Example question

paper and Examiners

feedback on expected
answers (IOGC1)

Example question paper and

Examiners feedback on
expected answers
NEBOSH INTERNATIONAL
TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE IN OIL
AND GAS OPERATIONAL SAFETY
UNIT IOG1: MANAGEMENT OF
INTERNATIONAL OIL AND GAS
OPERATIONAL SAFETY

CONTENTS

Introduction

General comments

Comments on individual questions

NEBOSH, Dominus Way, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1QW

tel: 0116 263 4700

fax: 0116 282 4000

email: info@nebosh.org.uk

website: www.nebosh.org.uk

The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health is a registered charity, number 1010444

Introduction
NEBOSH (The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) was formed in 1979 as
an independent examining board and awarding body with charitable status. We offer a comprehensive
range of globally-recognised, vocationally-related qualifications designed to meet the health, safety,
environmental and risk management needs of all places of work in both the private and public sectors.
Courses leading to NEBOSH qualifications attract around 50,000 candidates annually and are offered
by over 600 course providers, with exams taken in over 110 countries around the world. Our
qualifications are recognised by the relevant professional membership bodies including the Institution
of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and the International Institute of Risk and Safety
Management (IIRSM).
NEBOSH is an awarding body that applies best practice setting, assessment and marking and applies
to Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) regulatory requirements.
This report provides guidance for candidates which it is hoped will be useful to candidates and tutors in
preparation for future examinations. It is intended to be constructive and informative and to promote
better understanding of the syllabus content and the application of assessment criteria.
NEBOSH 2014

Any enquiries about this report publication should be addressed to:

NEBOSH
Dominus Way
Meridian Business Park
Leicester
LE19 1QW
tel:
0116 263 4700
fax:
0116 282 4000
email: info@nebosh.org.uk

General comments

Many candidates are well prepared for this unit assessment and provide comprehensive and relevant
answers in response to the demands of the question paper. This includes the ability to demonstrate
understanding of knowledge by applying it to workplace situations.
There are always some candidates, however, who appear to be unprepared for the unit assessment
and who show both a lack of knowledge of the syllabus content and a lack of understanding of how
key concepts should be applied to workplace situations.
Course providers and candidates will benefit from use of the Guide to the NEBOSH International
Technical Certificate in Oil and Gas Operational Safety which is available via the NEBOSH website. In
particular, the Guide sets out in detail the syllabus content for Unit IOG1 and tutor reference
documents for each Element.
Some candidates may over rely on knowledge of health and safety gained through their own work
experience. While practical experiences can sometimes be helpful they are not a substitute for tuition
and study of the syllabus content, to the breadth and depth indicated in the Guide referred to above.
In order to meet the pass standard for this assessment, acquisition of knowledge and understanding
across the syllabus are prerequisites. However, candidates need to demonstrate their knowledge and
understanding in answering the questions set. Referral of candidates in this unit is invariably because
they are unable to write a full, well-informed answer to one or more of the questions asked.
Some candidates find it difficult to relate their learning to the questions and as a result offer responses
reliant on recalled knowledge and conjecture and fail to demonstrate a sufficient degree of
understanding. Candidates should prepare themselves for this vocational examination by ensuring
their understanding, not rote-learning pre-prepared answers.
Candidates should therefore note that Examiners Reports are not written to provide sample answers
but to give examples of what Examiners were expecting and more specifically to highlight areas of
underperformance.
Common weaknesses and suggestions to assist providers and candidates
It is recognised that many candidates are well prepared for their assessments. However, recurrent
issues, as outlined below, continue to prevent some candidates reaching their full potential in the
assessment.
Weakness in examination technique

Many candidates fail to apply the basic principles of examination technique and for some
candidates this means the difference between a pass and a referral

Candidates need to plan their time effectively. Some candidates fail to make good use of their
time and give excessive detail in some answers leaving insufficient time to address all of the
questions.

