate respiratory
paralysis and unconsciousness and death within a few minutes
 It is a colorless gas, so we need detectors to detect it. There are three types of detectors, First is fixed
detectors in working areas (5 ppm alarm level), second is portable gas detectors used for gas testing(10
ppm alarm level), third is personal detectors for personal use(10 ppm alarm level)
  It has a rotten egg like odor which is easily detectable even in low concentrations of 0.13 ppm onwards
up to 10 ppm level because of olfactory nerve, but at higher concentrations (more than 100ppm ), H2 S
causes loss of sense of smell, and hence the nose is not are liable detector for H2S.
 H2S (vapor density = 1.1895) is heavier than air (vapor density = 1) and will settle in low lying areas.
 It is highly corrosive in certain materials.
 It forms an explosive mixture with air / oxygen (LEL=4.3% and UEL=46%) (1% H2 S = 10,000ppm)
 Auto ignition temperature for H 2S is 518 ℉ (260 oC)
 It burns with a bluish flame to produce Sulphur Di-oxide (SO2).
 H2S dissolves in to any liquids especially water, producing a mild acid
 H2S is also known as sour gas and sulfated hydrogen is highly toxic.
 H2S affects human metabolism in two significant ways. It causes cessation of respiratory functions and
reduces the ability of blood to carry oxygen to body organs.
 Corrosive nature of H2S can lead to equipment failure hazards.
 Attack metals, forming pyrophoric iron sulfide scale.
 Below 1 PPM it gives rotten egg like odor, around 10 ppm eye irritation begins, 300 ppm loss of balance,
unconsciousness, at 800pm death within 5 minutes, at 1000 to 2000 ppm coma or death in single breath.

H2S exposures:
 Maintenance operations
 Pipeline and pump repair
 Confined space entry
 Unclogging drains
 Gas leak investigations
 Tank gauging
Sources of H 2S:
 Oil exploration, extraction and refining.
 Natural gas exploration, extraction and processing.
 Contaminant in crude oil and natural gas
 Synthetic petroleum operation.
 Also occurs in
 Landfills
 Sewage, waste water treatment
 Laboratories, dye and pigment manufacture.
Maximum Exposure Limit:
MEL is the maximum allowable amount that a worker can be exposed to over 8 hrs working day without any
adverse effect.
Types of exposure controls:
First one is Exposure avoidance, second is engineering controls and third is PPEs.
Engineering controls:
Ventilation, monitors, warning system, fixed monitoring system linked to control room in the central control
building (CCB), portable multi gas monitoring and personal single gas monitor. LTEL & STEL of different chemicals
are as under.
 Material Name Formula LTEL STEL
Hydrogen sulfide H2S 10 ppm 15 ppm
Sulphur Di-Oxide SO2 2 ppm 5 ppm
Carbon Monoxide CO 25 ppm 75 ppm
Carbon Di-Oxide CO2 5000 ppm 30,000 ppm
Mercury Hg 0.01mg/m3 0.03 mg/m3

25. Define lower flammable limit? (LFL)

LFL is the point where there is insufficient fuel to sustain combustion because it has become over-diluted with
oxygen / air. In case of H2S it is 4.3 % by volume. (1 % by volume is 10,000 ppm)

26. Define upper flammable limit? (UFL)

UFL is where there is too much fuel for combustion to occur (not enough oxygen / air dilution). In case of H2S it is
46 % by volume. (1 % by volume is 10,000 ppm)

27. Define classification of flammability?

 Extremely flammable = Flashpoint below 0 ℃
 Highly flammable = Flashpoint is in between 0 ℃-21 ℃
 Flammable = Flashpoint is in between 22 ℃ - 55 ℃

28. What is the difference between flashback arrester and a check valve?
A check valve allows flows in one direction only. This prevents oxygen reaching acetylene cylinder and acetylene
reaching oxygen cylinder in the event of a block age in the torch or line pressure variation.
A flash back arrester prevents reverse flow of flame reaching the cylinder in the event of a flashback or the
temperature exceeds a limit (220℉).

29. What is a tool box talk?

Any sort of briefing carried out with workforce to ensure all involved in safe system of work planned for
allotted work is called TBT. Toolbox talks promote the awareness of safety issues in the forefront. A toolbox
talk may have the following impacts.
 Promotes safety awareness. Workers get actively involved in safety matters and reduce safety risks
 Introduces workers to new safety rules, equipment, preventive practices and motivates workers to follow
standard operating procedures
 Provides vital information to the workers on accident causes types and preventive actions
 Emphasizes planning, preparation, supervision and documentation
 Helps when reviewing new laws or industry standards, company policies and procedures
 Encourages workers to discuss their experiences that help to review safety procedures in future
Following are the salient features of a toolbox talks:
 Should be scheduled at the beginning of the work shift
 Meeting should be done at the job site
 Duration should be approximately10-15 minutes
 Discussion and review of the previous meetings to be done as reminder
 Discussion on the current task to be done
 Discussion on the safety issues including environment, hazards, use of personnel protective equipment,
first-aid and medical support and emergency procedures
  Worker participation is to be encouraged
 There may be review and recapitulation with quiz or test

30. Definition - What does Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) mean?

A fault tree analysis (FTA) is a type of problem solving technique used to determine the root causes of any failure
of safety observance, accident or undesirable loss event. It is a tree like graphic model of the pathways that starts
at the top and leads to a predictable and undesirable loss event. Probability of such an event occurring may
be entered and propagated through an FTA model to assess the probability and prevent the foreseeable and
undesirable event.

31. PASS Method

 Pull the pin
 Aim at the base
 Squeeze the handle
 Sweep side by side
Minimum distance while using the fire extinguisher is 4 meters. Stages of fire incipient (1000℉), free burning
(1300-2000℉) and smoldering (1000-1400℉) when oxygen % is around 14.

32. What is safety?

The prevention of physical injury arising out of work activities

33. What is hazard?

Anything that has the potential to cause harm

34. What is Near-Miss?

 An unplanned, uncontrolled event which could have cause injury, damage or loss.
 A potential hazard has not yet caused an accident.
 An occurrence that did not result in but have the potential to result in undesirable consequences to
personnel (illness/injury) and/or to the assets or to the neighboring community and environment
 Near miss is an incident that result in no apparent loss

35. What is accident?

An accident is an unplanned, uncontrolled, unexpected event happening because of unsafe act or unsafe
condition cause fatality, injuries or illness to personnel and cause damage to properties and equipment and
cause impact on the environment

36. What is unsafe act?

Performance of a task or other activity that is conducted in a manner that may threaten the health and safety
of workers. E.g. Operating equipment at unsafe speed, failure to lockout / tag out, horseplay, operating
without authority, taking an unsafe position or posture

37. What is unsafe condition?

A condition in a workplace that is likely to cause property damage or fatality or illness to the workers. E.g.
Defective tools, fire & explosion hazards, poor housekeeping, improper guarding, improper illumination.

38. What is an incident?

Incident is an unplanned event that may or may not lead to any injury, harm or loss.
39. What is Risk?
Risk is the likelihood of harm actually occurring together with the severity of its consequences, example the
chances of someone being killed by coming in to contact with electricity

40. What is a Hazard?

Hazard is a condition or situation which could result in an accident. Hazard is anything or something that has
the potential to cause harm.

41. Why we need to prevent accident?

Because of moral, social and economic reasons.

42. What is proactive?

To control hazard before the accident occurrence

43. What is Reactive?

To find the root cause of the happening

44. What is housekeeping?

Keeping designed things in a designated area.
Maintaining the working environment in a tidy manner so that, in particular, access and movement is not
hindered.

