IHSA Risk Analysis & Hazard Identification 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) is a technique that works:
- Bottom-up, starting from component failures to predict system outcomes
- Top-down, starting from an undesired event to identify root causes (Correct answer)
- Horizontally across departments to map communication failures
- Forward in time from initial conditions to predict outcomes
Correct answer: Top-down, starting from an undesired event to identify root causes
FTA begins with a defined top-level undesired event and works downward through logic gates to identify contributing causes.
Question 2: Which OSHA process safety management (PSM) element requires employers to identify and analyze hazards of highly hazardous chemicals?
- Operating Procedures
- Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) (Correct answer)
- Management of Change (MOC)
- Pre-Startup Safety Review
Correct answer: Process Hazard Analysis (PHA)
Process Hazard Analysis is the PSM element specifically requiring systematic identification and evaluation of chemical process hazards.
Question 3: The purpose of a bow-tie diagram in risk analysis is to:
- Document equipment maintenance schedules
- Visually link threat causes through a critical event to consequences and controls on both sides (Correct answer)
- Record incident investigation findings for insurance purposes
- Map emergency evacuation routes
Correct answer: Visually link threat causes through a critical event to consequences and controls on both sides
A bow-tie diagram shows threats and prevention barriers on the left and consequences and mitigation barriers on the right of a central hazardous event.
Question 4: In risk management, 'residual risk' refers to:
- The risk level before any controls are applied
- The risk that remains after controls have been implemented (Correct answer)
- Risk transferred to an insurance provider
- Risk associated with contractor activities only
Correct answer: The risk that remains after controls have been implemented
Residual risk is the remaining level of risk after all feasible controls have been applied to reduce the initial inherent risk.
Question 5: An IHSA certified coach conducting a risk assessment should document findings in order to:
- Avoid supervisor accountability for identified hazards
- Provide a record for tracking corrective actions and demonstrating due diligence (Correct answer)
- Replace the need for worker safety training
- Satisfy insurance underwriter requirements only
Correct answer: Provide a record for tracking corrective actions and demonstrating due diligence
Documentation creates an audit trail for corrective actions, supports continuous improvement, and demonstrates legal due diligence.
Question 6: Ergonomic hazards in infrastructure worksites are BEST controlled during which phase?
- Emergency response phase
- Design and planning phase (Correct answer)
- Post-incident investigation phase
- Employee termination phase
Correct answer: Design and planning phase
Addressing ergonomic hazards during the design phase is most cost-effective and eliminates hazards before work patterns are established.
Question 7: Which scenario best illustrates a 'dynamic risk assessment'?
- Completing a written JHA before starting a routine maintenance task
- A worker re-evaluating hazards on the spot when site conditions change unexpectedly (Correct answer)
- An annual safety audit conducted by the health and safety committee
- A HAZOP study performed during facility design
Correct answer: A worker re-evaluating hazards on the spot when site conditions change unexpectedly
Dynamic risk assessment is an on-the-spot evaluation performed in real time when conditions deviate from what was anticipated.
IHSA Risk Analysis & Hazard Identification 3
Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) is a technique that works: