Comprehensive List of HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) Questions for
NNPC HSE
Interview
Questions-- NNPC
Oladele Olaniyi here. Collated the experiences of 22+ candidates to prepare this HSE answer
guide based off what they shared.
Pages 1-6 cover behavioral HSE questions everyone should know. The rest of the pages might be
for more technical aspirants (i.e engineering)
General HSE Awareness
1. What is HSE, and why is it important in the oil and gas industry?
Answer:
HSE stands for Health, Safety, and Environment. It is a set of principles and practices aimed at
ensuring the health and safety of employees and protecting the environment. In the oil and gas
industry, it is crucial due to:
● High-risk operations (e.g., drilling, refining).
● The potential for catastrophic incidents like explosions and oil spills.
● Legal and reputational implications of non-compliance with safety and environmental
standards.
2. What is the role of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in ensuring safety? Can you
give examples?
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PPE is essential for protecting workers from hazards in their environment. Examples include:
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:
● Safety Hat (to prevent head injuries).
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● Gloves (to protect hands from chemicals).
● Safety boots (to avoid foot injuries).
● Goggles (to protect eyes from debris or chemicals).
● Respirators (to prevent inhalation of toxic fumes).
3. How does NNPC promote HSE compliance among employees and contractors?
Answer:
● Conducting regular HSE training and workshops.
● Implementing strict safety protocols and policies.
● Monitoring compliance through audits and inspections.
● Enforcing penalties for non-compliance.
● Providing resources like PPE and emergency response equipment.
Fire Safety
4. What would you do if a fire outbreak occurred in your workplace?
Answer:
1. Raise the alarm to alert others.
2. Evacuate the area following the emergency exit routes.
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3. Use appropriate fire extinguishers (if trained and safe to do so).
4. Call the fire department or emergency response team.
5. Assemble at the designated muster point and await further instructions.
5. What are the types of fire extinguishers, and when should they be used?
Answer:
1. Water Extinguishers: For Class A fires (paper, wood, textiles).
2. Foam Extinguishers: For Class A and B fires (flammable liquids).
3. CO2 Extinguishers: For Class B and electrical fires.
4. Dry Powder Extinguishers: For all fire types except Class F (cooking oils).
5. Wet Chemical Extinguishers: For Class F fires.
6. What are the common causes of workplace fires in the oil and gas industry?
Answer:
● Leakage of flammable substances (oil, gas).
● Electrical faults and sparks.
● Improper storage of combustible materials.
● Welding and cutting operations.
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● Human error or negligence.
Environmental Protection
7. What steps should be taken to prevent oil spills?
Answer:
1. Regular maintenance of pipelines and equipment.
2. Use of advanced leak detection systems.
3. Training employees on proper handling and storage of petroleum products.
4. Immediate response to minor leaks to prevent escalation.
5. Adherence to environmental regulations and standards.
8. What are the environmental impacts of oil and gas operations?
Answer:
● Air pollution from gas flaring and emissions.
● Water contamination due to oil spills.
● Soil degradation from improper waste disposal.
● Habitat destruction during exploration and production.
9. How would you respond to an environmental incident, such as an oil spill?
Answer:
:
Answer:
1. Contain the spill using booms and absorbent materials.
2. Notify the relevant authorities and environmental agencies.
3. Implement cleanup procedures.
4. Investigate the root cause to prevent recurrence.
5. Report the incident as required by law.
Emergency Preparedness
10. How do you prepare for emergencies in a high-risk environment?
Answer:
1. Conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards.
2. Develop an emergency response plan.
3. Train employees on evacuation and response procedures.
4. Conduct regular drills (e.g., fire drills).
5. Ensure availability of emergency equipment, such as first aid kits and fire extinguishers.
11. What is the importance of a muster point in emergencies?
Answer:
A muster point is a designated safe area where employees assemble during an emergency. It
ensures:
:
● Quick headcounts to account for all personnel.
● Clear communication of instructions.
● Coordination of evacuation or rescue operations.
Health and Workplace Safety
12. What are common workplace hazards in the oil and gas industry?
Answer:
1. Exposure to hazardous chemicals.
2. Falls from heights.
3. Equipment-related injuries.
4. Fatigue from long work hours.
5. Fire and explosion risks.
13. How do you ensure your personal safety and that of your colleagues at work?
Answer:
● Following all safety protocols and procedures.
● Reporting unsafe conditions or equipment.
● Using PPE at all times.