45. How to identify hazards?

 Physical inspection (walk around)
 Job hazard analysis
 Process analysis ( to observe from start of the work to end of the work )
 Incident investigation findings ( after any accident occurs )

46. Key safety for maintaining zero accident?

 All accidents are preventable, stop all unsafe acts
 Report all incidents, near miss, illness and injury.
 Participate in daily Toolbox talks
 Know the emergency procedures
 Follow procedures and safety rules.
 If you don’t know ask
 Use appropriate PPE
 Keep your work area clean & organized
 Right person for the right job

47. Incident classification

 First-aid ( minor injuries, common illness)
 Medical aid (can’t be treated by first aider)
 Restricted to work ( given worker light work)
 Lost time injury ( not reporting to work for one or more days )
 Fatal (death during accident )
48. Communication tips during emergency: (METHANE)
 M: minor / moderate / major (size of incident )
 E: Exact location of incident
 T: Type of incident
 H: Hazards involved (i.e. flammable, high pressure etc.)
 A: Access to incident ( nearest / safest route to incident)
 N: Number of casualties
 E: Emergency support required (mutual aid, civil defense, helicopter etc.)

49. Types of hazards?

Physical, mechanical, chemical, electrical

50. Lock-out / Tag-out

For positive isolation of hazardous energy sources Control of hazardous energy is the purpose of the Lockout
tag-out program. This program establishes the requirements for isolation of kinetic, potential, electrical, chemical,
thermal, hydraulic, pneumatic and gravitational energy prior to equipment repair, adjustment or removal.
 The purpose of lock-out / tag-out is to prevent energy from accidentally being released while a machine or
equipment is being serviced.
 The ultimate goal of lock-out / tag-out is to protect the health and safety of employees.
 Secondary is the protection of equipment from damage.
 During maintenance, inspection or construction jobs, LOTO is used to prevent unexpected
energization or startup of the machine or equipment or release of stored energy which could cause
injury to employees.

51. Electrical safety

Human bodies can resistance up to 0.5 mile amps of electrical energy. From 0.6 mile amps to 15 mile amps it gives
jerking to the body. After crossing 15 mile amps tissues start burning, paralyzing the body and finally cardio
arrest (effects on hearts)
During confined space entry only 24 volts bulb can be used. The box which is used is called step down. It will
trip automatically when the body gets in contact with the current. It has the facility of ELCB (earth leakage
circuit breaker)

52. General safety focus

PPE, scaffold and ladder, work at height, electrical safety, first-aid & accident report, lifting practices, fire &
safety prevention, housekeeping

53. Acetylene safety

Maximum pressure should not exceed 15 psi during gas cutting & welding

54. ACRONYMS
 COSHH: Control of substances hazardous to health
 P & ID: Piping & Instrumentation diagram
 EIA: Environmental impact assessment
 STOP: Safety talk observation program
 STARRT: Safety task analysis and risk reduction talk
 IDLH: Immediate danger to life and health
55. Radiography
During radiography 3 types of rays passes. Alpha, beta & Gamma.
Two types of radiation: ionization, non-ionization
Ionization: Damages tissue s and organs in body, especially for men
Non-ionization: like microwave oven etc., long term problem arises. Measures in curieil = 0z

56. What is working at height?

It is a work in any place, including a place at above or below ground level where a person could be injured if
they fall from that place and start over 1.8m.

57. What is scaffolding?

Scaffolding is a temporary platform constructed for reaching heights for the purpose of construction,
maintenance or repair

58. What is a TAG system?

A tag is put on scaffolding by a competent person, indicating the present condition whether it can be used and
whether fall protection needed or not.
 RED TAG: Do not use. (Is being erected or dismantled)
 GREEN TAG: Safe to use
 YELLOW TAG: can use with 100 % fall protection (is incomplete)

59. What are the details in a scaffold tag?

 Location
 Maximum loading capacity ( KN/M2 or PSI )
 Date erected and date inspected with foreman’s name and signature

60. In which conditions a scaffold cannot be erected?

 Extreme weather (strong wind, rain etc.)
 Ground not stable
 Safe clearance can’t be maintained with livewire (min10f t)
 Certified workers and supervisors are not available, permit not available.

61. What is a guard-rail system?

A barrier consisting of top-rails, mid-rails, toe-boards and vertical uprights erected to prevent men and
material falling from an elevated work area.

62. What is a toe-board?

Barrier secured along the sides and end so far a platform to guard against falling materials, tools and other objects.

63. What is the height of the top-rail from the platform?

38 to 45 inches

64. What is the minimum height of the toe-board?

3 inches

65. What is the minimum overlapping of two adjacent planks in a scaffolding platform?
Not less than 12 inches
66. What is the minimum width required for a walkway?
Minimum width of a walkway is 18 inches

67. In what circumstances fall protection system has to be used?

If a person could fall from more than1.8 m than a fall protection system should be used. E.g. any activity at
an elevation more than 1.8 m such as erection, dismantling or maintenance of scaffolding pipes, equipment.

68. What are the requirements in placing an access ladder on a scaffold?

 Provide access when scaffold platforms are more than 2ft above or below point of access
 When using ladders bottom rung must not be more than 24 inches high
 Ladders should be at the correct angle (4:1),1 feet out for every 4ft in height
 Ladders must not be extended by lashing two lengths together
 Ladders are to be tied at both sides not by the rungs
 Make sure the ladder extends a safe distance of at least 90cms above the landing stages.
 When the horizontal travel distances exceeds 15m provide at least two accesses.
 If the platform is longer access shall be provided at every 30m
 The ladders should be free from damage and should be color coded
 All the access ladder must be tagged

69. What materials can be placed on a scaffold platform?

 All types of construction materials which are used for particular construction activity can be kept on the
scaffolding platform.
 But before keeping the materials and tools required for the work on the platform, we must ensure
load bearing capacity of the scaffolding platform
 The platform shall not be over loaded and shall be fitted falling object protection system like toe-
boards, nets, etc.

70. Some parts of scaffold?

Base plate, Sole board, standards, ledgers, Transoms, intermediate transom, Toe- board, Guard rail, Ladder for
access and egress. While erecting a scaffold parts starting from base plate, while dismantling it is reverse.

71. When we should inspect a scaffold?

 After erection before use
 Every seven days
 After adverse weather condition
 After being struck by vehicle
 After substantial alteration

72. What are the reasons for scaffolding collapse?

 Wrong materials
 Unstable foundations
 Improper design
 Improper erection
 Overloading
 Modified incorrectly
 Undermined by excavation
  Hit by machinery or vehicle
 Adverse weather condition

73. Types of scaffold?

 Single pole scaffold
 Double pole scaffold
 Outrigger (cantilever scaffold)
 Suspended scaffold
 Slung scaffold
 Bird cage scaffold
 Tower scaffold- stationary, mobile
 Proprietary scaffold

74. What are the requirements for working on a moving scaffold?

 Mobiles scaffolding shall be plumb, level and square
 It shall only be used and moved on surfaces sufficiently firm and level to ensure stability
 It shall be moved only by manually pushing or pulling the base
 No men, equipment or materials shall be on the scaffolding while it is in motion
 Castors ( base-plate on static tower ) shall be locked at all-time except during scaffold movement
 The temporary foundation or track set on uneven ground for scaffold movement shall be level and properly
secured
 The height of the working platform shall not exceed 4 times of the minimum base dimension, if it
exceeds this limit outrigger must be installed
 A complete guard-rail system must be provided
 The scaffolding shall be inspected and tagged before use by a competent person

75. Faults in scaffold

Before work starts:
 Scaffold being erected by man who do not know their job
 Experienced foreman not being available to supervise the work
 Scaffolders not being informed for the purpose for which the scaffold is required
 Bent tubes, damaged fittings, split-boards being used in the erection of the scaffold

During erection:
 Ground having insufficient bearing capacity to support scaffold standard when loaded
 Insufficient base-plate and sole-plates provided
 Standards placed too wide apart and out of upright
 Ledgers placed too wide apart and out of horizontal
 Insufficient bracing
 Bracing connections not made with load bearing couplers
 The connections not made with right angle couplers
 Put log not fixed with putlog couplers
 Fittings are over tightened so that threads are strained
 Joints in standards and ledgers not staggered
  Scaffolding poorly tied in to
 Fittings are over tightened so that threads are strained
 Uneven working platform
 Guard-rails fixed at wrong height or not fixed at all
 Toe boards not fixed
 Wooden ladders painted
 Scaffold boards on rungs
 Ladder placed at an unsafe angle
 Ladders too short to provide a safe handhold when stepping to or from the top of the ladder.

