Safe operation of oil, gas and petrochemical facilities
Scope
This domain tests safe operation in oil, gas and petrochemical facilities: well control, process containment, ignition control, toxic gas and emergency response. The exam focuses on barrier thinking: what prevents loss of containment and what limits consequences.
Core rules
- Well operations require approved programmes, blowout prevention, kick detection and trained crews.
- Process areas control ignition sources, hot work and simultaneous operations.
- Hydrogen sulphide and other toxic gases require detection, respiratory protection and evacuation rules.
- Flare, relief and emergency shutdown systems must be available and maintained.
- Pipeline and tank integrity programmes cover corrosion, inspection and overfill.
Worked example
A gas release alarm sounds in a process area. Reasoning: treat it as a possible toxic or flammable release. Stop hot work, shut down ignition sources, evacuate non-essential people, and send trained responders with SCBA. Do not enter low-lying areas without protection because hydrogen sulphide can accumulate. Account for personnel at the muster point. Restart only after gas testing and authorization. The trap is sending a worker with a simple dust mask to investigate.
Traps
- Treating gas detection as the only barrier.
- Allowing hot work during simultaneous operations without reassessment.
- Underestimating H2S accumulation in pits and low areas.