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Permits and safe systems of work questions for the Supervisory (SUP) specialist test

5 free questions on Permits and safe systems of work, from section E. Specialist: Supervisory. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

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Question 1

Medium ·Link to this question (question 1)

A permit to work has been issued for hot work on your site.

What does HSE say about the permit?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. A permit alone doesn't make a job safe
  2. B. The permit makes the job completely safe
  3. C. Once it is issued, nobody needs to check the work
  4. D. It only matters if HSE visits
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says the issue of a permit does not, by itself, make a job safe.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The precautions on it must actually be carried out.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. A responsible person should check safety at each stage.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Permits are there to control high-risk work.

Explanation

A permit only works if its precautions are carried out and checked.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

Your team is about to work under a permit.

Why do the people doing the job sign it?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Signing is not needed
  2. B. To show they understand the risks
  3. C. To show they will be paid
  4. D. To take all the blame if something goes wrong
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Signing shows they understand the risks.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says the people doing the job sign the permit to show they understand the risks.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. A permit is not a timesheet.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. It is about understanding the risks and precautions.

Explanation

People working under a permit sign it to show they understand the risks and precautions.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

You are deciding which jobs on your site need a permit to work.

Which of these is most likely to need one?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Handing out PPE and spare gloves at the site stores
  2. B. Filling in a timesheet
  3. C. Welding near flammable materials
  4. D. Sweeping the canteen
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. That doesn't need a permit.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. That is not high-risk work.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE gives hot work such as welding, vessel entry and work needing isolation as examples.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. That doesn't need a permit.

Explanation

Permits are used for high-risk work, such as hot work, confined space entry and work needing isolation.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

Two gangs are working near the same isolated plant. One doesn't know what the other is doing.

What does HSE say permit systems should make sure of?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Each gang works without telling the other
  2. B. Only the first gang to arrive needs a permit
  3. C. The gangs swap jobs halfway through
  4. D. Everyone knows who is in charge
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Poor coordination is a known risk.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. All the work needs coordinating.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. That adds confusion.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says make sure other people are aware of what maintenance staff are doing, and that it is clear who is in charge and who does what.

Explanation

Permit systems must coordinate work so everyone knows what others are doing and who is in charge.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

Work under a permit has finished on a piece of plant.

What should the permit system include?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. A process for handing the plant back
  2. B. Nothing, the plant can be restarted straight away
  3. C. Throwing the permit away
  4. D. Leaving the isolation in place forever
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says the permit system should have a process for hand-over of plant on completion of work.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. A proper hand-back makes sure it is safe to restart.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. The permit should be closed out properly.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Isolation is removed through a controlled hand-back.

Explanation

Permits must be closed out, with a controlled hand-back before plant is put back into use.

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