During use:
 Scaffold not inspected at least once a week
 Scaffold not inspected after bad weather
 Scaffold not inspected by competent person, faults cannot be recognized
 Scaffold overloaded
 Signs of previous overloading ignored
 Ties removed and not replaced
 Alteration made to scaffold by other tradesmen
 Guard-rails and toe-boards removed and not replaced
 Men not warned of incomplete scaffold

During and after dismantle:

 Fitting not serviced
 Ladders not checked for damage
 Defective tubes, fittings and board not being taken out of use
 Tubes, fittings and boards not being inspected after use

76. What is a lifting plan?

 It is the document prepared for planning a critical lift by calculating and considering all facts or which
is going to effect the lift and thereby selecting the correct tools and cranes and ensure the safe lifting
procedure to be followed for the particular lift.
 Giving details about the size and weight of the object to be lifted.
 Which crane is used for lifting and what the safety factor is?
 Where crane is positioned.
 From where the load is lifted.
 Where it is fitted
 Size and SWL of each lifting tool used.
 JSA and Load chart are attached with it.

77. What is Critical Lift?

A non-routine crane lift requiring detailed planning and additional or unusual safety precautions Critical lifts
include:
 Lifts made when the load weight is 75% or more of the rated capacity of the crane, lifts that require the
load to be lifted swung or placed out of operator’s view, of lifts made with more than one crane.
 Lifts using more than one hoist, lifts involving non-routine or technically difficult rigging arrangements,
 hoisting personnel with a crane or derrick
 Lifts involving hazardous materials (e.g. Explosives, highly volatile substances), lifts involving submerged
loads and lifts without the use of outriggers.
 Lifts where the center of gravity could change, or any lift that the crane operator believes should be critical

78. What is SWL?

Safe working load is the maximum load that can be applied to the lifting safely.

79. What is working radius?

It is the maximum distance where the crane has to reach for lifting or lowering the load.

80. How are slings inspected?

 All slings must be inspected before every use and periodically it should be thoroughly checked and
shall be rejected if found wear of one third the original diameter of outside individual wires, severe
corrosion, distortion (kinking, crushing, bird caging )
 Broken wires ( a maximum of 10 randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay or broken wires in
one strand in one rope lay)
 Heat damage ( loss of internal lubricant by overheat exposure )
 Pulled eyes splices ( only evidence that eye splices have been slipped, sleeves damaged)
 Sling should be clean from dirt and rust.
 Before use the slings, it has to be color coded per the month color code.

81. What are the requirements for a mobile crane lifting?

 Crane positioned on firm and level ground with wood pads and steel plates.
 Outriggers are fully extended. Tires are off the ground. Certified operators and riggers are available
 Safe load indicator is working
 The checklist is filled by the competent person
 Crane has valid inspection sticker, insurance and third party certificate
 The load’s weight is confirmed and is within the safe working limit of the crane
 The swing arm radius is barricaded and unauthorized persons are evacuated
 The lifting tools are free from defects, wind speed is less than 32 km / hr.
 Approved lifting plan is available for critical lifts
 Permit for the activity is obtained
 Crane operator and rigger’s vision is not obstructed, the load is well-balanced and taglines are used to
control the weight etc.

82. Define Excavation

Any man made cut or cavity for gaining underground services. According to soil classification Benching, Sloping,
Shoring or trouncing is done to protect the excavation.

83. Suspension trauma

 Suspension trauma (orthostatic shock while suspended) also known as harness hang syndrome or
orthostatic incompetence is an effect which occurs when the human body is held upright without any
moment for a period of time.
 If the person is strapped into a harness or tied to an upright object they will eventually suffer the
central Ischemic response ( commonly known as fainting )
  If one faints but remains vertical, death will happen due to one’s brain not receiving the oxygen
required.
 If someone is strained in a harness, but is not unconscious or injured and has something to kick against or
stand on (such as rock, ledge or caving leg loops) it is helpful for them to use their leg muscles by pushing
against often to keep the blood pumping back to the torso. If the person is strained in midair or is
exhausted, then keeping the legs moving can be both beneficial and rather danger.
 On the one hand, exercising the leg muscles will keep the blood returning to the torso, but on the other
hand, as the movement become weaker the leg muscles will continue to demand blood yet they will
become much less effective at returning it to the body and the movement the victim ceases moving
their legs the blood will immediately start to pool.
 Pedaling an imaginary bicycle should only be used as a last ditch effort to prolong consciousness,
because as soon as pedaling stops, fainting will shortly follow.
 If it is impossible to rescue someone immediately, then it is necessary to raise their legs to a sitting position
which can be done with a loop of rigging tape behind knees or specialized equipment from a rescue kit.

84. What is line of fire?

A moment or situation at which a person directly or indirectly, partially or fully exposed to an accident can
be considered as a line of fire.

85. How to identify hazards?

On any workplace one must look for visible hazards, Hidden hazards and developing hazards.
 Visible hazards: untidy housekeeping, broken or damaged ladder, damaged vehicles, missing guards,
blown or missing lights.
 Hidden hazards: Toxic and asphyxiating gases and vapors inside the confined spaces, emission from
radiation.
 Developing hazards: Damage by vibration or sagging foundation, corrosion and excessive weathering of
metal components, abnormal wear and tear of critical parts of machinery or equipment.

86. What is color- coding system?

This is the system followed to inspect and ensure the serviceability of tools and equipment periodically
(normally it is monthly) like fire extinguisher, lifting gears, full body harness, electrical cables, power tools
etc. These things are inspected by a competent person and are putting the color of the particular month (this
color is decided in advance and is being followed by all people at particular site).The items which are found
defective or unserviceable will not be color coded and has to be removed from service

87. What is frost bite?

Frostbite is the medical condition where localized damage is caused to skin and other tissues due to freezing.
Frostbite is most likely to happen in body parts farthest from the heart and those with large exposed areas.
 First stage: initial stage- frost nip
 Second stage: chilblains are superficial ulcers of the skin
 Third stage: frostbite.
Causes: inadequate blood circulation when the ambient temperature is below freezing leads to frostbite.

88. What is a cold burn?

Cold burns are burns that take place as the result of skin coming in contact with an object that is extremely
cold. The cold is sufficient to cause damage to the skin and the underlying tissues.
89. What are all lifting accessories?
 Fiber or rope slings
 Chain( single or multiple legs)
 Hooks
 Eyebolts
 Spreader beams
 Magnetic and vacuum
LOLER: Lifting operations and lifting equipment regulations (1998)

90. PMC-Pre mechanical commissioning activities

 Blowing–Air blowing, steam blowing.
 Flushing –water.
 Mechanical run, in test
 Vessel internal inspection
 Leak test ( Nitrogen, Helium )
 System dry out / Inserting
 System energization
 Perlite, Rock wool filling
Hazards in PMC:
 System under pressure
 Chemical /oil spill
 Electrical shock
 Noise, vibration, exposure
 Confined space
PMC Barrier: Blue and white warning tape
Test run hazards: rotating equipment, electricity, noise and fire. Cold boxes are constantly ventilated with
Nitrogen leads to suffocation
Energization hazards: Electricity, violating of LOTO procedures, fire.

91. Effects of Noise

 Hearing loss
 Tinnitus- Ringing in air
 Annoyance
 Communication interference
 Affect the ability to detect available warning signals

92. What is an assembly muster point?

The area determined and marked for assembly of people working in the area in case of emergency.

93. What are the different types of safety signs?

 Safety conditions
 Warning signs
 Mandatory signs
 Firefighting equipment
94. What is human error?
It is any deviations from a safe system of work for whatever reason or immediate cause of unsafe acts by the
workers on site.

95. What is lost time injury? (LTI)

 A lost time injury occurs when person is injured in the execution of his duties and as a result of his injury he
is unable to perform his regular duties for one full shift or more on the following day which the injury was
incurred.
 Any work related injury or illness which prevents that person from doing any work the day after the
accident.