In some instances, candidates do not attempt all the required questions or are failing to
provide complete answers. Candidates are advised to always attempt an answer to a question
even when the question is on an unfamiliar topic. At the risk of stating the obvious, an
unattempted question will gain no marks. Questions or parts of questions missed can also
indicate a weakness in time management

Some candidates fail to answer the question set and instead provide information that may be
relevant to the topic but is irrelevant to the question and cannot therefore be awarded marks.
The comment below about rote learning may be relevant also.

Some candidates fail to separate their answers into the different sub-sections of the questions.
These candidates could gain marks for the different sections if they clearly indicated which
part of the question they were answering (by using the numbering from the question in their
answer, for example). Structuring their answers to address the different parts of the question
can also help in logically drawing out the points to be made in response.

Candidates benefit from the chance to practice answering questions in examination like conditions.
This should assist them to become familiar with the need to read questions carefully, consider, plan
their answer and then begin to write. By examination like conditions, practicing their answers within
appropriate time limits should help candidates with time management within the examination.
Feedback to candidates on their answers to questions is a key part of these practice activities.
Lack of attention to command word
-

Many candidates fail to apply the command words (also known as action verbs, eg describe,
outline, etc). Command words are the instructions that guide the candidate on the depth of
answer required. If, for instance, a question asks the candidate to describe something, then
few marks will be awarded to an answer that is an outline. Similarly, the command word
identify requires more information than a list.
The most common weakness is the provision of too little content in an answer to meet the
requirement of the command word. This is an unfortunate error as it can mean that a
candidate who knows the topic, and correct points to include in their answer, misses out on
marks.

There is good guidance available to candidates and providers Guidance on command words and
question papers which can be accessed on the NEBOSH website. This guidance will assist
candidates to see and understand what is required in an answer when the different command words
are used in questions. Some candidates miss out on marks by spending too long writing about one or
two points when the answer requires more points to be covered. The chance to practice questions with
a range of command words and to receive feedback on the quality of their answers will benefit
candidates.
Rote learning
-

Some candidates appear to have answered a question they hoped to see in the question
paper rather than the question actually asked. This error can lead to all the available marks for
a question being missed, with the consequent impact on the likelihood of reaching a pass
standard.
The weakness described can be due to rote learning but may also relate to the need to read
and consider the question commented upon above

Other weaknesses observed

Candidates should also be aware that Examiners cannot award marks if handwriting is
illegible.

Candidates should note that it is not necessary to start a new page in their answer booklet for
each section of a question.

UNIT IOG1
Management of international oil and gas operational safety

Question 1

Risk management tools and techniques are used to minimise hazardous

events associated with oil and gas exploration and production activities.
(a)

Identify risk management tools and techniques.

(6)

(b)

Identify the steps of risk management AND outline EACH of the

steps identified.

(8)

Identify project phases where risk management applies.

(6)

(c)

(a) Examiners are looking for responses including Bow-tie analysis, Hazard and
Operability studies/HAZOP, Swiss cheese model, Job hazard analysis/JHA, Fault
Tree analysis/FTA and Failure modes effects analysis/FMEA.
(b) Examiners are looking for responses including identifying hazards and an outline
of a range of hazards, evaluating risk and an outline of determining acceptability
of a specific risk, risk reduction measures and an outline of mitigating measures
and setting functional requirements and an outline of necessary risk reduction
measures.
(c) Examiners are looking for responses including design,
commissioning, start-up, shut down and decommissioning.

construction,

Candidates should avoid describing the five steps to risk assessment rather than the
more detailed steps of risk management asked for in the question. Candidates making
general comments including qualitative techniques semi quantitative, risk
assessments cannot gain full marks without fully naming the relevant tools and
techniques.
Course providers should ensure they encompass fully the requirements of risk
management.

Question 2

Outline the following terms:

(a)

Upper flammable limit (UFL);

(2)

(b)

Lower flammable limit (LFL);

(2)

(c)

Flashpoint;

(2)

(d)

Highly flammable liquids.

