Section 1: General Safety Awareness (20 Questions)

1. What is the main purpose of HSSE in oil & gas operations?
   Answer: To prevent accidents, protect personnel, minimize environmental impact, and ensure regulatory compliance.
2. What does PPE stand for and give examples?
   Answer: Personal Protective Equipment — helmets, safety goggles, gloves, safety boots, ear protection.
3. Why is it important to follow safety procedures strictly in oil & gas plants?
   Answer: To prevent injuries, fires, explosions, and environmental damage.
4. What is a near-miss?
   Answer: An incident that could have caused injury or damage but didn’t.
5. What is a hazard?
   Answer: Anything with the potential to cause harm, injury, or damage.
6. What is a risk?
   Answer: The likelihood of a hazard causing harm.
7. What is the difference between hazard and risk?
   Answer: A hazard is the source of potential harm, while risk is the probability and severity of harm occurring.
8. Name the common types of workplace hazards in oil & gas.
   Answer: Chemical, physical, electrical, mechanical, fire/explosion, ergonomic, and environmental hazards.
9. What is a JSA/JHA?
   Answer: Job Safety Analysis / Job Hazard Analysis — a process to identify hazards and control measures before starting a job.
10. What is the importance of HSE training?
    Answer: To raise awareness, teach safe work practices, and reduce workplace incidents.
11. What is the function of a safety audit?
    Answer: To evaluate compliance with safety regulations and identify areas for improvement.
12. What is an MSDS/SDS?
    Answer: Material Safety Data Sheet / Safety Data Sheet — provides information about chemicals, hazards, and safe handling.
13. Why is housekeeping important in an oil & gas plant?
    Answer: Reduces slips, trips, falls, fire hazards, and equipment damage.
14. What is a lockout/tagout procedure?
    Answer: Ensuring machinery or equipment is isolated and cannot be started during maintenance to prevent accidents.
15. What is meant by ‘permit to work’ system?
    Answer: A formal authorization to carry out hazardous jobs safely, like hot work or confined space entry.
16. Define confined space and give examples.
    Answer: Any area not designed for continuous occupancy, with limited entry/exit — tanks, vessels, sewers.
17. What are the hazards of working in confined spaces?
    Answer: Oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, fire/explosion, engulfment.
18. What is a HAZOP study?
    Answer: Hazard and Operability study — systematic review of process plants to identify potential hazards.
19. What is the difference between a fire hazard and fire risk?
    Answer: Fire hazard is a source of fire (fuel, ignition, oxygen), while fire risk is the chance of a fire occurring.
20. What is the purpose of safety signs and symbols?
    Answer: To warn, instruct, and guide personnel to safe practices and emergency measures.

Section 2: Fire & Explosion Safety (20 Questions)

21. What are the elements of the fire triangle?
    Answer: Fuel, heat, oxygen.
22. What is the fire tetrahedron?
    Answer: Fuel, heat, oxygen, and chemical chain reaction.
23. Name the classes of fire.
    Answer: Class A (solid combustible), B (flammable liquids), C (electrical), D (metals), K (kitchen oils).
24. What type of extinguisher is used for Class B fires?
    Answer: CO₂, foam, or dry chemical powder.
25. What is the first action in case of a fire?
    Answer: Raise the alarm and evacuate personnel.
26. What is a hot work permit?
    Answer: Authorization to perform work involving fire, sparks, or heat (welding, cutting).
27. What are common causes of fire in oil & gas facilities?
    Answer: Leaks of flammable liquids/gases, electrical faults, hot work, static electricity.
28. What is the difference between a flare system and a fire system?
    Answer: Flare safely burns off excess gases; fire system extinguishes fires.
29. What is fire watch and why is it important?
    Answer: A trained person monitors hot work and ensures immediate response in case of fire.
30. Name the types of fire detection systems.
    Answer: Smoke detectors, flame detectors, heat detectors, gas detectors.
31. What are the steps of fire emergency response?
    Answer: Raise alarm → Evacuate → Contain if safe → Use extinguisher → Inform control room → Fire brigade.
32. What is static electricity and its hazard in oil & gas?
    Answer: Accumulated electric charge can ignite flammable vapors.
33. How to prevent explosions in tanks and pipelines?
    Answer: Proper grounding, ventilation, inert gas blanketing, leak detection.
34. What is an explosion-proof electrical equipment?
    Answer: Equipment designed to prevent ignition of flammable gases.
35. What is the function of a fire hydrant system?
    Answer: Provides water supply to fight fires in industrial areas.
36. What is a sprinkler system?
    Answer: Automatic system that sprays water when heat is detected.
37. How often should fire drills be conducted?
    Answer: At least once a year, or as per company policy.
38. What is meant by LEL and UEL?
    Answer: Lower Explosive Limit and Upper Explosive Limit — concentration limits for flammable gas.
39. Why is ventilation important in hazardous areas?
    Answer: Prevents accumulation of flammable/toxic gases.
40. What are common PPE for fire safety?
    Answer: Fire-resistant clothing, gloves, helmets, face shields, boots.

Section 3: Personal Safety & PPE (20 Questions)

41. Why is helmet wearing mandatory in plants?
    Answer: Protects head from falling objects or impacts.
42. When should safety boots be worn?
    Answer: Always in operational areas to protect against impact and slipping.
43. Why are safety goggles required?
    Answer: Protect eyes from chemicals, sparks, and debris.
44. When is hearing protection necessary?
    Answer: In areas with noise levels above 85 dB.
45. What is the importance of gloves in oil & gas work?
    Answer: Protect hands from cuts, chemicals, and burns.
46. Why should PPE be inspected regularly?
    Answer: To ensure proper functionality and prevent accidents.
47. What is the purpose of flame-resistant clothing?
    Answer: Protects personnel from thermal burns in case of fire.
48. What is the safe way to remove contaminated PPE?
    Answer: Avoid touching contaminated surfaces and dispose or clean properly.
49. Why is respiratory protection required in certain areas?
    Answer: To prevent inhalation of toxic gases, dust, and fumes.
50. What are the types of respiratory protection?
    Answer: Disposable masks, half/full-face respirators, SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus).
51. Why should safety harnesses be used?
    Answer: To prevent falls from heights.
52. What is the difference between fall arrest and fall restraint?
    Answer: Fall arrest stops a fall; fall restraint prevents a person from reaching fall hazard.
53. Why is high-visibility clothing important?
    Answer: Ensures workers are seen in low-light or moving machinery areas.
54. What are chemical-resistant PPEs?
    Answer: Gloves, aprons, suits, boots designed to resist chemical penetration.
55. When should ear plugs be replaced?
    Answer: When damaged, dirty, or no longer providing proper fit.
56. What is the procedure for reporting damaged PPE?
    Answer: Immediately notify supervisor and replace before starting work.
57. Why is PPE not a replacement for safe work practices?
    Answer: PPE reduces risk but cannot eliminate hazards completely.
58. How do you ensure PPE fits correctly?
    Answer: Follow manufacturer instructions and conduct fit tests.
59. What is the role of safety shoes with steel toe?
    Answer: Protect feet from falling objects and compression.
60. Why is PPE training important?
    Answer: Ensures workers know how to use, maintain, and wear PPE correctly.

Section 4: Environmental Safety & Waste Handling (10 Questions)

61. Why is environmental safety important in oil & gas operations?
    Answer: To prevent pollution, protect ecosystems, comply with regulations, and avoid fines.
62. What is the role of a spill containment system?
    Answer: To prevent chemicals, oil, or hazardous liquids from spreading into the environment.
63. How should chemical spills be handled?
    Answer: Evacuate area if needed, use spill kits, contain, clean safely, and report.
64. What is EHS reporting?
    Answer: Environmental, Health, and Safety reporting — tracking incidents, hazards, and compliance.
65. What are the common environmental hazards in refineries?
    Answer: Oil spills, gas emissions, wastewater discharge, solid waste, and noise pollution.
66. What is the purpose of a hazardous waste management plan?
    Answer: To ensure safe collection, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials.
67. What is flaring and why is it done?
    Answer: Burning excess hydrocarbon gases to prevent unsafe buildup and environmental release.
68. How can air pollution be minimized in oil & gas plants?
    Answer: Using scrubbers, flares, gas recovery, and leak detection systems.
69. What is the importance of water treatment in oil & gas operations?
    Answer: To remove contaminants before discharge or reuse, protecting the environment.
70. What are common measures to control noise pollution in plants?
    Answer: Sound barriers, ear protection, regular maintenance, and noise monitoring.

