SHOP SAFETY QUIZ - MJSA Journal

1. What’s the safest way to store nitric acid in your shop?

A: On an open shelf at eye level for easy accessB: In a glass cabinet above eye levelC: In a plastic or rubber carrier, below eye level, with proper labelsD: Next to the coffee maker so you never forget where you put it

1. Answer: C. Nitric acid should always be stored below eye level, in a properly labeled, chemical-resistant container such as a plastic or rubber carrier. This minimizes the risk of spills falling onto workers and allows for safer handling in case of leaks.

2. What common shop practice produces phosgene gas, chlorine gas, and hydrochloric acid fumes when heated?

A: Soldering with fluxB: Burning off solvent-based correction fluid used to slow solder flowC: Using liver of sulfurD: Microwaving leftover salmon for lunch

2. Answer: B. Using solvent-based correction fluids as a solder flow retardant is extremely dangerous. When heated, the solvent base can break down into highly toxic gases.

3. What does it mean if you feel like you need a respirator during regular shop work?

A: You're being overly cautiousB: Your ventilation system is inadequateC: It's normal for certain processesD: You like to cosplay as Darth Vader at work

3. Answer: B. Regular use of a respirator during shop work usually signals a serious underlying problem: poor or absent local ventilation. A respirator should only be a backup in extreme or unusual situations. In a properly ventilated workshop, fumes, particulates, and vapors should be controlled at the source to protect everyone, not just the person wearing the mask.

4. What is the biggest risk jewelers face when working with nickel and chromium compounds?

A: Skin disordersB: BurnsC: Eye damageD: Invisibility

4. Answer: A. Nickel and chromium are among the top causes of occupational dermatitis in jewelers. Prolonged or repeated skin contact can cause rashes, eczema, and long-term skin sensitivity issues. Avoid touching the compounds and use tweezers anytime you must work with them.

5. What is a common cause of polishing-related injuries?

A: Wearing glovesB: Using too much pressureC: Working in poor lightingD: Polishing your fingers on the buffing wheel

5. Answer: A. Wearing gloves while using high-speed polishers or other rotating tools poses a major entanglement hazard. Loose glove material can easily catch on the rotating wheel and pull the user’s hand into the machine, leading to serious injuries.

6. What's one way to reduce body strain during CAD work?

A: Lower your monitorB: Position your eyes level with the top of the screen and blink oftenC: Type with your wrists at an upward angleD: Pretend your chair is lava and hover above it all day

6. Answer: B. Keeping your eyes level with the top of the screen helps maintain a neutral neck and spine position, reducing the risk of long-term posture problems. Blinking regularly is also critical, as screen work naturally decreases blink rates, leading to dry eye, strain, and fatigue.

7. Why is it important to keep an up-to-date “Right to Know” binder?

A: So you can easily reorder supplies before running outB: To keep your shop receipts organized for tax timeC: To ensure the safe handling and storage of all chemicals in the studioD: To finally win “Most Organized Bench” at the annual studio awards

7. Answer: C. A “Right to Know” binder lists all chemicals in the shop (with their Safety Data Sheets), identifying the hazards they pose, how to safely store and handle them, and how to respond in an emergency. And it’s not just good housekeeping; it’s also a legal requirement in many countries, including the United States and Canada.

8. Laser engravers and cutters often create valuable dust—and what else?

A: Static electricityB: Harmful fumes and metal particulatesC: Thermal shockD: Free laser tattoos when you lean in too close

8. Answer: B. Laser work produces precious metal debris and particulates that you want to avoid breathing in. Shops should have local ventilation that removes particulates and fumes where they’re produced.

9. Which of the following best helps prevent repetitive strain injuries at the bench?

A: Work daster to finish soonerB: Take stretching breaks and switch tasks every 45 minutesC: Use the heaviest tools available to build strengthD: Practice slouching until your spine resembles a question mark

9. Answer: B. Repetitive strain injuries build slowly over time from performing the same movements or maintaining the same posture for long periods. Take stretching breaks and switch tasks every 45 minutes to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and prevent chronic injuries that can sideline a jeweler for weeks or even months.

10. Which workshop addition should be regularly maintained and accessible to all heights?

A: Air compressors for pneumatic toolsB: Overhead lighting systemsC: Eyewash stationD: A motivational poster reminding you to "Hang in There!"

10. Answer: C. In any shop where chemicals are present, an eyewash station must be immediately accessible to everyone—short or tall, standing or seated. Fast access is critical in an emergency when seconds count, especially after exposure to corrosive or irritating chemicals.

11. What kind of light exposure can lead to “chain maker’s cataracts”?

A: UltravioletB: InfraredC: Blue LEDD: Moonlight

11. Answer: B. Prolonged exposure to infrared radiation (IR)—from red-hot metals, molten materials, and kilns—can cause a type of cataract once common among chain makers (but isn’t limited to them). Proper eye protection, such as IR-filtering safety glasses, prevents this type of gradual, irreversible eye damage when working around high-heat processes.

12. What’s the best way to ensure eye and ear protection is actually used?

A: Post signs at every work stationB: Keep equipment locked upC: Install safety gear every 6 to 8 feet for easy accessD: Offer free donuts, but only to those wearing safety gear

12. Answer: C. The easier it is to access personal protective equipment, the more likely workers are to actually use it. Installing safety glasses and hearing protection every few feet removes barriers to compliance and creates a culture of safety.