96. Why is gas testing carried out?

 To monitor the work areas for toxic, flammable or inert gases and measure oxygen level.
 Gas tests are performed to confirm that the working environment is safe from the hazards of
combustible or toxic gases and to conform that oxygen level are within the safe limit and safe to
breadth.

97. Who carries out gas testing?

An authorized gas testers (AGT’s) are responsible for carrying out gas testing duties in liaison with other supervisor
and in accordance with specified precautions.

98. When is gas testing performed?

Whenever there is risk of flammable or toxic gases being present or when oxygen enrichment or deficiency is likely
hazard.
 Hot work of any type where heat is used or generated e.g. grinding, welding, flame cutting.
 Work which can generate sparks or other sources of ignition.
 Entry in to confined space
 Work which can cause an uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons or other flammable or toxic materials
 Monitoring purging operations.

99. What is risk assessment?

Risk assessment is a method of estimating the rate of risk of an activity by classifying actual and potential
consequences and finding out mitigating actions to limit that risk.

100. Five steps of risk assessment?

 Identify the risk ( hazards )
 Identify the people who might be harmed and how
 Evaluate the risk and decide on precautions
 Record the significant findings
 Review and update the assessment as necessary.
 Risk Assessment is a careful examination of anything in workplace that could cause people to suffer
injury ill-health while they are at work.
 Risk assessment is about deciding who might be harmed and then judging how likely it is that
something will go wrong and how serious the consequences could be.
 You don’t have to carry out the assessment yourself, if you are not confident, get help from someone who
is appropriately qualified and trained and knows about what they are processing. But you are
 responsible for seeing that it’s done.
 It’s always a good idea to involve other people in the risk assessment process- particularly the person
whose job you are assessing.
How to carry out Risk assessment:
 Stage 1: List the work tasks that you are responsibility
 Stage2: Identify the risks-what are the hazards, who might be harmed and how?
 Stage3: Estimate the risk.
 Stage 4: Evaluate the risk
 Stage5: Record your findings Stage6: Review your findings
Stage1: List the work tasks that you are responsibility
Anything in your workplace that you manage-the activities that take place, the people involved in those
activities, the equipment they use and the different locations they work in- can be hazard in some
circumstances.
It is essential that you make a list of everything you manage. The best way to do this is to walk around the workplace
and see for yourself what’s going on. If you don’t do this, it’s possible that a hazard could be over looked and therefore
not included in the risk assessment.
 A description of the location you manage
 The people who work in the area on a regular basis or from time to time
 Permanent and temporary pieces of equipment and substances used at the location
 Activities carried out at different locations
Work task list
Company: Department: Location:
LOCATION PEOPLE EQUIPMENT ACTIVITIES

Stage 2: Identify the risks- what are the hazards, who might be harmed and how?
 Observe the physical layout at each location and the activities being carried out. E.g. do people have enough
space to work comfortably without being unnecessarily at risk?
 Speak to your staff and their representatives, if they have any, and find out whether they consider
anything in the workplace to be a hazard- they may have noticed something which is not obvious to
you.
 Inspect relevant company records, such as accident records, manufacturer’s instructions or datasheets
 Read upon hazards relevant to your area. For example, do any of your staff have to work with hazardous
chemicals or electricity? If they do both you and your staff should have some knowledge of these
topics.

To record this information, you can use a hazard checklist

Hazard checklist:
Company: Department: site name:
Description of the Number and occupation of Risk assessment
Work activity
hazard people recommended
yes No
Stage 3: Estimate the risk
Identify what the hazards are, weigh up how serious each risk is. You need to consider two things
 How likely it is that something could go wrong
 How serious the outcome could be

UNLIKELY
LIKELIHOOD VERY
(MAY LIKELY VERY LIKELY CERTAIN
SEVERITY UNLIKELY
HAPPEN)
FATALITY
5 10 15 20 25
MAJOR INJURY
4 8 12 16 20
OVER 3 DAY
INJURY 3 6 9 12 15
FIRST AID
INJURY 2 4 6 8 10
MINOR INJURY
1 2 3 4 5
 1 – 4 = LOW RISK (Maintain Current Levels of Control)
 5 –10 = MEDIUM RISK (Some further controls should be planned to reduce the risk further)
 12 –25 = HIGH RISK (At this level, work must stop (or not begin if in planning stage) until further controls
reduce the risk.
Risk = Likelihood x consequence (severity)
Risk = Frequency x severity
Frequency rate= No of reportable loss time incidents x 106/total man hours worked.
Severity rate=No of man days lost x 106/total man hours worked
Disability Injury Index (DII) = F.RXS.R / 100 = RISK / 100
RISK MATRIX: During risk assessment, risk matrix is used to define the various levels of risk as the product of
the harm probability categories and harm severity categories.
Risk mitigation / control of risks:
The control of risk can be achieved by Elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering, administration and
PPE.

101. Outline the Concept of ALARP in the risk assessment?

Risk that falls between the acceptable and unacceptable is referred as tolerable as we are prepared to endure
such risk because of the benefits they give and because further risk reduction is grossly disproportionate to
in terms of time, effort ,money, uncertainty, practicability, etc. such decisions are based on COST-BENEFIT
ANALYSIS rather than affordability, i.e. availability of money within budgets. Risks that fall in to the tolerability
region are described as being ‘As low as reasonably practicable’ often referred as ALARP.
A risk reduced to levels such that further risk reduction measures would be so disproportionate to the
probability and consequences of occurrence that it would be objectively unreasonable to implement them.

102. Who make an accident report?

Concerned area supervisor or site safety representative.

103. Who makes an accident investigation report?

A team of frontline supervisor, HSE Manager, subcontractor representative if subcontractor personnel are injured,
high officials depending upon these verity of accident.

104. What is the use of accident investigation report?

To find out the cause of an accident, make recommendations to prevent recurrence and evaluate the
effectiveness of emergency response.

105. Identify four parties other than the employer who may want to investigate these types of incident.
 Enforcement authority / Local government authority: To verify compliance of Health and Safety
legislation, or else, would entail a criminal proceeding against the employer
 Insurance company: To establish fault liability/vicarious liability and rule out contributory negligence
to facilitate compensation claims
 Trade unions / Employee representatives: To facilitate claim management
 Manufacturer / Supplier: To ensure the efficiency of equipment / materials and to ensure they are
inherently safer
 Shareholders / Stakeholders: To know about financial implications and if any adverse effect on
reputation

106. What is corrective action?

Action to eliminate the cause of a detected non-conformity or other undesirable situation.
A corrective action deals with a non-conformity that has occurred. The organization shall take action to eliminate
the causes of non-conformities in order to prevent recurrence.

107. What is preventive action?

Action to eliminate the cause of a potential non-conformity or other undesirable potential situation. A
preventive action addresses the potential for a non-conformity to occur. The organization shall determine action
to eliminate the causes of potential non-conformities in order to prevent their occurrence.
108. What is Proactive?
To control the hazards before it occurs.

109. What is Reactive?

To find the root cause of the happening.

110. Types of Hazards?

Physical, Mechanical, Chemical, Biological and Ergonomics.

111. What is safety?

Safety is the absence from harm
The prevention of physical injury arising out of work activities.

112. What is hazard?

Hazard is anything or something that has the potential to cause harm.

113. What is incident?

Incident is an unplanned event that has not led to any injury, harm or losses.

114. Why we need to prevent accidents?

Because of Moral, Social and Economic Reasons

115. What is hierarchy of control?

It is a management tool designed to provide a systematic control strategy in a logical order to control risk. This
order deals with things in order of effectiveness attempting to remove or lessen as much as danger as possible.
The hierarchy begins with a safe place strategies & concludes with safe person strategies with PPE as the last
resort.