● Participating in safety training sessions.
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● Encouraging a culture of safety through teamwork and communication.
14. What do you understand by the term "Safety First"?
Answer:
"Safety First" prioritizes the health and safety of employees above all else. It involves taking
proactive steps to prevent accidents and ensuring that operations are conducted in a way that
minimizes risks.
Regulatory Compliance
15. What are some HSE regulations applicable to NNPC?
Answer:
1. Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021: Enforces safety and environmental compliance in
oil and gas operations.
2. Factories Act, 2004: Governs workplace safety standards.
3. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act, 2004: Requires environmental
assessments before projects.
4. Nigerian Gas Flaring (Prohibition and Punishment) Act: Regulates gas flaring
activities.
5. ISO 14001: International standard for environmental management systems.
16. What do you understand by ISO 14001, and why is it important?
Answer:
ISO 14001 is an international standard for environmental management systems. It helps
organizations:
:
● Minimize their environmental impact.
● Comply with regulations.
● Improve sustainability.
Behavioral HSE Questions
17. Describe a safety issue you encountered and how you resolved it.
Answer:
● Situation: During a site visit, I noticed workers not wearing helmets in a high-risk area.
● Action: I immediately halted work, provided helmets, and conducted a quick briefing on
the importance of PPE.
● Result: Work resumed safely, and the incident reinforced PPE compliance.
18. How would you handle a situation where a colleague ignores safety protocols?
Answer:
● Politely remind them of the importance of the safety protocol.
● Report repeated non-compliance to a supervisor if necessary.
● Offer to help them understand the protocol to ensure adherence.
Miscellaneous
19. What is the difference between risk assessment and hazard identification?
:
19. What is the difference between risk assessment and hazard identification?
Answer:
● Hazard Identification: Identifying potential sources of harm.
● Risk Assessment: Evaluating the likelihood and impact of those hazards and
developing mitigation measures.
20. What do you understand by the term "Zero Harm"?
Answer:
"Zero Harm" is an HSE goal to eliminate all workplace injuries, illnesses, and environmental
incidents through proactive safety measures and a strong safety culture.
Here’s an expanded list of HSE-related questions with their corresponding answers, tailored
for a potential NNPC interview.
Advanced HSE Awareness
1. What are the key components of an effective HSE management system?
Answer:
1. Policy: A clear statement of the company’s commitment to HSE.
2. Planning: Identifying hazards, assessing risks, and establishing goals.
3. Implementation and Operation: Training, communication, and resource allocation for
HSE.
4. Monitoring and Measurement: Regular audits, inspections, and performance reviews.
5. Review and Improvement: Updating policies and practices based on feedback and
incidents.
:
incidents.
2. What do you understand by HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study)?
Answer:
HAZOP is a structured method used to identify potential hazards and operational issues in
industrial processes. It involves:
● Reviewing systems and processes in detail.
● Identifying deviations from expected performance.
● Evaluating risks and proposing mitigation measures.
3. Explain the ALARP principle in risk management.
Answer:
ALARP stands for "As Low As Reasonably Practicable." It ensures that risks are reduced to the
lowest level possible, balancing safety measures with practicality and cost. This principle is widely
used in the oil and gas industry to ensure safety without compromising operational feasibility.
4. How do you ensure compliance with environmental regulations in oil and gas
operations?
Answer:
1. Conducting environmental impact assessments (EIA) before projects.
2. Implementing pollution control measures like gas flaring reduction.
3. Adhering to waste management protocols.
4. Regularly monitoring emissions and discharges.
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5. Reporting compliance to regulatory bodies like the Nigerian Environmental Standards
and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
Emergency Response and Preparedness
5. What is the difference between a hazard and an emergency?
Answer:
● Hazard: A potential source of harm or danger (e.g., a leaking pipeline).
● Emergency: An actual event that requires immediate action to prevent harm (e.g., a fire
caused by a pipeline leak).
6. What are the steps involved in creating an emergency response plan?
Answer:
1. Risk Assessment: Identifying potential emergencies.
2. Resource Allocation: Ensuring availability of emergency equipment and trained
personnel.
3. Communication: Establishing clear lines of communication during an emergency.
4. Training and Drills: Regularly training employees and conducting drills.
5. Evaluation: Reviewing and updating the plan periodically.
7. What do you understand by the term "Permit to Work (PTW)" system?
Answer:
The PTW system is a formal written process used to control high-risk activities like hot work,
confined space entry, or maintenance. It ensures:
:
confined space entry, or maintenance. It ensures:
● Hazards are identified and mitigated before work begins.