13. What’s the safest way to minimize exposure to chemical fumes in the workshop?

A: Install proper local exhaust ventilationB: Work near an open doorC: Use a fan to blow fumes around the roomD: Light a candle to "burn off" fumes

13. Answer: A. The safest and most effective way to control chemical fume exposure is to use local exhaust ventilation. This system captures hazardous fumes directly at the source before they spread into the breathing zone.

14. What’s a primary risk when working with laser welders?

A: Minor burns if you touch the laser tableB: Eye damage from exposure to laser lightC: Static electricity from surrounding metal benchesD: Accidentally opening a portal to another dimension

14. Answer: B. Laser welders produce concentrated light beams that can cause severe and irreversible eye damage with even brief unprotected exposure. Direct contact with the beam (or even reflections) can result in retinal burns or vision loss. Always use laser-safe viewing equipment when operating or observing a laser welder.

15. When using a 3-D printer for jewelry models, why is ventilation so important?

A: To keep the printer from overheatingB: To control ambient room temperatureC: To remove harmful fumes and particulatesD: To keep the workshop from smelling like "new printer" forever

15. Answer: C. 3-D printers emit harmful fumes and fine particulates during operation. Ventilation helps capture and remove the volatile organic compounds, chemical residues, and microscopic particles that can cause respiratory irritation, long-term lung damage, or other health issues.

16. Why is it dangerous to wear jewelry such as rings and watches while operating machinery?

A: They can catch on moving parts and cause serious injuryB: They can slip off and get lostC: They can reflect light and distract youD: They attract gremlins who steal shop tools

16. Answer: A. Rings, watches, and other loose jewelry can easily catch on rotating machinery, polishing wheels, or moving parts, pulling the wearer’s hand, arm, or even head into the equipment. Even a momentary snag can result in serious injuries such as fractures, deep lacerations, or amputations.

17. What safety feature is critical for preventing hands, clothing, and hair from becoming entangled in machinery?

A: Extra-long extension cordsB: Bright warning stickersC: Proper machine guardingD: A large can of non-stick cooking spray

17. Answer: C. Proper machine guards are physical barriers that prevent hands, clothing, and hair from contacting dangerous moving parts. While labels and warnings may help raise awareness, only mechanical guarding stops accidents from happening.

18. What can happen if acids and cyanides are accidentally stored together?

A: The acid will evaporate fasterB: Deadly hydrogen cyanide gas can formC: The cyanide will lose potencyD: They politely cancel each other out like true professionals

18. Answer: B. Storing acids and cyanides together is extremely dangerous; even a small spill or leak can produce highly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas, which can cause death with very little exposure. Proper chemical storage practices, including strict segregation of incompatible materials, are essential for maintaining a safe workshop.

19. Why is glove selection important when handling chemicals?

A: Some gloves dissolve when exposed to certain chemicalsB: Gloves can make you work slowerC: Gloves keep the chemical containers free from dirty fingerprintsD: Wearing gloves makes chemicals lose interest and leave you alone

19. Answer: A. Not all gloves are created equal. Some materials, such as latex, nitrile, or vinyl, react differently when exposed to specific chemicals. Using the wrong glove can cause it to dissolve, tear, or allow dangerous chemicals to seep through to your skin. Always choose gloves designed for the specific substances being handled.

20. Which workshop mistake is a common cause of sudden physical eye injuries?

A: Forgetting to squint while hammeringB: Not wearing safety goggles while grinding or hammeringC: Using safety glasses that are slightly smudgedD: Believeing that sunglasses count as "close enough"

20. Answer: B. Flying metal fragments, abrasive particles, and polishing debris can easily cause serious eye injuries in the shop. Wearing proper, impact-rated safety goggles is the best defense.

21. Long-term exposure to vibrations from tools such as polishers can lead to:

A: Increased hand strengthB: "White finger" or vascular damageC: Developing a natural tremor that makes your engraving look edgyD: Winning every handshake competition you enter

21. Answer: B. Prolonged exposure to vibrations from polishing machines, flex-shafts, and other tools can damage blood vessels and nerves in the hands. This condition, known as vibration white finger, can cause numbness, reduced grip strength, and even permanent disability.

22. Why should you never mix household bleach and ammonia?

A: It produces chlorine gas, which is highly toxicB: It creates bubbles that float around the shopC: It dulls the bleach’s cleaning powerD: It makes the world’s saddest science-fair volcano

22. Answer: A. Mixing bleach and ammonia triggers a chemical reaction that releases chlorine gas, a highly toxic substance that can cause severe respiratory injuries, unconsciousness, or even death with sufficient exposure. Always read chemical labels and never combine cleaning products without knowing their interactions.

23. What is a critical practice for using compressed gas safely?

A: Keep cylinders in direct sunlightB: Store tanks upright and securely fastenedC: Leave regulators loosely attached for easy changesD: Give the tank a friendly kick to make sure it’s still full

23. Answer: B. Compressed gas cylinders must always be stored upright and securely fastened to prevent them from tipping over or becoming dangerous projectiles. Even small leaks under pressure can cause explosions, and improper storage dramatically increases the risk of accidents during everyday shop activities.

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