Section 5: Electrical & Mechanical Safety (10 Questions)

71. What is the primary safety rule when working with electrical equipment?
    Answer: De-energize, lockout/tagout, and verify isolation before work.
72. What is a lockout/tagout procedure?
    Answer: Ensures machines cannot be started during maintenance, preventing accidents.
73. Why is grounding important for electrical equipment?
    Answer: To prevent electric shock and reduce fire hazards from static or short circuits.
74. What PPE is essential for electrical work?
    Answer: Insulated gloves, boots, face shields, and flame-resistant clothing.
75. What is a circuit breaker and its safety function?
    Answer: Automatically interrupts electrical flow in case of overload or fault to prevent fire or damage.
76. Why should rotating machinery be guarded?
    Answer: To prevent contact with moving parts and reduce injury risk.
77. What is the hazard of high-pressure systems in plants?
    Answer: Risk of leaks, bursts, and fluid injection injuries.
78. How do you safely bleed pressure from a system?
    Answer: Follow SOP, wear PPE, use proper venting, and ensure personnel are clear.
79. Why is proper maintenance of valves and pumps critical?
    Answer: Prevents leaks, failures, and hazardous incidents.
80. What is the purpose of mechanical safety interlocks?
    Answer: Prevent unsafe operation or start-up under unsafe conditions.

Section 6: Incident Reporting & Emergency Response (10 Questions)

81. What should you do immediately after an incident or accident?
    Answer: Ensure personal safety, provide first aid if needed, report to supervisor, and preserve evidence.
82. What is the difference between an incident and an accident?
    Answer: An accident causes injury or damage; an incident may not cause injury but indicates potential hazards.
83. What is an emergency response plan?
    Answer: A pre-defined procedure to protect personnel, environment, and equipment during emergencies.
84. What information should be included in an incident report?
    Answer: Date, time, location, people involved, description, cause, and corrective actions.
85. Why is root cause analysis important after an incident?
    Answer: To identify underlying causes and prevent recurrence.
86. What are common types of emergency drills in oil & gas?
    Answer: Fire drills, spill drills, evacuation drills, and medical emergency drills.
87. What is the purpose of muster points?
    Answer: Safe assembly areas for personnel during an evacuation.
88. How should you respond to a gas leak?
    Answer: Evacuate area, alert control room, isolate source if safe, and use proper PPE.
89. What is the role of a Safety Officer in emergencies?
    Answer: Coordinate response, ensure compliance with procedures, and protect personnel.
90. Why is communication critical during emergencies?
    Answer: Ensures timely response, prevents panic, and coordinates rescue or containment actions.

Section 7: Behavioral & Safety Culture (10 Questions)

91. Why is safety culture important in oil & gas operations?
    Answer: Promotes proactive safety, reduces incidents, and ensures compliance.
92. What is the meaning of ‘Stop Work Authority’?
    Answer: Any employee can stop unsafe work without fear of penalty.
93. How can employees contribute to a safe workplace?
    Answer: Follow procedures, report hazards, use PPE, and participate in safety programs.
94. Why is near-miss reporting important?
    Answer: Helps identify hazards before they cause accidents.
95. What are the consequences of violating safety rules?
    Answer: Injuries, fatalities, environmental damage, fines, and loss of reputation.
96. What is the role of safety meetings/toolbox talks?
    Answer: Educate, discuss hazards, and reinforce safe practices.
97. How do you handle peer pressure to skip safety procedures?
    Answer: Politely refuse, follow SOP, and report unsafe practices.
98. Why is continuous HSSE training important?
    Answer: Keeps employees updated on risks, regulations, and safe practices.
99. How does leadership influence safety culture?
    Answer: Leaders set examples, enforce rules, and encourage reporting and compliance.
100. What is the ultimate goal of HSSE in oil & gas?
     Answer: Zero incidents, protecting people, environment, and assets.