Risk Assessment & Management Flashcards

Which type of risk assessment uses numerical probabilities and consequence values to calculate a quantitative risk score?

Answer: Quantitative risk assessment (QRA)

A quantitative risk assessment assigns numerical values to probability and consequence, producing a calculated risk score that enables objective comparison between hazards.

When drilling within 50 feet of a public road, the PRIMARY risk management measure is:

Answer: Establishing a traffic control plan with barriers, flaggers, and signage

A formal traffic control plan using cones, barriers, flaggers, and warning signs protects both workers and passing motorists from collision hazards.

A risk register on a drilling project should be updated:

Answer: Continuously throughout the project as new hazards are identified or conditions change

A risk register is a living document that must be reviewed and updated whenever site conditions, scope, or identified hazards change during the project lifecycle.

What is the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for crystalline silica (respirable fraction) over an 8-hour shift?

Answer: 0.05 mg/m³

OSHA's respirable crystalline silica PEL is 0.05 mg/m³ as an 8-hour time-weighted average, established under the 2016 silica standard (29 CFR 1926.1153).

Which scenario represents 'risk avoidance' on a well drilling project?

Answer: Selecting an alternate drill site to avoid drilling through a known contaminated zone

Risk avoidance eliminates the hazard entirely by choosing not to engage with it — moving the drill site avoids the contaminated zone rather than managing exposure to it.

What does the hierarchy of controls prioritize as the MOST effective means of controlling a drilling site hazard?

Answer: Elimination of the hazard

The hierarchy of controls ranks elimination first because completely removing the hazard provides the highest level of protection with no residual risk.

A well driller is required to maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on site for which materials?

Answer: For all hazardous chemicals present on the job site, regardless of quantity

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom 2012) requires SDS availability for all hazardous chemicals in the workplace, with no minimum quantity threshold.