HSE viva question

🔰 Basic Understanding (Q1–10)

1. What is the purpose of Job Safety Analysis (JSA)?

JSA helps break down each job into specific steps, identifies risks in each step, and ensures preventive
measures are known to workers. It improves job knowledge and safety awareness.

2. Name three common hazards in oil field operations.

1. Explosions and Fires
2. Falls from elevated platforms
3. Confined space chemical exposure

3. What is the role of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

PPE protects workers from various hazards (chemicals, falling objects, noise, etc.) and includes items like
helmets, gloves, respirators, and high-visibility clothing.

4. What are confined spaces, and why are they dangerous?

Confined spaces (like tanks or pits) are risky due to limited oxygen, toxic gases, and potential for
engulfment or asphyxiation.

5. Define 'Emergency Shutdown System (ESD)'.

An ESD system halts all operations during severe hazards, triggered by fire, gas leaks, or equipment failure
—either manually or automatically.

6. Why is gas detection crucial in oil fields?

Because harmful gases like methane and H₂S are invisible, flammable, or toxic—posing explosion and
health risks.

7. List three ISO standards relevant to HSE.

ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environmental), ISO 45001 (Occupational Safety).

8. What is the difference between ESD and PSD systems?

ESD halts full operations in emergencies, while PSD only stops specific unsafe processes.

9. What are the key components of a safe process development?

Hazard ID, risk assessment, audits, incident investigation, continuous improvement.

10. What’s the importance of environmental sustainability in oil operations?

It minimizes harm to air, water, and ecosystems, ensuring long-term resource availability and regulatory
compliance.

⚙️Applied & Critical Thinking (Q11–20)

11. How can failure mode analysis prevent accidents?

By identifying likely failure points (e.g., corrosion, cracking), quantifying risks, and planning corrective
actions before failures occur.

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12. How does a blowdown system protect equipment and workers?
It depressurizes equipment during emergency situations to prevent rupture or explosion.

13. How can improper waste disposal affect ecosystems?

It can contaminate soil/water with toxins like heavy metals or hydrocarbons, harming plants, animals, and
water sources.

14. Propose a strategy to improve gas detection accuracy on offshore rigs.

Use fixed detectors in high-risk zones, portable detectors for personnel, and wireless systems for real-time
remote monitoring. Regular calibration and training must be enforced.

15. Which PPE is vital when working with toxic gases, and why?
Respirators or supplied-air systems are crucial to prevent inhalation of dangerous fumes like H₂S or
benzene.

16. What is the role of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?

It ensures environmental risks of a project are evaluated early and mitigated through design or operation
changes.

17. Compare manual vs automatic shutdown systems.

Manual systems rely on human action, which might be delayed. Automatic systems respond instantly based
on sensors, reducing reaction time.

18. How can we minimize noise pollution in drilling sites?

By using noise-reducing technologies, barriers, and scheduling noisy operations away from sensitive hours
or areas.

19. Why is disaster communication important during crises?

Clear communication ensures quick response, reduces confusion, and can save lives by providing accurate
instructions and alerts.

20. What are the environmental risks of offshore oil drilling?

Risks include oil spills, marine pollution, habitat destruction, and toxic discharges affecting sea life and food
chains.

🔬 Advanced & Integration-Based Questions (Q21–30)

21. How would you design a comprehensive oil spill response plan?
Include prevention (SPCC plans), containment (booms, berms), cleanup (vacuums, bioremediation, chemical
dispersants), and training.

22. How can companies use the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) in HSE management?
By balancing economic goals (profits), social responsibility (people), and environmental protection (planet).

23. Suggest improvements to an existing shutdown system using SAFE charts.

Analyze device function gaps using the chart, ensure redundancy in critical points, and cross-reference
alarms with shutdown logic.

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24. How would you apply process safety management (PSM) in refinery operations?
Through hazard analysis, safety information management, operating procedures, employee training, and
mechanical integrity programs.

25. What technologies can reduce the impact of drilling on ecosystems?

Horizontal drilling, remote sensing, GPS mapping, 3D/4D seismic tools, and smaller rig footprints can
minimize habitat disturbance.

26. Why is water management critical in oil fields?

To prevent contamination from produced water, maintain compliance, and conserve water in arid areas.

27. How does HSE policy impact worker morale and productivity?
A strong HSE culture makes workers feel safe, valued, and more engaged—leading to fewer accidents and
better output.

28. Propose an HSE training module for new oil field workers.
Topics: PPE usage, hazard ID, fire safety, gas detection, confined space protocols, emergency drills, and
waste handling.

29. What are the legal implications of failing to comply with Oil Mines Regulations?
Companies face fines, shutdowns, or criminal charges; workers may suffer injuries or fatalities.

30. Evaluate bioremediation vs incineration in contaminated site cleanup.

Bioremediation is eco-friendly and cost-effective, but slow. Incineration is fast and effective but can
degrade soil and emit CO₂.

🔰 General Concepts (Q1–Q10)

1. What does HSE stand for and why is it important in petroleum engineering?
Answer: HSE stands for Health, Safety, and Environment. It is critical in petroleum engineering because
operations involve high-risk activities like drilling, handling toxic gases, and working in confined spaces. HSE
ensures worker protection, environmental sustainability, and legal compliance.

2. Define risk and hazard. How are they different?

Answer: A hazard is a potential source of harm (e.g., flammable gas), while risk is the likelihood of that
hazard causing harm under specific conditions. Risk = Probability × Consequence.

3. What is the purpose of a Job Safety Analysis (JSA)?

Answer: JSA breaks a job into individual steps, identifies associated risks, and implements controls to
reduce those risks. It enhances worker safety and awareness.

4. What are confined spaces? Give examples from oil fields.

Answer: Confined spaces are areas not designed for continuous occupancy, with limited entry/exit.
Examples: oil tanks, mud pits, reserve pits. Risks include low oxygen and toxic gas exposure.

5. Mention any three common hazards on an oil rig.

Answer:

1. Fire/explosion due to flammable gases

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 2. Fall from height during rig floor operations
3. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) inhalation

6. What is the principle of inherent safety?

Answer: It involves designing systems that are fundamentally safe (e.g., using less hazardous materials,
simplifying processes) to eliminate or reduce risks rather than managing them later.

7. What is the role of DGMS in India?

Answer: The Directorate General of Mines Safety oversees occupational safety and health in mining,
including oil mines. It ensures regulatory compliance and investigates incidents.

8. What are the components of an effective HSE management system?

Answer:

 Leadership commitment
 Hazard identification and risk assessment
 Training and competence
 Emergency preparedness
 Performance monitoring
 Continual improvement

9. Explain the purpose of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Answer: PPE acts as a barrier between the worker and workplace hazards (e.g., gloves, helmets,
respirators). It reduces injuries from chemical, thermal, or physical exposures.

10. Why is fire classification important in oil fields?

Answer: Because different classes (A, B, C) require specific extinguishing methods. Class B (flammable
liquids) fires are common in oil fields and must be treated with foam or gas, not water.

⚙️Technical Applications (Q11–Q20)

11. What is an Emergency Shutdown (ESD) system?

Answer: It’s a system designed to stop operations during emergencies like fire or gas leaks. It isolates
power, depressurizes vessels, and shuts down unsafe systems—either automatically or manually.

12. How does a gas detection system work?

Answer: It uses sensors to continuously monitor air for toxic/flammable gases. When dangerous levels are
detected, alarms activate and trigger safety responses (like ventilation or shutdown).

13. What is a blowdown system?

Answer: A system that safely relieves pressure from equipment in emergencies. It prevents explosions by
diverting gas/vapor to a flare or vent system.

14. Describe the types of fire suppression systems.

Answer:

 Water-based: Cools and smothers fire

 Foam systems: Used for hydrocarbon fires
 Gaseous suppression: Inert gases for electrical fires
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  Water mist: Effective in closed compartments

15. What is FMEA in oil and gas safety?

Answer: Failure Mode and Effects Analysis is a proactive tool to identify where and how equipment may
fail and what the impact would be. It helps prioritize corrective measures.

16. How are environmental impacts assessed in petroleum projects?

Answer: Through Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), which evaluate potential environmental harm
during planning. Mitigation strategies are then designed accordingly.

17. What is meant by process safety?

Answer: It involves preventing catastrophic releases of energy or hazardous materials (e.g., through
pressure relief systems, shutdown protocols, and control logic).

18. What are safety audits?

Answer: Periodic inspections and evaluations of safety procedures and conditions in the workplace. They
identify compliance gaps and recommend improvements.

19. How can we mitigate H₂S hazards on oil sites?

Answer:

 Use of gas detectors

 PPE like supplied-air respirators
 Emergency escape packs
 Worker training and wind direction monitoring

20. Explain the difference between total plant shutdown and unit shutdown.
Answer:

 Total Plant Shutdown: Stops all operations (e.g., for overhaul).

 Unit Shutdown: Isolates a specific section (e.g., compressor or separator) for maintenance.

🌍 Environmental & Legal (Q21–Q30)

21. What is the importance of waste management in oil fields?

Answer: Improper disposal can contaminate land, water, and air. Proper management (e.g., injection,
landfilling, purification) ensures compliance and environmental safety.

22. What are common environmental impacts of drilling?

Answer:

 Air and water pollution

 Soil contamination
 Habitat destruction
 Noise pollution affecting wildlife

23. What is bioremediation?

Answer: A method using microorganisms to break down and clean oil-contaminated soil or water. It's eco-
friendly and suitable for large-scale cleanup.
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24. What are the legal acts regulating oil mine safety in India?
Answer:

 Mines Act, 1952

 Oil Mines Regulations, 1984
 Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957

25. What is EIA and what are its stages?

Answer: EIA is Environmental Impact Assessment. Stages include:

1. Screening
2. Scoping
3. Impact assessment
4. Public consultation
5. Decision-making
6. Post-monitoring

26. How is hazardous waste classified?

Answer: Based on toxicity, reactivity, flammability, and corrosivity. Examples: drilling fluids, oil-
contaminated water, and heavy metal residues.

27. What is the greenhouse effect and how does the oil industry contribute to it?
Answer: It’s warming caused by gases like CO₂ and CH₄ trapping heat. The oil industry emits large volumes
during extraction, processing, and transport.

28. How do offshore activities affect marine life?

Answer:

 Oil spills contaminate habitats

 Seismic exploration harms marine mammals
 Construction disrupts food chains and breeding grounds

29. What is the TBL (Triple Bottom Line) in sustainability?

Answer: It emphasizes balancing:

 People (social)
 Planet (environment)
 Profit (economic)
Used to assess company performance sustainably.

30. Suggest improvements to a field-level HSE program.

Answer:

 More frequent drills and hazard simulations

 Upgrade detection systems (e.g., wireless)
 Employee feedback mechanisms
 Real-time monitoring dashboards
 Cross-training for emergency tasks

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