API RP 2201:2003(R2020) pdf download.API RP 2201:2003(R2020) pdf download.Safe Hot Tapping Practices in the Petroleum and Petrochemical Industries
1.4 CONCEPT OF HAZARD VS. RISK
Hazards are properties of materials with the inherent abil- ity to cause harm. Flammability, toxicity, corrosivity, stored chemical or mechanical energy all are hazards associated with various industrial materials. Risk requires exposure. A hot surface or material can cause thermal skin burns or a cor- rosive acid can cause chemical skin burns, but these can occur only if there is contact exposure to skin. There is no risk when there is no potential for exposure. Determining the level of risk involves estimating the prob- ability and severity of exposure that could lead to harm. While the preceding examples relate hazards to the risk to people, the same principles are valid for evaluating property risk. For instance, hydrocarbon vapors in a flammable mix- ture with air can ignite if exposed to a source of ignition resulting in a fire which could damage property.
1.5 CONCEPT OF COMPETENT AND QUALIFIED PERSONS
OSHA uses the term “competent person” in dozens of standards for persons serving a variety of roles. In other stan- dards the term “qualified person” is used. Sometimes both terms are used in the same standard. This recommended prac- tice also uses these terms. The following sections explain this usage. In both cases it is the employer who has the responsi- bility for designating the person.
1.5.1 Competent Person
The concept of relying on the experience and judgement of a “competent person” is used in this document as it is in many standards and regulations. In street terms this means “some- one who knows enough to make the right decisions to do a job properly”. One definition [from 1 926.32(f) ] says a com- petent person “means one who is capable of identifying exist- ing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt correc- tive measures to eliminate them.”. In other standards the requirements to qualify as a “competent person” are expanded to include training in subject specific courses defined by OSHA or EPA. This document does not specify training requirements or courses.