ERICPD.
 E: Eliminate (the safest control measure is to eliminate the hazard completely )
 R: Reduce or Substitute (if we can’t eliminate the hazard, we can reduce the hazard or we can use a
less hazardous method)
 I: Isolate (Isolate the hazards from the rest of the workers by applying Engineering Controls.)
 C: Control (This is where we consider organizational and technical controls such as safe system of work
procedures, training, supervision, local exhaust ventilation, machine guards, safety devices and tools
to carry out the task)
 P: Personal Protective Equipment
 D: Discipline (make sure that all controls are monitored, reviewed and enforced)

Hierarchy of control:
 Elimination: The complete elimination of the hazard.
 Substitution: Replacing the material or process with a less hazardous one.
 Engineering controls: Redesigning the equipment of work process, isolating the hazard by guarding or
enclosing it.
 Administrative control: provides controls such as training, procedures etc.
 PPE: using appropriate and properly fitted PPE where other controls are not practical
116. What is a Health & Safety Policy?
Health & Safety policy is a written statement of principles and goals embodying the company’s commitment
to workplace, health & safety.

117. What is a Health & Safety culture?

It is the product of individual and group values, attitudes, perceptions, competencies and patterns of behavior
that determine the commitment to & proficiency of an organizations health & safety management.

118. Why communication is a relevant factor to safety?

Communication is what we do to inform another of our ideas, feelings & knowledge and in turn receive their
feedbacks.

119. What is permit to work?

Permit to work is a legal document identifying the details and location of an activity including the hazard &
risk associated with a specific control measures and approved by a responsible person.

120. What is PPE? Why it is often called the LAST LINE OF DEFENCE?
 PPE is any clothing, equipment or substances designed to protect a person from risks of injury or
illness.
 When you cannot engineer, administratively eliminate or guard against a hazard, PPE is the only thing
between you and serious injury. It is in other words, the last line of defense.
 Methods that employers can implement to reduce or eliminate a particular workplace hazard-must always
be first when evaluating and mitigating workplace hazards.

121. What is fire?

It is chemical reaction known as combustion which occurs when fuel and oxygen are brought together with
sufficient heat to cause ignition.

122. What is the principle of fire prevention?

 C: Control of heat sources
 H: Housekeeping
 E: Elimination / minimization of fuels
 S: Storage
 S: Safe system of work

123. What is heat stress?

It is a condition due to over exposure to or over exertion in excess environmental temperatures and this
might lead to serious ill health effects.

124. Explain the triangle of fire?

The fire triangle or combustion triangle is a simple mode lf or understanding the ingredients necessary for most
fires. The triangle illustrates fire requires three elements heat, fuel and an oxidizing agent (usually oxygen).The
fire is prevented or extinguished by removing any one of them. A fire naturally occurs when the elements are
combined in the right mixture.
125. Why we need to investigate Accidents & Incidents?
To find out the cause of an accident, make recommendations to prevent reoccurrence and evaluate the
effectiveness of emergency response. To develop safety culture and certain management skills Humane,
economic and legal.

126. Types of Accidents?

 Fall to:
Same level
Lower level

 Caught:
In
On
Between
 Contact with:
Chemicals
Electricity
Heat/cold
Radiation

 Bodily reaction from:

Voluntary motion (controlled)
Involuntary motion (automatic)

 Struck:
Against-stationary or moving object, protruding object, sharp or jagged object
By-moving or flying object, falling object

 Rubbed or Abraded by:

Friction
Pressure
Vibration

127. What are the three basic causes of an accident?

 Basic causes: Poor safety management policy & decisions, personal factors, environmental factors.
 Indirect causes: Unsafe act, unsafe condition
 Direct causes: Unplanned release of energy and / or hazardous materials

128. Definition-What does Accident Causation mean?

Accident causation refers to the factors that are the primary reasons behind an accident. For occupational health
and safety professionals, determining causation factors in any workplace injury or accident is key. Understanding
what caused an unsafe situation to occur is important in implementing measures to help prevent a
reoccurrence.

129. Accident Investigation procedures?

There are some basic principles and procedures that can be used when investigating an incident.

 Step 1: Gather factual information about the event.

 Step 2: Analyze that information and draw conclusion about the immediate and root causes
 underlying / root causes are failure of procedures and failure in management system that has resulted
in unsafe acts and / or unsafe conditions (immediate causes).
 Step 3: Identify suitable corrective measure.
 Step 4: Plan the remedial actions.
Before the investigation can begin there are two important issues that have to be considered:
Safety of the scene: It is the area safe to approach? Is immediate action needed to eliminate danger even
before casualties are attended to?
Casualty care: Any injured person will require first-aid treatment and possibly hospitalization. This is a priority.
The welfare of injured by standers also has to be taken into account-they may be suffering shock.
Once the immediate dangers have been dealt with and casualties attended to, a decision should be made
regarding the type and level of investigation that is needed.
Should it be?
 A relatively simple investigation of an incident that caused only minor outcomes and did not have the
potential for serious outcomes?
 A more in-depth and thorough investigation of an incident with serious outcomes or potential for
serious outcomes?

The first type of investigation might be carried out by the line manager of the area; the second type often
involves a team of investigators that might include a safety specialist, senior managers, a technical specialist
and perhaps a worker representative.
Offshore investigating teams may also include installation specialist from services such as drilling services,
maintenance and process and deck crews. In the most serious and major cases can inspect or from health
and safety executive (In the UK) or national safety enforcing agency may become involved and conduct or
lead an investigation.

Step 1: Gathering information

 Secure the scene as soon as possible to prevent it being altered
 Collect witness details quickly before they start to move away, in some cases it may help to remove
witnesses from the scene and ask them to wait in a separate area. If there are many witnesses, it may
be better to separate them from each other to prevent collusion or contamination of their testimony
 Collect factual information from the scene and record it. This might be done by means of:
 Photographs & Sketches
 Measurements
 Videos
 Written documents of factors such as wind speed, temperature etc.
 Taking physical evidence
The investigator should come prepared with the appropriate equipment to record this information.
 Once the scene has been thoroughly examined, move on the second source of information: witness
often provides crucial evidence about what occurred before, during and after incidents. They should be
interviewed carefully to make sure that good quality evidence is gathered.

Good interview technique:

 Hold the interview in a quiet room or are a free from distraction and interruption
 Introduce themselves and try to establish rapport (bond) with the witness using appropriate verbal
and body language
  Explain the purpose of the interview ( perhaps emphasizing that the interview is not about blaming
people)
 Use open questions, such as those beginning with what? Why? Where? When? Who? How? etc. that do
not put words into the witnesses mouths and do not allow them to answer with a“ yes” or “no”
 Who was working with him / her?
 What operation was being performed?
 When did the employee start his / her shift?
 Why did the employee do what he / she did?
 Where was the employee positioned?
 How many hours had the employee worked?
 Keep an open mind
 Take notes so that the facts being discussed are not forgotten
 Ask the witness to write and sign a statement to create a record of their testimony
 Thank the witness for their help
 Once witness have been interviewed, move on to the third source of information: documentation.
Various documents may be examined during an accident investigation, such as:
 Company policy
 Risk assessments
 Permits-to-work
 Training records
 Maintenance records
 Disciplinary records
 Internal accident report forms
 Log book entries
 Computer print outs relevant to the situation

Step 2: Analyzing Information

The purpose here is to draw conclusion about the immediate and root causes of the incident. Immediate
causes are the unsafe acts and unsafe conditions that gave rise to the event itself. These will be the things
that occurred at the time and place of the accident. For example, a worker slips on a puddle (pond) of oil spilt
on the floor-immediate causes: the slip hazard (unsafe condition), the worker walking through it (unsafe act)

Underlying or Root causes:

Are the things that lie behind the immediate causes? Often root causes will be failure in the management system,
such as:
 Failure to adequately supervise workers
 Failure to provide appropriate PPE
 Failure to provide adequate training
 Lack of maintenance
 Inadequate checking or inspections
 Failure to carryout proper risk assessments

Many of the accidents that happen in workplaces have on immediate cause and one underlying or root cause. The
root cause gives rise to the immediate cause which in turn gives rise to the accident (rather like a row of
dominoes falling, in fact this idea is often referred to as the domino theory of accident causation)
If that one root cause is identified and dealt with then the accident should not happen again.
In contract to this single cause idea, some workplace accidents are complex and have multiple causes: the rear
several immediate causes for the accident and each of these has one or more underlying or root cause. This idea
is usually referred as Multi-causation theory (Factors combined in random fashion to cause accidents)

Step3: Identify suitable control measures

Step4: plan the remedial actions

130. What is line management?

A documented system that clearly indicates the responsibilities and reporting structure throughout an
organization.