● Proper authorization is obtained.
● Employees are aware of their responsibilities.
8. What actions would you take if you discover a gas leak?
Answer:
1. Evacuate the area immediately and alert others.
2. Avoid actions that could ignite the gas (e.g., no smoking or use of electronic devices).
3. Shut off the gas supply if safe to do so.
4. Notify the emergency response team or relevant authorities.
5. Ensure the leak is contained and repaired.
Safety Culture and Human Factors
9. How can you promote a positive safety culture in the workplace?
Answer:
1. Leadership Commitment: Managers should demonstrate commitment to HSE.
2. Employee Engagement: Involve employees in safety discussions and decision-making.
3. Training and Awareness: Conduct regular safety training programs.
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4. Recognition: Reward employees for reporting hazards and following safety protocols.
5. Communication: Maintain open channels for discussing safety concerns.
10. What do you understand by "Behavior-Based Safety (BBS)"?
Answer:
BBS focuses on identifying and changing unsafe behaviors in the workplace. It involves:
● Observing employee behavior.
● Providing constructive feedback.
● Encouraging safe practices through training and reinforcement.
11. What is the role of leadership in maintaining HSE standards?
Answer:
● Setting clear HSE expectations and policies.
● Leading by example to inspire adherence to safety standards.
● Allocating resources for safety equipment, training, and audits.
● Encouraging accountability at all organizational levels.
Technical HSE Concepts
12. What is a "Confined Space," and what precautions should be taken when working in
one?
Answer:
:
Answer:
A confined space is an enclosed area with limited entry and exit, not designed for continuous
occupancy (e.g., tanks, silos). Precautions include:
● Conducting atmospheric testing for oxygen levels and toxic gases.
● Using a Permit to Work (PTW) system.
● Providing appropriate PPE and communication devices.
● Ensuring a standby rescue team is available.
13. What is the difference between proactive and reactive safety measures?
Answer:
● Proactive Measures: Preventing incidents before they occur (e.g., risk assessments,
training).
● Reactive Measures: Addressing incidents after they occur (e.g., incident investigations,
corrective actions).
14. Explain the concept of "Journey Management" in HSE.
Answer:
Journey Management involves planning and managing work-related travel to minimize risks. Key
elements include:
● Route planning to identify hazards.
● Ensuring vehicles are well-maintained.
● Using GPS and communication tools for tracking.
● Educating drivers on safe driving practices.
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15. What is Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), and why is it important?
Answer:
JHA is a process of identifying potential hazards associated with specific tasks and developing
controls to mitigate them. It is crucial because:
● It reduces the likelihood of accidents.
● Enhances employee awareness of risks.
● Ensures tasks are performed safely.
Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change
16. What is the "Net Zero" goal, and how can it be achieved in oil and gas operations?
Answer:
Net Zero refers to achieving a balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and those
removed from the atmosphere. In oil and gas, it can be achieved by:
● Investing in renewable energy projects.
● Implementing carbon capture and storage technologies.
● Reducing methane emissions from operations.
● Transitioning to cleaner fuels like natural gas.
17. What is waste management in the oil and gas industry, and why is it important?
Answer:
Waste management involves the collection, treatment, and disposal of waste generated during
operations. Importance:
:
● Prevents environmental contamination.
● Ensures compliance with environmental regulations.
● Promotes sustainability through recycling and reuse.
Practical and Scenario-Based Questions
18. Describe a time you identified and mitigated a safety hazard.
Answer:
● Situation: During a site inspection, I noticed improperly stored flammable materials near
a heat source.
● Action: I alerted the team, moved the materials to a safe location, and reviewed storage
protocols with them.
● Result: The risk of fire was eliminated, and awareness of proper storage practices
increased.
19. What should you do if you notice a colleague is not following safety protocols?
Answer:
1. Politely remind them of the protocol.
2. Explain the potential risks and consequences of non-compliance.
3. Offer assistance if they are unaware of the correct procedure.
4. Report persistent non-compliance to a supervisor.
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20. How would you investigate a workplace accident?
Answer:
1. Secure the site to prevent further harm.
2. Collect evidence (e.g., photos, witness statements).
3. Analyze the root cause using tools like the "5 Whys" or Fishbone Diagram.
4. Develop corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
5. Document and report findings.
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