Our goal is to publish practical, experience-based FAQs in real-time oil and gas interview questions and answers sessions to provide valuable insights for professionals in the oil and gas sector
Q.41: What is RPM? Why is it important?
Ans: RPM is rounds per minute (number of times a rotating machine completes one full rotation in one minute) of the cutting disk. It is important because it helps to choose the right disk for the grinder. The grinding disk must have a lower RPM than the grinder.
Q.42: What is a rupture disk?
Ans: A safety device that bursts open automatically when pressure is predetermined or too high. To protect high pressure.
Q.43: What is JSA?
Ans: JSA (Job Safety Analysis) is a step-by-step process of identifying the hazards at every step of a job and deciding on controls.
Q.44: What is the difference between JSA & Risk Assessment?
Ans: Difference between JSA & Risk Assessment:
Risk Assessment: Risk assessment is a careful overall examination of the work site and includes five steps:
• Identify the hazards.
• Decide who might be harmed and how.
• Decide on controls and implement them.
• Record the findings
• Review.
JSA is a step-by-step identification of hazards for each specific activity or job. Deciding Controls for those hazards. Guides to safe execution of a task.
Q. 45: What is the 5X5 rule/matrix?
Ans: A 5×5 risk assessment matrix, and it’s used to calculate the overall risk of likelihood in relation to its severity.
Likelihood (chances of occurrence) = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Severity (chance of damage) = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Risk = Likelihood * Severity
For example: Risk = 3*3 = 9.
Risk Low = 1 to 5.
Risk Moderate = 6 to 12.
Risk High = 13 to 15.
Part 2 – Oil and Gas Interview Questions and Answers
Q. 46: What is an inert atmosphere?
Ans: An atmosphere where oxygen is displaced by an inert gas (such as nitrogen) so that combustion and explosion can’t occur.
Q.47: What is a pneumatic test?
Ans: A pressure test using air or inert gas to test the leakage or tightness of pipelines.
Q.48: What are the steps of CPR?
Ans: CPR is cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The steps are as follows:
• C-Compression – Chest compressions of 30 for 4-5 cm depth for 100-120 min.
• A-Airway – Open the airway by using head tilt and chin lift.
• B-Breathing—Give 2 rescue breaths
CPR can only be done by a trained person.
Q.49: What is COSHH?
Answer: COSHH is the control of substances hazardous to health. A system used to identify and control hazardous substances’ effects on human health.
Q.50: What is the hierarchy of control measures of hydro-jetting activity?
Ans: The hierarchy of control measures for hydro-jetting activity is as follows:
• Elimination – Use another cleaning method, like manual cleaning, if possible.
• Substitution – Use of lower pressure or an automatic machine.
• Control – Administrative and engineering control application. (PTW, JSA, training—dead man switch, PSV, rupture disk).
• PPE – Full hydro-jetting suit. Face shield, gloves, hearing protection.
Q.51: What is the hierarchy of control measures of lifting activity?
Ans: Hierarchy of control measures for lifting activity is as follows:
• Elimination—Don’t lift, if possible, by redesigning work.
• Substitution – Use mechanical handling and smaller loads
• Control – Administrative and engineering control application. (PTW, JSA, lifting plan, training, TPC—SLI, SWL, manometer, tag lines).
• PPE – Proper PPE (impact gloves, helmet).
Part 1 – Oil and Gas Interview Questions and Answers
Q.52: What is the hierarchy of control measures of a confined space?
Ans: The hierarchy of control measures for confined spaces is as follows:
• Elimination – Don’t enter confined space; redesign work.
• Substitution – Use mechanical aids or auto tools.
• Control – Administrative and engineering control application. (PTW, JSA, CSEC, Rescue Plan, Training, HW – Ventilation, Gas Monitoring, Isolation, Life Line).
• PPE – Proper PPE, SCABA.
Q.53: What is the hierarchy of control measures for work at height?
Ans: Hierarchy of control measures for work at height is as follows:
• Elimination—Don’t go to heights for work.
• Substitution – Use mechanical aids or work on the ground.
• Control – Administrative and engineering controls. (PTW, JSA, Training—Scaffolding, safety net).
• PPE—Proper PPE, safety harness, lanyard, and helmet with chin strap.
Q.54: What are the control measures of Trufit activity?
Ans: Trufit activity is performed to clean the metal tubes of different equipment like exchangers and fin fans by using a projectile that may have high pressure; it is a hazardous activity, and it requires certain controls, which are as follows:
• Isolation, de-energization, draining, and gas testing.
• Valid PTW and JSA.
• Job done by a competent person.
• Use correct torquing tools and apply controls for a pneumatic wrench if using.
• Barricading around the area.
• Proper PPE (face shield, impact gloves, hearing protection).
Q.55: What is NFPA Diamond?
Ans: The NFPA diamond is a 4-section diamond published by the National Fire Protection Association to highlight and show the hazards of a substance or material inside the equipment, vessels, or containers. From 1 to 4, low to high, according to the NFPA standards.
It contains 4 colours:
• Red – Fire.
• Yellow – Reactivity.
• Blue – Health hazards.
• White – Special hazards.
Part 2 – Oil and Gas Interview Questions and Answers
Q.56: What is Zone 0, Zone 1 & Zone 2?
Ans: Zones are classifications of areas of hazards contained within an area:
Zone 0: Zone 0 is an area where explosive material in the form of flammable gases and mist mixes with air continuously present for long periods of time, e.g., a gas storage area.
Zone 1: Zone 1 is an area where an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation and is present occasionally, e.g., around flanges and valves.
Zone 2: Zone 2 is an area where an explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation or if it persists only for a short period.
Q.57: What are the challenges faced during shutdown as a safety officer?
Ans: Challenges for the safety officer during shutdown
• High-risk activities: Compliance with safety standards and company policy.
• SIMOPS: Multiple operations and different kinds of activity at one site.
• Tight Schedule/ Time Pressure: Timeline pressure on the execution team could increase unsafe acts. High number of workers and their safety management, training, etc.
• Confined Spaces: Presence of toxic gases, H2s and oxygen deficiency environment. Requires focused monitoring.
Q.58: What are the SIMOPS activities? As a safety officer, how do you manage during a SIMOPS activity?
Ans: SIMOPS activity: multiple activities in an area, like hot work, lifting, and work at height at the same time in one area. As a safety officer, it’s a very challenging situation to manage those activities. As a safety officer, seek team support, monitor high-risk activities proactively, have good communication with the supervisor and work crew, conduct TBT before the start of any activity, and strictly comply with PTW and JSA. Setting priorities for your job is another highly useful strategy for SIMOPS activities.
Q.59: What is double block and bleed isolation?
Ans: Double block and bleed isolation is a type of isolation in which two valves have a center bleed point on the same line. Both valves are closed, and hydrocarbons can bleed from the bleed point. This can be used for zero-energy demonstration.
Q.60: What is the consequence of measuring gases in Flammable & Toxic activity?
Ans: It has very good consequences. Measuring gases in these activities can prevent fires, explosions, and worker exposure to toxic gases. This is necessary to perform an initial gas test before open flame activity and before entering confined spaces.
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