(2)

(a) Examiners are looking for responses including the highest concentration of a
flammable substance in air and above the upper flammable limit the mixture is too
rich to burn.
(b) Examiners are looking for responses including the lowest concentration of a
flammable substance in air and below the lower flammable limit the mixture is too

lean to burn.
(c) Examiners are looking for responses including the minimum temperature to which
a material must be heated for the vapours emitted to ignite in the presence of a
flame.
(d) Examiners are looking for responses including substances which remain liquid
under pressure and having a flashpoint lower than 21 C.
Most candidates generally answer this question well, although some candidates
associated LFL and UFL with temperature which is incorrect. Others stated that the
limits were not capable of combustion. Candidates should avoid confusion by correctly
identifying specific temperatures and not simply ambient temperatures.
Course providers should ensure that they include full and detailed definitions of the
relevant terminology.

Question 3

Identify EIGHT marine hazards associated with all types of floating

production, storage and offloading units (FPSOs).

(8)

Examiners are looking for responses including extreme weather conditions, long term
exposure to environmental conditions, additional motions/stresses from a ship-like
structure, wave loading against the ship, operational hazards of unloading, anchoring
failures and collisions with passing supply vessels.
Candidates mention general hazards such as falls from height, working at height,
dropped objects and fire and explosion and but instead should mention specific marine
hazards.

Question 4

(a)

Give the meaning of the term standard operating procedure.

(2)

(b)

Outline the benefits of a standard operating procedure.

(4)

(c)

Describe the style in which a standard operating procedure

should be written to aid understanding.

(2)

(a) Examiners are looking for responses including a sequenced set of written
instructions and accessibility to workers.

(b) Examiners are looking for responses including promotion of operational quality,
minimising variation between workers, compliance with government procedures,
and a reference source for modifications of plant.
(c) Examiners are looking for responses that are unambiguous.
With the exception of part (c) answers to this question are generally limited. Very few
candidates are able to give a convincing meaning of the term standard operating
procedure. Many definitions are simply rephrases the question or state that it was the

safe way or standard way of doing things. Answers to part (b) tend to give practical
information of what is in the standard operating procedure rather than outlining the
benefits.

Question 5

(a)

Petroleum storage tank fires have been substantially reduced by

using floating roofs but a fire risk may still exist.

(i)

Outline how a fire risk may still exist with floating roof tanks.

(4)

(ii)

Identify TWO examples of a fire protection system used on

floating roof tanks.

(2)

(b)

Process modules in an oil and gas installation often contain

computer rooms that require fire protection.
Identify TWO examples of fire extinguishing media that could be
used in a computer room.

(2)

(a) (i) Examiners are looking for responses including sinking the roof due to
insufficient water drainage, failure of the annular seal between the floating roof
tank and annular seal and ignition through static electricity.
(b) (ii) Examiners are looking for responses including over the top systems, foam
based types and examples of chemical types such as Du Pont FE36.
(c) Examiners are looking for responses including CO 2 , water mist and inert gas.
Answers provided are generally limited. In part (a) (i) many candidates do not make
reference to the risk arising from the use of a floating roof tank, and many candidates
confuse floating and fixed roof tanks. For part (a) (ii), most candidates identify foam
systems.
In part (b), many candidates identify inert gas systems but others identify portable
extinguishers. Halon and nitrogen systems are also specified, as extinguishing agents,
which fail to gain marks.
It is important that candidates fully understand the hazards and risks of the different
types of storage tanks in use in the oil and gas industry.

Question 6

Within an oil and gas production platform, effective shift handovers can
prevent incidents.
Outline practical operational issues that should be communicated at shift
handover.

(8)

Examiners are looking for responses including an update on ongoing permits, issues
with the process over previous days, physical demonstration of plant isolations,
overrides on instrumentation, plant out of commission, ongoing trials, preparation of
relevant documentation and abnormal events during the shift.
This question is generally not well answered; many candidates give general shift

handover principles e.g. formal meeting instead of concentrating on the practical

operational issues.

Question 7

Outline fire precautions that may be included in a hot work permit.