131. What is preventative maintenance?

Maintenance carried out before the unit or system fails to ensure its continued reliability and safe operation.

132. What is an Isotope?

Isotope means one or more species of atoms having same atomic number but different mass number. Isotopes can
best able or unstable. Radioactive isotopes are unstable substances which emits heavy particles (alpha and beta)
and higher energy electromagnetic waves (gamma) from their nucleus by decay.

133. Why is an isotope hazardous?

Isotopes are hazardous because it emits uncontrolled energy in the form of radioactive waves which is
hazardous to all living things as it can destroy the living tissues that causes fatality or can convert it to cancer.

134. What is radioactivity?

Radioactivity is the spontaneous disintegration of atomic nuclei. The nucleus emits Alpha, Beta and Gamma
particles or electromagnetic rays during this process.

135. What is the unit for measuring radiation?

Micro Sievert or Mille-rem.

136. In what condition a work permit can be issued for Radiography?

The controlled area is calculated, evacuated and barricaded with yellow/black tapes, warning signs (minimum
4 numbers) and red or yellow flash lights.

137. What is the controlled area?

Any area where the radiation dose is more than 0.75 Mille Rem/ hr. (7.5 Micro Sievert)

138. What are safety measures to be taken while doing radiography?

Ensure a competent person is surveying outside the barricaded area with survey meter. The crew is authorized
and following safety precautions. The controlled area is calculated, evacuated and barricaded with yellow /
black tapes, warning signs and red or yellow flashlights.

139. What is the use of film badge?

This badge will be worn by personnel exposed to radiation due to the nature of their duty and this is processed
to calculate there ceived radiation dose of a person during the period (normally 1 month) of exposure.
140. What is Geiger meter?
It is the instrument used to measure the radiation dose

141. What is decay chart?

It is the chart showing the change in radio activity of a source, for a period at regular interval of time.

142. Who is an authorized exposed person?

He is the one who got formal training in the use of sealed source and x-rays equipment used in industrial
radiography.

143. What are the requirements of a man lifting basket?

It should be designed and fabricated according to standards, have third party certificates, two guide ropes,
damage free lifting gears, the load bearing capacity should be written on the man basket, shackles with cotter
pin only to be used.

144. What is an excavation?

A man made cut, cavity, trench or depression formed by earth removal for gaining underground services

145. What is Trench?

A narrow excavation where the depth is greater than the width.

146. What is shoring?

A structure that supports the sides of an excavation and protects against cave-ins.

147. What are the responsibilities of a fire watch?

Fire watch is a person designed to identify and eliminate fire hazards, alert and extinguish fire in case of fire by
keeping a close watch on such hazardous areas.

148. What is the maximum distance between two adjacent accesses in a long excavation?
 A ladder must be present within 25 feet of employees working in excavation.
 At every 30m on the perimeter, if less than 1.2m deep
 At every 7.5m on the perimeter, if more than 1.2m deep.

149. What is an Emergency evacuation plan?

It is the procedure to provide concise (brief) guide lines for evacuation in case of some emergencies and to identify
the emergencies in advance. This also helps us to plan and define the roles and responsibilities of all building
custodian fire wardens and occupants.

150. What is an emergency response plan?

 An Emergency plan covering things such as foreseeable emergencies, raising the alarm, the mitigating
actions that need to be taken and who takes them
 To assess the fire risks.
 To make provision for medical treatment and evacuation.
 To ensure evacuation routes are maintain and in a state of readiness
 To provide evacuation facilities in case the installation has to be abandoned (e.g. Use of life boats)
 A well-trained disciplined emergency team that knows what it is doing with a clear command structure.
  To practice response plans and learn from mistakes
A written ERP communicates to all parties what action to take, who will take it and the resources needed for
all likely emergencies and subsequent clean-up operations. It means that emergencies have been thought
through before they happen, so that they do occur you will understand far better what is going on and what
to do. Prompt (on time) action in an emergency makes all the difference between an incident and a
catastrophe. A written ERP provides documentary evidence of preparedness to regulators.

151. What are the contents of ERP?

The ERP needs to be specific to the installation, covering operational and procedural needs for each emergency
situation. The detail will therefore vary but it will generally consider such things as:
 Specific for emergency situation (or types) and their likely scale (level) I and consequences.
 Organizational roles, authority, responsibilities and expertise.
 Emergency response actions / procedures
 Sufficient resources
 Evacuation procedures
 Communications
 Training for personnel and drills to test the plan

152. Outline the factors that should be considered while providing a means of escape in an oil and gas
installation to enable all workers to reach a place of safety in the event of fire.
Means of Escape: is a continuous path which enables workers to reach a safe place in case of an emergency. The
factors that should be considered while providing a means of escape are.
 Number of exits and size of path should be proportionate to the number of person to be evacuated (it
should be minimum 1 meter in width and have at least two exits for each room)
 Integrity against smoke, flame and heat (kept away from blast walls, providing fire barrier and
intumescent coating)
 Availability of alternate route if damaged by fire or explosion (redundancy)
 Providing uninterrupted power supply (emergency lighting)
 Well designated with illuminated signs and markings
 Maintained free of obstruction with fixed metallic ladders if required to reach lower/ higher level
 Provision of temporary refuge with required integrity
 Fire exit door opening unlocked in the direction of travel
 Final exit door leading to muster point / safe assembly point provided with appropriate disembarkation
arrangement sin case of offshore

153. Identify three zone classifications for a mixture of air and a hydrocarbon gas and outline the related
condition for each one.
Hazardous are a zoning classifies areas on the basis of frequency and duration of the occurrence of an
explosive atmosphere. Accordingly they are classified as follows:

 Zone 0: A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of air with dangerous substances in the
form of gas, vapor or mist is present continuously or for long periods of time or frequently. Electrical
equipment that can be used for this zone should be category 1 equipment. Only intrinsically safe
equipment (type i.e.) that allows for two simultaneous faults shall be used in this zone. Example
Instrumentation and low energy equipment.
 Zone 1: A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of air with dangerous substances in the
 form of gas, vapor or mist is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally. Electrical equipment that
can be used for this zone should be category 1 or category 2 equipment. Intrinsically safe equipment (type
“ib”) that allows for single fault and flame proof equipment (type D) can be used in this zone. Example–
motors, lighting, switch gear and portable hand lamps.
 Zone 2: A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of air with dangerous substances in the
form of gas, vapor or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for
a short period only. Electrical equipment that can be used for this zone should be category 1, 2 or 3
equipment. Flame proof equipment (type D) and non-sparking equipment (type E and type N) can be
used in this zone. Example– induction motors and transformers.

154. Identify two zone classifications for a cloud of combustible dust in air.
 Zone21: A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of air with combustible dust is likely to
occur in normal operation occasionally.
 Zone22: A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of air with combustible dust is not likely
to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.

155. What is intrinsically safe equipment?

 Has restricted electrical energy
 Energy levels are in sufficient to produce an incendiary (combustible) spark
 Can be used in zone 0 areas
 Faults may raise energy levels

156. What is flame proof equipment?

 Allows an explosive mixture to enter the enclosure but the enclosure will with stand the pressure and
heat of explosion and the ignition of the surrounding flammable atmosphere is prevented
 Is not suitable for some combustible powder sand dusts
 Can be used in zones1 and 2
 Requires regular maintenance to ensure continuing integrity

157. What is Hi pot-test (High Potential Test)?

It is the insulation leakage test done for high voltage electrical cables, to check the quality of insulation.

158. What is a Hydro-test?

It is used for conforming mechanical integrity of installed pressure vessels and pipelines. Hydrostatic test is
also applied to existing equipment and pipelines to check for leakage after being repaired or maintained.

