INTERVIEW QUESTIONAIRE OF HSE PERSONNEL

2.H2S Safety
What is H2S H2S has many names such as Hydrogen Sulphide, damp; rotten egg gas.
It is a colorless, very poisonous, flammable gas with the characteristic foul odor of rotten eggs.
This gas is slightly heavier than air and when it leaks, it moves into low lying areas such as
excavations, pits, drains etc… A mixture of H2S and air is explosive; H2S burns with a blue flame
and forms sulfur dioxide (SO2) which is also a toxic gas.
How does it smell Smells like rotten eggs when in low concentration but when the H2S gas is in high concentration,
it has ability to kill the sense of smell of human beings even breathed for longer periods at low
concentrations. It kills your sense of smell.
Properties of H2S  Highly toxic
 Smells like rotten eggs when in low concentration but when in high concentration, it has
ability to kill the sense of smell of human beings.
 Colorless, you can not see it
 Highly flammable,
 A mixture of air and H2S is explosive.
 Slightly heavier than air, settles in low lying areas
 Soluble in water, it mixes in water.
Permissible In Oil and Gas industry, it is not allowed to work in the presence of H2S gas, engineering controls
exposure limit shall be applied to remove and make the area gas free before starting the work. If hazard persists,
than BA shall be used along with other controls. However, industry has set the following limits:
 Long term exposure limit (LTEL) is at 10 ppm for 8 hours a day 5 days a week. If a person
works 8 hours a day 5 days a week in 10 ppm of H2S, he shall not have serious affects.
 Short term exposure limit (STEL) is at 15 ppm.
A person can only work for 1 hour if the gas concentration is 15 ppm.
PPM stands for parts per million.
Is H2S Flammable Both, H2S is extremely toxic gas; it can kill people immediately if exposed to high concentration of
/ toxic this gas. H2S gas is highly flammable and toxic.
How would you Following precautions shall be taken to work in areas where H2S can be present:
protect yourself  Tolerate to enter in areas where H2S concentration is detected and is at or exceeding STEL
from H2S (15ppm and above)
 You should have H2S training
 Get a permit
 Perform gas test and ensure that H2S or any other hazardous gas is not present in your work
area.
 Confined spaces shall be properly ventilated before entry, ventilation shall continue until the
space is cleared by persons.
 If entering a confined space, spading and de-spading, you shall use breathing apparatus if
identified and specified in the permit and TRA for the job.
 Know the location of your muster point and be aware of the wind direction.
 Never depend upon your nose to detect H2S.
 Always keep hand held gas detector in confined spaces, and in most H2S potential areas
3.Confined Space
What is a A confined space is any enclosed or partially enclosed space
confined space?  that has limited or restricted means of entry or exit;
Examples of  is large enough for a person to enter to perform tasks;
confined space  and is not designed or configured for continuous human occupancy;

A utility tunnel, the inside of a boiler (only accessible when the boiler is off), the inside of a fluid
storage tank, a septic tank that has contained sewage, and a small underground electrical vault
are all examples of confined spaces.

Confined spaces that present special hazards to workers, including risks of toxic or asphyxiating
gas accumulation, fires, falls, flooding, and entrapment may be classified as permit-required
confined spaces depending on the nature and severity of the hazard.
What are the According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a permit-required
hazards in a confined space (permit space) has the three characteristics listed above (which define a confined
confined space
 space) and one or more of the following:

 Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere (toxic, flammable,

explosive, asphyxia)
 Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing the entrant
 Has an internal configuration that might cause an entrant to be trapped or asphyxiated
by inwardly converging walls or by a floor that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller
cross section
 Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazards.
 Over crowded ( More workers will consume O2 and then causing asphyxia, so don’t over
crowd the confine spaces

In addition to the hazards posed by the design of the space, work activities can also pose serious
safety hazards (heat, noise, vapors, etc.) that must be taken into account when identifying safety
measures that must be taken.
What are the Following are the safety measures that shall be taken before entering any permit required
safety measures confined space:

 Preparation and approval of method statement and TRA

 Apply permit and get approval
 Isolate the space (mechanical and electrical)
 Depressurize, purge with inert gas or steam
 Open the space and ventilate it through mechanical means (air blowers and / or exhaust
ventilators)
 Perform gas test and ensure space is free of all kinds of gases. Oxygen level shall be 20%
to 22%
 TBT before entry
 Never take welding gas cylinders in a confine spaces
 Assign a trained hole watcher at the entry
 Sign the entry log while entering and exiting the space
 Hole watcher should keep a communication / contact with the workers in a confined
space from time to time
 Follow work rest rotation taking the welding gas cylinders in a confine space.
 In any emergency should immediately inform rescue team for help.
Pyrophoric Pyrophoric substance will ignite spontaneously in air. Examples are iron sulfide and many reactive
material metals including uranium, Potassium, Sodium,
Minimum level of 19.5% is the minimum level required to enter a confined space. If oxygen is below 19.5% that
oxygen required entry shall not be made. 23% is the maximum oxygen level for entry, oxygen above 23% is
to enter a dangerous for entry.
confined space
4.Spading and De-spading
What is spading Term spading and de-spading is used for mechanical isolation of pipes / lines containing
and de-spading pressurized fluids and gases. To stop the flow of pressurized fluid or gas, a mechanical tool is used
called spade. A rated plate (spade) is inserted in the flange to close the line, this process is called
spading.

Removing the spade is called de-spading.

What are the Spades are always inserted down stream of an isolation valve. First valve is closed; line is
hazards of depressurized and than spade is inserted in the flange. Following are the hazards of spading and
spading and de- de-spading process:
spading
operations  Line not depressurized
 Up stream valve not closed
 Removal of bolts without closing valve and depressurization of line. This can cause
sudden release of energy, release of toxic, flammable, asphyxiant gas, steam or other
chemicals that can cause fatalities, serious injuries, fire and explosion
 Sudden and uncontrolled release of pressure can cause damage to line / pipe.

Safety measures Following measures shall be taken for spading and de-spading process:
for spading and
de-spading 1. Spading and de-spading shall be performed under strict permit requirements
process 2. TRA shall be approved based on MS
3. Coordination between execution team and plant operations to be effective
4. Following shall be confirmed prior to loosening the bolts for spading and de-spading activities
 Confirmation and verification of battery limit and all other connecting valve isolation by plant
operator
 Confirmation and verification of purging of line / system by plant operator
 Confirmation and verification of depressurization of line / system by plant operator
 Confirmation and verification of LOTO by plant operators
 Confirmation and verification from plant operator that it is safe for operatives to loosen the
bolts
 Adequate PPE including SCBA as required by procedure, permit and TRA
 Area to be cleared of all non-operational personnel as specified in the TRA, except for those
who are on standby with necessary protection
5. Safe work platforms to be erected for personnel to reach and work from, competent person
to inspect and verify that platform is safe for use
6. SIMOPS shall be minimized, adequate PPE shall be used against fall hazard
7. Safety precautions shall be discussed with team highlighting the hazards by work supervisor /
in charge in TBT.
8. Specific approved TRA to be consulted for such activity.

Audits of the activity to verify procedural conformance, records to be maintained

6.Working at height
At what height a 2 meters is the height at which safety harness becomes mandatory for worker. Safety harness
person shall don shall be worn and person shall be tied off at all ties while working at any elevation above 2
(wear) safety meters.
harness
PPE to be worn Persons working at height shall have the following PPE:

 Hard hat with chin strap

 Gloves
 Safety shoes
 Eye protection based on activity
 Full body harness
Hazards of Following are the hazards of working at height:
working at height
 Death or serious injury due to personal fall from height
 Injury or property damage due to fall of loose objects from height
 Property damage
7.Lifting Equipment
Why do we need Test certificates are required for all lifting equipment to ensure that equipment is tested by a
a test certificate qualified person and he certifies that all components of the equipment are in best working
for the lifting condition for the type of activity it has to perform.
equipment
Who will issue A group or company that is certified and authorized by government to perform tests on lifting
the test equipment.
certificate
What is SWL and SWL stands for Safe Working Load. When a load is lifted by a crane, following shall be checked for
Color coding safe lifting:

 Total weight of load including weight of the crane hook, slings and shackles
 Capacity of the crane
 Radius of the boom
 Angle of the boom

Color coding is part of safety management system. Each equipment / tool is checked by a
qualified person to ensure that equipment / tool is defect free and in good condition for use and
is color coded for the month / quarter. If equipment / tool is defective or needs repair than it is
fixed / repaired and again checked and if found satisfactory than it is color coded.
What control Following measures shall be ensured before lifting operation:
measures are
required during  Plan the lift
lifting operation  Certification of crane, crane operator and riggers shall be valid
 SWL shall be calculated
 Crane shall be set on hard and even ground
 Maximum area shall be barricaded (normally radius of the boom / swing area)
 Non operational persons shall be removed from barricaded area
 Load to be properly slingged and tag line attached
 Signal man shall give signals to operators
8.Pneumatic / hydro test
Hazards of Major hazards of Pneumatic / hydro test include:
Pneumatic /
hydro test  Sudden release of pressure
 Explosion
 Ejection of metal pieces
 Flooding
 Electrical
Control Measures For Pneumatic / hydro test, capacity of system shall be known; system shall not be over
for Pneumatic / pressurized which may cause explosion. Area around the system being pressure tested shall be
hydro test barricaded and all non operational personnel shall be removed.

For hydro test, disposal of water into the main drain shall be arranged; all electrical equipment
shall be covered or removed if chances of flooding are there.

Pneumatic / hydro test shall be closely monitored from start till end. Pressure shall only be
released from pressure release valves provided prior to the test.
9.Scaffolding Safety
What is A temporary structure erected for access and to perform work at height by using couplers, tubes
scaffolding and boards.
Can scaffolding No, it shall only be modified by a qualified scaffolders
be modified my a
trained
mechanical
technician
How many One person at a time
number of
persons can climb
a ladder at a time
What should be There are two guard rails provided on platforms. Guard rails are provided to prevent people from
the minimum falling over.
height of guard
rail
 Top rail which shall be 42” from the floor of the platform
 Mid rail which shall be 20” from the platform floor

What is the A toe board is placed around the floor of the platform, it prevents objects from falling over and
importance of a also prevents people from falling if they slip, toe board will stop the foot.
toe board
Is it safe to carry No, it is not allowed to carry tools and equipment in hands while climbing any type of ladder
tools and
material in hands
while climbing
the ladders
10.Excavation – manual /Mechanical
Main hazards / Excavations can have following hazards:
dangers of
excavation  Damage to underground utilities such as pipes, cables, structure / building foundations
and sewer system etc…
 Excavation walls can collapse if not slopped, shored or benched properly.
 If excavations are not protected properly, personnel, vehicles and machines can fall in the
excavations.
 Can flood in case of rains or other failures
 Can become dangerous due to accumulation of hazardous gases
Safety measures 1. Following precautions are to be ensured before excavating for any reason:
 Method statement for all types of excavations
 Relevant drawings
 Task Risk Assessment
 Permit to work for excavation signed by all relevant persons
 Detection of underground existing utilities
2. All excavations shall be performed under direct supervision of a competent person
3. Excavations shall be hard barricaded to prevent personnel, equipment and vehicles coming
close to the edge of the excavation
4. Warning signs shall be posted to warn approaching person, equipment and vehicles
5. All excavations shall be made safe by providing sloping, benching or shoring based on the
assessment and type of soil
6. Excavations deeper than 1.5 meters shall be considered as permit required confined spaces
based on the location.
7. Soil removed from excavation shall be placed at least 1.5 meters clear of edges
8. Machines used for civil works shall be operated by a competent operator and its movements
shall be controlled by a trained Banks man
9. All existing structures around excavation shall be secured to avoid its collapse if foundations
are weakened by excavation
Jack hammer Jack hammers are excellent tools for excavations in congested areas and specially to uncover
safety checks under ground utilities. Following precautions shall be ensured when a jack hammer is used:

 Jack hammer shall be inspected before use

 Hose connection shall be secured properly
 At each hose connection a whip lash arrestor shall be provided
 Compressors used to provide power shall be located at an easily accessible location.
 Hose shall be in good condition
 Couplers used to connect hoses shall be standard, preferably Chicago type.
 Ear protection shall be worn by the operative as sound will be high
 Eye protection shall be worn
 Feet shall not be placed in a way that chisel may hit the toe if the hammer slips
Whip lash / All connections at hoses and with jack hammer shall be equipped with whip arrestors; couplers
locking pins used for connecting the hose shall have locking pins in place to prevent accidental release.
11.Radiography
Can other works No, due to the dangers associated with radiations, no other work shall be performed in the area
be done at the where radiography is being performed
place of
radiography
activity
Precautions at Radiography is a very dangerous activity therefore maximum precautions shall be taken to
site prevent injuries due to radiations. Following precautions shall be ensured:
1. Only qualified and competent workers to perform radiography
2. All radiographic works shall be performed under valid permit to work
3. Equipment used shall be well maintained and in good working condition
4. Radiographers shall be equipped with film badges and colimeters
5. Radiography works shall be performed only during hours when there are least number of
workers on site such as night, lunch and dinner breaks
6. Following precautions shall be taken for any radiography activity:
 Time and area where radiography has to be performed shall be communicated to all affected
personnel
 Area shall be cordoned off using black and yellow barricade tapes
 Signs shall be posted at conspicuous locations
 Blinker lights shall be used to warn people
 Affected personnel shall be removed from the area
 Radiography staff shall ensure that area is clear before exposing the source for shoot
HSE Department shall ensure that adequate HSE supervision is provided for radiography activity
What is the color Yellow back ground with orange pictogram
of radiography
sign

12. SCBA / Trolley set

Why do we need BA is shot of Breathing Apparatus
BA – SCBA – SCBA is short of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
Trolley set Trolley set contains two air cylinders that supply air to a mask worn by worker.
We need BA – SCBA – and trolley sets to receive air from cylinders in an atmosphere where work
can not be performed due to the presence of toxic gases or low oxygen.
A face seal best 100% fit seal can be achieved on faces without beard. Scars and facial hair can affect seal fitting
suits a person on face.
having beard or
without beard
A trolley set can Trolley sets can not be used for escape but can be used to leave the work area
be used for
emergency
escape
13. Electrical tools / equipment / diesel driven equipment
What are power Any tool that is operated by some kind of power (pneumatic, electrical) is called power tool
tools
What is the 110 volts is the recommended current rating for power tools
recommended
current rating of
power tools used
in oil / gas field
What precautions Permit
you should take Electrical isolation
before working Lock and tag
on an electrical Insulated tools
panel Permit required PPE
Only competent electrical person to perform the job
14. Accident / near miss
What is a near Near Miss:
miss / unsafe Any incident that could have caused an injury, damage to property or production loss is the
act / condition circumstances were slightly different
 Unsafe Act:
An action of a person that can lead to an injury, damage to property or production loss
Unsafe condition
A condition that may lead to an injury, damage to property or production loss
Why is near miss It is important because the causes of near miss must be removed to prevent the same or similar
reporting incident that may cause a serious injury
important
What to do if you Immediately report to supervisor, call paramedic if injured person can not be moved. If the injury
or your colleague is serious than immediately call ambulance.
is involved in an If you are trained first aider than provide first aid such as stopping bleeding etc…
injury
16. Task Risk Assessment - TRA
What is risk / Risk:
hazard Risk is defined as the product of the probability of a hazard resulting in an adverse event, times
the severity of the event. Risk = Likelihood of Occurrence x severity if incident occurred.
Hazard:
Anything that has potential to cause harm is called hazard, if there is no hazard, there is no risk.
Therefore, risk is the product of hazard.
Why do we need Risk assessments are conducted to identify hazards and calculate the probability and severity.
risk assessment Example, if we have to work on electric panel, we would need a risk assessment to ensure that all
hazards are known based on the activity, risks are evaluated and control measures are
implemented.
Electricity is a hazard
Electric shock, burn or fire is the risk.
If we switch off the electrical supply to the panel than there will be no hazard, therefore there
will be no risk.
If we can not switch off the electric supply than we have to calculate
Risk = Likelihood x Severity
If likelihood and severity are high than we may have to change procedure, call an expert, use
special tools and PPE etc…
17. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
What is PPE / PPE is equipment used by personnel for their protection against possible hazards that can not be
minimum controlled through other controls (engineering, procedural, administrative etc...)
required PPE PPE provides the last line of defense against the hazards.
Minimum PPE required on plant is:
 Hard hat
 Safety boots
 Eye protection
 Gloves
 Ear protection
What additional Welders would require the following PPE other than minimum required:
PPE is required  Welding glass (numbered)
for welders whilst  Mask for protection against welding fumes)
doing welding job  Harness if work is at height
 Welding grade shirt (full sleeves) and trouser.
 High ankle welding boots
 Welding gloves – not ordinary
19. Hazardous material / substances
Name three of  H2S
hazardous  Hydrocarbons (highly flammable gases)
material - MSDS  Catalysts
 X-ray source
 Paints
 Oil – fuel
 Acids

MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet. It is a document developed by the manufacturer of
the hazardous material (chemical) to provide information about the safety precautions required
 in the use of hazardous material such as MSDS for acids, paints, oil, gases etc…)
20. Emergency Response
What action must If you are exposed to a gas leak, following actions shall be taken:
be taken if you  Stop the job
are exposed to a  Don / wear your escape set
gas leak  Shut down the machine
 Check wind direction
 Move to muster point / assembly area. Cross wind, if you are down wind of the leak AND
go up wind if the leak is down wind of you.
 Do not attempt any rescue if you are not trained and if you do not have protective
equipment such as breathing apparatus.
21. Safety checks prior to start work
What are the Before starting any work, following safety checks shall be done:
main safety  Check permit, if the permit is not issued / signed work shall not be started
checks to be done  Check tools and equipment, tools and equipment shall be in best working condition
prior to start  Check if workers are competent for the work, job shall be assigned to qualified, skilled
work and fit persons
 Perform Task briefing, supervisor shall inform his workers about the hazards of the task,
risks involved and control measures
 Check PPE as required by permit
 Check safety equipment availability as required by permit, this may include gas detectors,
fire extinguishers, fire hoses, B.A Trolley / set etc…
 Check if someone is working on top and around, simultaneous works are not allowed.
 Check if area is gas tested and is free of hazardous gases
 Check if all workers know the emergency response procedure
22. Work Permit
Name some types Following are the work permits used in a gas plant:
of work permits  Open flame work permit: for activities where visible flame shall be produced, example,
welding, cutting, grinding
 Hot work permit: works that involve machines having internal combustion engines where
a heat or sparks may produce, example, use of crane, compressor etc…
 Cold work permit: for activities where there is no possibility of flame, heat or spark
generation, example, insulation work, cable laying and pulling etc…
 Confined space work permit: used for entry into a permit required confined space,
example, working in a trench deeper than 1 meter, entry into a tank, vessel, pit, pipe
etc… This permit is called certificate as well and shall be attached with the main permit
for the job such as hot, cold permit.
 Electrical isolation: this permit is required to request electrical isolation; this permit shall
be part of main permits.
 Excavation: for any sub-soil activity, manual or mechanical, example, digging a cable
trench. This permit shall be attached with one of the main permits.
What is the Permit to work (PTW) is required to ensure that required precautions are implemented based on
function of PTW the identified hazards for safe execution of the work.
PTW is also required for communication purposes, a PTW raised provides information to all
concerned parties / individuals that a certain activity would be carried out in a certain area at a
specific date and time
Who is Supervisor of the work is responsible for the preparation of safety equipment and site
responsible for preparation.
equipment safety Example, for a welding job, welding supervisor shall ensure that permit is raised and approved,
preparation – site fire blankets have been placed, fire extinguishers are available, gas test has been performed and
safety is clear, assign fire watcher, check tools and equipment etc….
preparation
When is a hot Hot work permit is required for all the activities where there is a possibility of heat / spark
work required generation due to tool, equipment and work.
23. Grit blasting safety