(8)

Examiners are looking for responses including provision of a standby/fire watcher,

isolation of flammable services, removal of combustible material, firefighting
equipment available, gas cylinders fitted with regulator and flashback arrestor and fire
resistant PPE (candidates would not merit a mark for simply specifying PPE). Many
candidates duplicate the same points. Many candidates state that ignition sources
should be identified which does not merit a mark.
Control of hot work is a key operation within the oil and gas industries and candidates
should have the correct level of understanding of the topic.

Question 8

Outline the content of a procedure for bypassing an emergency

shutdown (ESD) system.

(8)

Examiners are looking for responses including assessment of alternative levels of

protection, senior level authorisation for the bypass, bypass period defined and time
bound, clear radio communication during the bypass, informing supervisors, actions
logged in operators log book, unique identification of the ESD to be bypassed, and
use of a dedicated log book for ESD bypasses.
Examiners are looking for the component parts of an ESD or the processes to be
followed rather than specific requirements for by passing an ESD.
This question is typically not attempted by many candidates, which may indicate that
the topic is not being adequately covered by course providers. Given the number of
incidents that have occurred within the oil and gas industry which relate to the
bypassing of ESD systems it is an important topic and should be covered.

Question 9

Many major oil / gas incidents have occurred in recent years, e.g. Texas
City, Mumbai High.
(a)

(b)

Outline FOUR reasons why such incidents should be

investigated by employers.

(4)

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

(4)

(a) Examiners are looking for responses including preventing re-occurrence, legal
requirements, to gather evidence to defend against legal action and to determine
costs.
(b) Examiners are looking for responses including the local authority, police, coroner
and insurance companies.
This question is generally well answered with many candidates gaining maximum
marks.
8

Question 10

The diagram below shows a typical arrangement for receiving a pipeline

inspection gauge (PIG). A pressure gauge (P) and a PIG detector (D)
exist within the receiver/trap. The detector (D) confirms that the PIG has
been received in the trap, having earlier been launched upstream at high
pressure.
Main line flow

Main line isolating

valve A

By-pass valve C

Vent valve E

PIG receiver/trap

PIG

Door

Main line flow

PIG receiver
isolating valve B

Drain valve D

(a)

Outline the functions of a PIG.

(b)

Using the information and diagram above:

(i)

Identify TWO valves that must be closed before removing the

PIG from the door;

(2)

Identify TWO valves that must be open before removing the PIG
from the door.

(2)

(ii)

(4)

(a) Examiners are looking for responses including cleaning, facilitating hydro-testing,
relaying information and plugging of pipelines.
(b) (i) Examiners are looking for responses including valve B and valve C.
(b) (ii) Examiners are looking for responses including valve E and valve D.
.
Answers to part (a) are generally limited. This question requires candidates to outline
the function of a Pipeline Inspection Gauge, (PIG). Many candidates are unable to
answer this fully and fail to state the functions of a PIG apart from the cleaning of
pipelines.
Candidates generally have no problem with part (b).

Question 11

In relation to weld failures:

(a)

Give the meaning of the term non-destructive testing (NDT);

(2)

(b)

Identify TWO NDT techniques that detect surface defects only;

(2)

(c)

Identify TWO NDT techniques that detect sub-surface defects;

(2)

(d)

Outline disadvantages of visual inspection techniques.

(2)

(a) Examiners were looking for responses including testing of a material for
defects/cracks and without affecting the integrity of the material.
(b) Examiners are looking for responses including dye penetrant and visual
techniques.
(c) Examiners are looking for responses including eddy current and radiography.
(d) Examiners are looking for responses including detection of surface defects only
and surfaces need to be clean.
This question is generally well answered and many candidates gain good marks
however many fail to gain marks for not giving the full name of the relevant NDT
techniques.

10

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Meridian Business Park
Leicester LE19 1QW
telephone +44 (0)116 263 4700
fax +44 (0)116 282 4000

www.nebosh.org.uk

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Company number: 2698100
Registered charity number: 1010444

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