CDA Risk Assessment & Mitigation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A decorative artist must work on scaffolding at 12 feet. Which risk mitigation measure is MANDATORY under OSHA general industry standards?
- Wear slip-resistant shoes only
- Install guardrails, mid-rails, and toe boards on all open sides (Correct answer)
- Secure tools with lanyards only
- Limit the work session to two hours
Correct answer: Install guardrails, mid-rails, and toe boards on all open sides
OSHA 1926.502 requires guardrail systems on scaffolds to prevent falls from heights above 10 feet.
Question 2: Which SDS (Safety Data Sheet) section contains the most relevant first-aid measures for accidental eye contact with a decorative medium?
- Section 2 – Hazard Identification
- Section 4 – First-Aid Measures (Correct answer)
- Section 8 – Exposure Controls
- Section 11 – Toxicological Information
Correct answer: Section 4 – First-Aid Measures
Section 4 of the SDS specifically details first-aid procedures for each route of exposure, including eye contact.
Question 3: When spraying water-based decorative finishes, which risk is often underestimated compared to solvent-based products?
- Fire hazard from aqueous mist
- Mold growth risk from high humidity and overspray on porous surfaces (Correct answer)
- Electrical shock from the spray gun
- Lead contamination from pigments
Correct answer: Mold growth risk from high humidity and overspray on porous surfaces
Water-based overspray raises ambient humidity, promoting mold growth in porous wall or ceiling materials if not allowed to dry properly.
Question 4: A decorative artist experiences dizziness while applying a shellac-based finish. The FIRST mitigation action should be:
- Drink water and continue working at a slower pace
- Immediately move to fresh air and alert a coworker (Correct answer)
- Increase the fan speed without leaving the room
- Apply a wet cloth to the forehead and sit down in the studio
Correct answer: Immediately move to fresh air and alert a coworker
Dizziness signals solvent overexposure; the immediate priority is removing the person from the exposure source and seeking fresh air.
Question 5: Which hazard assessment must be completed BEFORE power-washing a decorative mural exterior for touch-up prep?
- Evaluate wind speed for overspray drift, proximity of electrical outlets, and bystander exclusion zones (Correct answer)
- Only verify the water pressure setting
- Check that the mural pigments are waterproof
- Inspect the spray nozzle for cracks
Correct answer: Evaluate wind speed for overspray drift, proximity of electrical outlets, and bystander exclusion zones
Power-washing near structures introduces electrical hazard from wet outlets, water drift risk to bystanders, and operator slip risk — all must be assessed.
Question 6: To mitigate slip-and-fall risk in a studio where floor paint is curing, which approach is MOST effective?
- Place a 'Wet Paint' sign at the studio entrance and restrict access until fully cured (Correct answer)
- Apply a second coat of paint immediately to seal the tacky surface
- Cover the wet area with plastic sheeting and work around it
- Turn on overhead fans to speed drying
Correct answer: Place a 'Wet Paint' sign at the studio entrance and restrict access until fully cured
Signage combined with physical access restriction prevents anyone from unknowingly stepping on the slick curing surface.
Question 7: When risk-assessing a gilding project using gold leaf and oil-based sizing, which chemical hazard requires specific attention?
- Gold leaf particle inhalation causing metal fume fever
- Sizing solvent vapors accumulating to flammable concentrations (Correct answer)
- UV radiation from the gold surface reflecting light
- Electrical conductivity of metallic leaf near outlets
Correct answer: Sizing solvent vapors accumulating to flammable concentrations
Oil-based sizing solvents have low flash points and can accumulate flammable vapor concentrations in poorly ventilated spaces.
CDA Risk Assessment & Mitigation 3
A decorative artist must work on scaffolding at 12 feet.
Which risk mitigation measure is MANDATORY under OSHA general industry standards?