Steamfitter Risk Assessment and Mitigation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for high-pressure steam pipe installation, which step should be completed FIRST?
- List all corrective actions
- Break the job into sequential steps (Correct answer)
- Assign PPE requirements
- Identify the supervisor
Correct answer: Break the job into sequential steps
A JHA begins by breaking the job into distinct sequential steps before hazards within each step can be identified.
Question 2: A pipefitter notices a small drip from a threaded connection on a live steam line rated at 150 psi. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?
- Apply pipe thread sealant to the leaking joint while live
- Isolate the line using lockout/tagout procedures before repairs (Correct answer)
- Tighten the fitting with a pipe wrench while wearing heavy gloves
- Ignore it until the next scheduled maintenance shutdown
Correct answer: Isolate the line using lockout/tagout procedures before repairs
Live steam leaks must be addressed by isolating the line through LOTO before any repair work to prevent burn injuries.
Question 3: Which hierarchy of controls method is considered MOST effective at reducing occupational hazards?
- Administrative controls
- Personal protective equipment
- Engineering controls
- Elimination of the hazard (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Elimination of the hazard
Elimination removes the hazard entirely and is the most effective level of the hierarchy of controls.
Question 4: A confined space in a steam plant has an oxygen reading of 19.0%. How should this space be classified?
- Normal atmosphere; safe to enter
- Oxygen-enriched; fire hazard present
- Oxygen-deficient; atmosphere-supplying respirator required (Correct answer)
- Slightly low; a half-face respirator is sufficient
Correct answer: Oxygen-deficient; atmosphere-supplying respirator required
OSHA defines oxygen-deficient atmospheres as less than 19.5%; entry requires supplied-air or SCBA equipment.
Question 5: What does the term 'residual risk' mean in the context of steamfitter safety planning?
- The risk that remains after all control measures have been applied (Correct answer)
- The original uncontrolled risk before any safety measures
- Risk transferred to a subcontractor
- Risk documented but not yet assessed
Correct answer: The risk that remains after all control measures have been applied
Residual risk is what remains after implementing all feasible controls, and it must be communicated to workers.
Question 6: During a risk matrix evaluation, a hazard is rated as 'Likely' in probability and 'Critical' in severity. What risk level does this typically produce?
- Low risk — monitor only
- Medium risk — corrective action within 30 days
- High risk — immediate corrective action required (Correct answer)
- Acceptable risk — no action needed
Correct answer: High risk — immediate corrective action required
A 'Likely' × 'Critical' combination places the hazard in the high-risk zone requiring immediate corrective action.
Question 7: Which regulation requires employers to develop a written energy control (lockout/tagout) program for steamfitting operations?
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 (Correct answer)
- ASME B31.1
- NFPA 85
- ANSI Z87.1
Correct answer: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, 'Control of Hazardous Energy,' mandates written LOTO programs for equipment with hazardous energy sources.
Steamfitter Risk Assessment and Mitigation 2
When performing a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for high-pressure steam pipe installation, which step should be completed FIRST?