IOGC Review

Question 1

(a) Outline the contents of a typical permit-to-work.

permit (8)

(b) Outline how the contents of a hot work permit are different to a typical permit-to-work.
permit work. (4)

(c) Give the meaning of the following terms:

(i) Lower Flammable Limit (LFL); (2)

(ii) flammable range. (2)

(d) The flammability of gas is a factor to consider with maintenance tasks and particularly hot work
permits. The diagram below highlights the flammable range of a gas.

Explain the significance of the atmospheric range between 0% and the LFL, indicated as (a) on
the diagram, in relation to hot work permits. (4)

Question 2

A road tanker is being driven from an onshore refinery to a petroleum (gasoline) station.

Identify control measures that could minimise risk to the driver.

(Unloading issues are NOT required in the answer). (8)

Question 3

A distillation column requires protection from fire exposure through active or passive fire protection.

(a) Outline how a fixed water deluge system could provide fire protection. (2)
(b) Identify TWO additional examples of active fire protection. (2)

(c) Identify TWO examples of passive fire protection. (2)

(d) Outline why the metal legs of the column should be protected. (2)

Question 4

(a) Identify TWO elements of the fire triangle. (2)

(b) Outline the significance of the three elements of the fire triangle. (1)

(c) An oil pipeline with a normally open isolating valve is on fire. A bypass line with a normally closed
isolating valve exists upstream of the fire.

With reference to the description and diagram above:

(i) outline TWO methods of removing fuel; (2)

(ii) identify THREE suitable types of portable extinguisher. (3)

Question 5

Following an annual shutdown of a process plant outline the operational control measures that could
minimise the risk of an incident before filling equipment in preparation for start-up. (8)
Question 6

An interceptor/separator used on the surface drainage system of an oil terminal includes safety critical
control using an oil detection sensor (S) in chamber 3. The oil detection sensor is linked to an
automatic isolating valve and the control room operating panel where an alarm is activated.

With reference to the description and diagram above:

(a) Outline how the safety critical control should prevent an incident; (2)

(b) Outline other operational controls that could prevent an incident. (6)

Question 7

(a) Identify THREE properties of Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S). (3)

(b) On an oil processing plant outline how activation of an H2S detection system, linked to a control
room, could prevent a fire. (5)

Question 8

An operator is draining a flammable liquid from process pipe work to a metal container. The
supervisor is concerned about the possibility of an electrostatic
electrostatic charge forming and stops this
operation until a risk assessment is undertaken.
During this work activity:

(a) identify factors that influence the generation of the electrostatic charge; (4)

(b) outline practical ways of minimising the formation of an electrostatic charge. (4)

Question 9

Many major oil / gas incidents have occurred in recent years, eg Texas City, Mumbai High.

(a) Outline FOUR reasons why such incidents should be investigated by employers. (4)

(b) Identify FOUR parties, other than the employer, who may want to investigate these types of
incident. (4)

Question 10

Identify documents that could be provided by contractors in order to demonstrate their health and
safety competence to an oil and gas industry client. (8)

Question 11

A worker has requested a permit-to-work in order to replace damaged thermal insulation in an

overhead pipe rack that runs between two plants.

(a) Identify THREE hazards associated with this activity. (3)

(b) Outline control measures that should be implemented to reduce the risks to the worker. (5)