159. What are the safety requirements for doing a hot work?
 Obtain a valid hot work permit
 Conduct gas test if presence of combustible gases expected prior to work
 Remove all combustible materials from the area (within 10 m), if possible
 Use fire blanket to protect immovable combustible materials and also for welding slugs
 Cover the area with fire blanket for containment of sparks generated while doing hot work
 Barricade the area and post proper signage
 Provide proper fire extinguisher in sufficient numbers
 Appoint a fire watch with red jacket if necessary
160. What are the benefits of near-miss reporting?
 To identify the causes of those near misses before it turns into accidents
 To make analysis of the incident in order to avoid recurrence
 To identify the deficiencies of site safety performances and find remedial actions
 To improve safety performances by reducing LTA, incidents and near misses.

161. In what situation Ear protection is required?

In areas, where sound pollution is more than 85 db.

162. What is the emergency evacuation procedure to follow in the event of a gas release?
 Don’t get panic on hearing alarm
 Switch off all the equipment and energized circuits
 Observe the direction of wind flow, proceed out in the cross wind direction to the plant boundary fence
and then proceed upwind. Obey instructions from emergency response team. Resume work after getting
clearance only.

163. What are the control measures on fire prevention?

 Valid permit to work in place
 Area to be clear from any combustible materials
 Serviceable fire extinguisher readily available in the workplace
 All sewers / drainage are kept covered with at least fire blanket and keep wetted all the time to prevent
potential sparks when welding booth or habitat to be provided
 Temporary power supply must be fitted with ELCB
 Adequate and approved welding booth or habitat to be provided
 Welding butts are to be place on a metal can to prevent possible sparks or ignition
 Prevent smoking, smoke only at the designated areas
 All portable power tools must be maintained and repaired by an authorized person

164. Working at height Do’s and Don’ts.

Do’s:
 Maintain 3 points of contact at all time ( two hand and one foot or one and two foot)
 Work cautiously and slowly
 Wear a pair of leather gloves while climbing
 Wear all PPE
 Inspect all fall protection equipment prior to use
 Tie off to secure anchor
 Ensure 100% tie off

Don’ts:
 Don’t climb without fall protection
 Don’t overlook potential hazards
 Don’t wear jewelry-entangle on other objects
 Don’t carry load when you climb
 Don’t use safety belts, use full body harness
165. Reason for a fall:
 Moving from one surface to another
 Uncovered holes and openings
 Open ledger not barricaded
 Uneven surfaces
 Moving surfaces
 Slippery surfaces
 Poor lighting
 Unsuitable foot wear
 Wind, rain and ice
 Incorrectly using a ladder
 Incorrect use of fall arresting equipment

166. PFAS : personal fall arrest system:

 Anchorage–tie off point
 Anchorage connector- use to join the connecting device to the anchorage
 Body wear / Body harness
 Connecting devices – shock absorbing life lines, self-retracting lanyard, cross arm strap

167. Improper and unsafe tie off points:

 Hooking to flanges
 Hooking to vertical poles
 Hooking to cable or conduit
 Hooking to lifting devices
 Hooking to opened end devices
 Hooking to screen or mesh
 Hooking to cable tray
 Hooking to portable ladder points
 Hooking to grating
 Hooking to hook joining to lengthen the lanyard
 Hooking to end of scaffold tubes
 Hooking to handles and wheels
 Hooking to objects or platforms that have unsecured or open brackets or open clip (dead man’s anchor)
 Hooking to second hook

168. Acceptable anchor points:

 4mm wall thickness scaffolding
 Structural steel and pipe if properly supported and stabilized
 Engineering and properly installed horizontal or vertical life lines.
 Rated tie off sling
 Rated scaffolder tie-off sling
 Rated yoyo
 Rated extension pole and hook
 Rated girder anchor & Rated beam tie off clamp
169. Major accident event:
 Cranes and lifting equipment failures represent potential causes of a major accident event on our
facilities.
 The consequences of a failed boom or dropped load can be significant e.g. Personal injuries, damage
to process equipment, loss of containment, hydrocarbon

170. What are the documents attached with PTW?

 Method statement
 JSA attached
 Drawings attached
 Toolbox meeting format
 Number of personnel as per TBT
 TPI certificate
 Lifting plan
 Excavation certificate
 Confined space certificate
 MSDS attached

171. What is MSDS?

Material safety data sheet is the document prepared by the manufacturer giving product name, producer’s
address, emergency contact phone numbers, information of ingredients, possible hazards, first aid measures,
precaution to be taken for storage and handling (recommended PPEs, extinguishers), physical and chemical
properties etc.

172. What is waste management?

Waste management means safely disposing the byproduct of a process or a work to the environment (after proper
treatment if necessary), so that no threat for livings, properties and environment exists.
Waste Hierarchy- Remove, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Responsible disposal.
Five different types of waste disposal system:
 Simply throwing garbage away
 Garbage disposal installation
 Composting
 Recycling
 Incineration
Types of waste:
 Non-Hazardous Waste: paper, wood, cardboard, general waste, garbage waste.
 Hazardous waste: waste that can harm man and environment such as Paints, chemicals, waste
batteries, used oil filters, waste tires, radiographic waste, medical waste etc.
Four stages of waste:
 Generation
 Segregation
 Collection
 Disposal
Color-coding for waste skips:
 Red: metal waste
 Green- general waste
 Black: oily waste
 White: paper and card board
 Yellow: medical waste
 Orange: empty paint cans.
Bio-degradable waste:
Bio degradable waste is waste that can break down in to natural components and be recycled in to the life
cycle naturally, examples are old vegetables / food, paper, card board, deceased animals, and photo plastics
(special plastics that break down when exposed to the sun after sometime) etc.
Non-biodegradable waste:
Non-biodegradable waste is waste that does not break down in to natural components and exists in the
environment for a long time. Examples would be tires, plastics, electronic components, metals etc.

173. Piping storage and handling procedure:

 Piping materials shall be stored only designated area according to the plot.
 The area shall be leveled before offloading the piping materials.
 Pipe / spools shall be laid on wooden sleepers above the ground level.
 Proper wedges shall be provided at both sides of the pipes, minimum 2 or 3 locations according to the
length.
 Sufficient space for access shall be provided while storing the pipes pools.
 Banksman shall be assigned to control the vehicle movement at lay down area.
 Don’t use forklift for load /off load the spools.
 Rated lifting tackles to be used for loading /off loading
 Pipe can load /off load on trailers with forklift and at the same time need to be tied with belt / rope
on fork to avoid rolling.
 While loading / unloading pipe / spools, rigger position shall be safe distance, don’t stand on line of
fire
 Don’t stand on trailer while loading the pipes and do not put the hands on pinch points.
 Pipes, spools shall be stacked properly on cribbing with securing wedges and lashed with security belt while
transporting on trailer from place to place.

174. Working at height procedures:

 Proper access, working platform, ladders are required for WAH.
 Safety harness and 100% tie off is to be followed by scaffolders and others if their body parts are
reaching out of the scaffold.
 Don’t take shortcut access like walking on beams, pipes, crossing over the hand-rails.
 Plan the work and make necessary access to work platform before starting the work.Check the scaffold
tag, its load category (light, heavy load bearing) and validity before use.
 Don’t work in red tag scaffold, only used by the scaffolders.
 Yellow tag: scaffold modification or minor incomplete scaffold (toe-board or hand-rail or plank
removed for erection of pipe or equipment). 100% tie off is to be followed. Proper assessment and
supervision is must for working in yellow tag scaffold. Close the platform opening, erect the hand-rail
 and toe-board immediately after the completion of erection.
 Green tag scaffolds are safe to use.
 Remove the excess material after the erection of scaffold.

175. Lifting and Erection procedures:

 Properly barricade the lifting / erection area. Place sign boards
 Provide clear instruction to rigging crew. Which material to be lifted, location of the equipment.
 Verify the lifting plan. Discuss the plan with the crew, crane operator and comply with the plan.
 Check for the obstruction while lifting, swinging and erection. Don’t damage live line / plant facilities.
 Don’t overload the crane. Don’t bypass the safe load indicator.
 Check the sling, shackle, chain block condition daily before use.
 Third party inspection certificate is required for sling, shackle, chain block, crane, and self-loader.
 Don’t stand or cross below suspended load. Don’t keep leg / hand below suspended load.
 Check the road closure certificate validity.