What PPE is used A compressor is used to throw special sand particles on a surface to clean it at a very high speed.
during grit Person performing grit blasting shall use the following PPE:
blasting  Blasting hood: this hood is specially designed to provide air to the user trough
compressor fitted with special filters; hood completely covers the blasters head, face and
provides protection against air borne particles.
 Long gloves, specially designed to protect hand of the blaster
 Special apron to protect the body
 High ankle safety boots
Safety checks Before blasting, following checks must be done:
before grit  Permit
blasting  Area shall be cleared of other personnel
 Area to be closed / barricaded
 Above mentioned PPE
 Inspected equipment, compressors, blasting pots, blasting hoses and nozzle
 Whip lash protection
 Hose connectors
 Experienced blasters
24. Fire fighting equipment
Name some fire  Fire extinguishing cylinders (dry power, CO2)
fighting  Charged hoses (water)
equipment  Sand (fire buckets)
 Fire blankets
List few types of  High expansion foam
fire extinguishers  Dry chemical powder
used in oil and  CO2 – inert agent system
gas field  Water
A seal broken on No, seal should be in place
a fire extinguisher
but it is in good
condition can be
used
What must be Empty cylinders shall be immediately sent for refilling to fire station – designated department
done after a fire
extinguisher or
BA cylinder is
used
What type of fire Classes of fires:
extinguisher in
each type of fire Fire Class Fuel Extinguisher
is used Class A Ordinary combustible material water / dry powder (water only to
be used if ignition source is not
electrical)
Class B & C Flammable liquids and gases Dry powder and foam
Class D Metal Dry chemical powder / CO2
Class E Electrical fire CO2
Class K Oil / fats CO2 / Dry chemical powder
25. Compressed Gas Cylinders
Main hazards Following are the main hazards of compressed gas cylinders:
 Explosion
 Fire
 Leakage of flammable gas
 Leakage of oxygen in confined space
 Handling of cylinders
Control Following are the control measures for safe use of compressed gas cylinders
measures,  Cylinders shall always be placed in vertical position.
storage,  Each type of cylinder shall be stored separately and empty cylinders shall be separated
transport, from full. Storage area shall be marked with type of cylinder.
handling  While shifting and in use, cylinders shall have protective caps on at all times and can only
be moved in a trolley, secured with chain.
  Check the cylinder condition; do not accept dented, corroded or poorly maintained
cylinders.
 Only experienced persons to connect gauge assembly with cylinders, before attaching the
assembly, crack open the valve to clear dust at the opening.
 Cylinders shall be kept minimum 5 meters away from the hot work area.
 Cylinders shall not be kept under direct sunlight, covers shall be provided on trolley for
shade
 Cylinders shall not be taken into a confined space.
 Cylinder valves shall be shut down when not in use.
 Prior to start of work, all hoses shall be checked for any defects / leaks. Leak check shall
be performed by the operator.
 Cylinders shall be equipped with flash back arrestors.
 In case of any leak from the cylinder / hose, main valve shall be shut down immediately.
Valve key shall be available with cylinders at all times.
26. House Keeping
Why good House Hazards : Slip, Trip, fall ,fire, explosions, Pests infestation, rodents and other venomous
Keeping is animals
Necessary?
 Eliminate all accident and fire hazards through adequate house keeping on daily basis
after each activity
 it saves money, materials, Efforts, and space
 Reflect an image of a well run organization.
How material Material properly stacked will provide more space for movement of personnel, vehicles and
stacking can equipment.
improve safety