176. Falling objects:

 Barricade the area if object falling potential is there.
 Scaffolding erection / dismantling have the object falling potential.
 Stay away from the line of fire position while manually passing the scaffold tubes / planks
 Properly attach the slings maintaining load center in a stable manner while rigging.
 Check for opening / missing toe-board in platform, unsecured materials and loose materials shall roll and
fall down. Low thickness / small diameter materials (grinding wheel, welding rod, and shim plate) shall fall
down through the grating gap between the scaffold planks.
 Use basket / tray for storing loose materials.
 Periodically verify the work place. Instruct in the TBT. Organize for material basket / tray.
 Remove the cables, gas cylinders below the scaffold erection area. Falling objects can cause damage.
 Use certified material lifting bags. Don’t use damaged bags. Use manila rope and don’t use nylon rope.
 Don’t exceed SWL of the bag. Don’t use plastic bags for material lifting.
 Properly fix the gin-wheel with additional cantilever bracing. Checking wheel condition daily.

177. Open flame activity procedure:

 Don’t start grinding or welding without gas test and approved PTW.
 Verify the habit at condition before work start and sign the check list.
 Check for the availability of charged fire hose, fire extinguisher and multi gas meter throughout the
duration of open flame. Firewatcher to be at the location during open flame.
 Advise for removing the hoses from the hydrant during lunch, dinner and end of the shift.
 Check for clear access and safe routine of the fire hose & cables
 Check the argon cylinder location for cylinder & cylinder trolley are secured and proper fixing of the
argon hose (hose clip crimped). Cylinder safety cap fixed after removing the regulator.
 Fire watcher to wear red reflective jacket and should have whistle.
 Ensure combustible / flammable materials removed and scaffold plank covered with fire blanket.

178. Confined space procedure:

 1.2 m and more deep excavation, cable cellar, culvert below the road, manholes, vessels, storage tanks
and trenches are confined spaces.
  No entry to confined space without gas test, hole-watch, valid PTW & confined space entry certificate.
 Continuous gas monitoring required.
 Excavation stability to be monitored regularly to identify the collapse, if any shoring to be provided.
 Access ladders are to be fixed rigidly with scaffolding.
 Confined space awareness trained personnel only allowed to work in confined space.
 Work: rest cycle is to be followed as per heat index
 Excavation requires PTW, Excavation certificate and scanning certificate.

179. Gas cylinders:

 All gas cylinders are under high pressure. Improper handling, storage and transport shall cause serious
accidents
 Check the trolley condition, wheel condition and securing chain/hook condition. Damaged trolley shall
cause the cylinder to fall.
 If the cylinder fall down or the other object hit the valve, the valve shall break and gas will be released
at a high pressure causing the cylinder to move like a bullet.
 Secure the cylinder to the trolley and secure the trolley to the permanent structure
 Check for any falling objects from overhead and place the cylinder in a safe place.
 Rolling of cylinders, striking the valve is not permitted.
 Check the gas leak with diluted soap water. Gas leak shall cause problem of asphyxiation (argon, nitrogen,
and helium), Oxygen enrichment and flammable atmosphere (acetylene, hydrogen, LPG).
 Don’t apply any oil or grease in the threads.
 Fix the valve capon unused cylinders
 Store the empty and full cylinders separately

180. Electrical safety:

 Check power cable, socket and portable tools condition daily for any damage.
 Don’t use damaged cable, socket and faulty power tools
 Don’t place the cables on wet floor.
 Check the welding cable connectors and the metallic part is not to be exposed
 Welding cables are to be tightly connected in welding machine to prevent spark generation due to
loose connection
 Don’t repair any electrical tools. Return it to electrical department if found defective.
 Don’t work in live electrical systems. Obtain IDC and follow LOTO procedures.
 Use rubber mat while energization / de-energization / tie-in activities

181. Housekeeping:
 Good housekeeping will minimize slip, trip and fall injuries, prevent falling objects, fire incidents and
promote good harmony at worksite.
 Daily clean and remove the un-wanted materials from the site
 Don’t throw used gloves, any materials at site

182. Personal Protective equipment (PPE):

 Discuss about the required PPE for the task in the TBT and ensure the availability with employee
 Replace the damaged PPE
 Job specific special PPE like organic vapor cartridge respirators & ear muff are to be issued and monitored
 Ensure the availability of toxic clip (5:1) ratio while allocating a crew
183. Supervisor on the job training:
 Work with valid PTW.
 Ensure daily revalidation before work starts.
 Check the validity date.
 Write correct description of the work
 Check the scope of the work as per PTW.
 Check for the required certificates (scanning report, excavation, confined space, road closure, IDC,
Radiography etc.)
 Check the equipment, tools mentioned in PTW, MS, JSA. If other equipment or tools to be used get it
included in PTW & MS.
 Read PTW, MS, JSA. Conduct TBT as per JSA and identify additional hazards in consultation with the
crew and include the control measures.

184. Tools & tackles, color-code:

 Only good condition and color-coded tools and tackles are to be used in the project.
 All electrical power tools (grinder, drilling machine, battery operated non-IS equipment) are to be
inspected by QG maintenance before use in plant. Maintain a list of QG inspected power tools.
 Check the power tools, hand tools, cable, socket, safety harness, hose, jack hammer, whiplash
condition, daily-user responsibility
 Use right tools for the job. Don’t use homemade tools. Don’t modify tools.
 Check handle condition (damaged / loose), mushroom in chisel hammer head. Mushroom has the
potential of metallic pieces flying and hitting the body while use.

185. Simultaneous work:

 Don’t carry out simultaneous work in a place. One crew work shall cause trouble to other crew like
 Scaffolding and below civil work
 Welding / grinding and adjacent area painting
 Lifting & erection and others working in the barricaded area
 Pressure testing & other crews in the exclusion zone
 Radiography & other than radiographers inside the barricade
 Tie in & nearby welding
 Plan the work, discuss with the other crew. Only one crew shall perform job if simultaneous activity
has the incident potential
 Analyze the simultaneous work and decide. Supervisor involvement is important

186. Outline the immediate and longer term actions that should be taken following a serious injury accident at
work.
The immediate actions are:
 Providing first-aid / medical treatment to the injured person Informing the next of kin
 Securing the scene of the accident
Long term actions are:
 Reporting the accident to the enforcing authorities Identifying witness
 Undertaking an investigation based on the findings.
 Revising the work procedures
187. Pneumatic testing:
Exclusion zone shall be identified by flagging & warning signs at all vehicular and pedestrian crossing. Proper
lighting shall be provided to identify the exclusion zone after day lights.
Pressure = x
Pressure resist value (PRV) = X+X / 10 = 11+1.1 Exclusion Zone:

Test pressure (Bar) Exclusion zone

Less than 21.0 15 m + H
21.0 to 46.0 22.5 m + H
46.1 to 80.0 35 m + H
80.1 to 90 40 m + H
90.1 to 100 45 m + H
100.1 to 110 50 m + H
110.1 to 115.0 55 m + H

 No unauthorized personnel shall be allowed to enter the exclusion. Testing supervisor shall ensure
non-essential personnel are clear of exclusion zone.
 All man if olds / hoses and other equipment to be subjected to pneumatic pressure during the test
must have valid certification of test to pressure in excess of the pressure to which it is intended to use.
 Safety watch guard will be assigned throughout the period
 Proper and safe means of access / egress shall be provided
 All necessary approved PPE’s will be provided and worn in accordance with the project manual
 All activities shall be suspended in case of an emergency and not restarted until the PTW has been
revalidated
 Testing supervisor shall ensure that adequate radios are available so that he can immediately be aware
of any dangerous situation
 Tool box talk will be held prior to each pneumatic testing.

188. Confusing clauses of ISO 9001:

There are two clauses within the ISO 9001 standard that appear to cause many people confusion as to their
difference and how to approach each of them; 8.5.2-Corrective Actions & 8.5.3-Preventive Actions. Within
the standard the wording within each of the clauses is very similar which is probably where most of the
confusion stems from. 8.5.2 Corrective Actions “The organization shall take action to eliminate the causes of
nonconformities in order to prevent recurrence.