TOWES - Test of Workplace Essential Skills Reading Workplace Maps Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are at the 'You Are Here' symbol (X) in the Assembly Area. According to the workplace emergency map shown, what is your primary evacuation route?
- Proceed south through the warehouse to Exit 3.
- Proceed west through the office area to Exit 1.
- Proceed north to the designated Muster Point.
- Proceed east through the main corridor to Exit 2. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Proceed east through the main corridor to Exit 2.
The map shows the 'You Are Here' symbol in the Assembly Area. The solid green arrows, which indicate the primary evacuation route, clearly direct a path eastward down the main corridor to Exit 2.
Question 2: Based on the facility site map, which of the following statements is correct?
- The Visitor Parking is located north of the Main Building.
- The Shipping/Receiving dock is on the west side of the Warehouse. (Correct answer)
- To get from the Main Gate to the Warehouse, you must pass the Administration Building.
- There is a first aid station located in the Shipping/Receiving area.
Correct answer: The Shipping/Receiving dock is on the west side of the Warehouse.
By examining the map, you can see the symbol for Shipping/Receiving is located on the western wall of the Warehouse building. The Visitor Parking is south of the Main Building, the route from the gate to the warehouse does not pass the Administration building, and the first aid station is in the Main Building.
Question 3: You need to report to the site's Muster Point. According to the map legend, which symbol should you look for on the map to find this location?
- A red square with a flame inside.
- A blue circle with a person icon.
- A green circle with a group of people inside. (Correct answer)
- A yellow triangle with an exclamation mark.
Correct answer: A green circle with a group of people inside.
A muster point or assembly area is a designated safe location for people to gather during an emergency. The standard symbol for this is a green circle containing icons of people. [3]
Question 4: A contractor arrives at the Main Gate (south entrance) and needs to get to the 'Materials Laydown Yard' on the east side of the site. The direct road between the gate and the yard is blocked. According to the map, what is the best alternative route?
- Go west around the Administration building and then north.
- Proceed north on the main road, turn east, and go south around the Main Construction Zone. (Correct answer)
- It is not possible to reach the Laydown Yard.
- Take the main road directly north to the Staff Parking and walk from there.
Correct answer: Proceed north on the main road, turn east, and go south around the Main Construction Zone.
With the direct east road blocked, the map shows an alternative route. The contractor must go north on the main road past the blockage, take the next road east, and then travel south along the far side of the Main Construction Zone to reach the Laydown Yard.
Question 5: When reading a workplace map that features a compass rose but is posted on a wall, what is the MOST important rule for orienting yourself correctly?
- Always assume the top of the map is North.
- Align the map so that the 'You Are Here' symbol is at the bottom.
- Orient the map so that the direction you are facing in the real world corresponds to the top of the map. (Correct answer)
- Turn the map until the main entrance is pointing towards the actual main entrance of the building.
Correct answer: Orient the map so that the direction you are facing in the real world corresponds to the top of the map.
For intuitive wayfinding, especially during an emergency, an evacuation map should be oriented so that the direction the user is currently facing is at the top of the diagram. This prevents the mental confusion of having to rotate the map in your head. [16]
Question 6: You are in the warehouse and notice a small chemical spill. According to the map, where is the nearest spill containment kit located?
- Next to the fire extinguisher at the main office entrance.
- Inside the hazardous materials storage locker.
- On the north wall of the warehouse, near the large bay door. (Correct answer)
- Adjacent to the first aid station in the breakroom.
Correct answer: On the north wall of the warehouse, near the large bay door.
By locating the warehouse on the map and scanning for the specific symbol for a spill containment kit (as defined in the legend), you can identify its position on the north wall, close to the bay door.
TOWES - Test of Workplace Essential Skills Reading Workplace Maps Questions and Answers
You are at the 'You Are Here' symbol (X) in the Assembly Area.
According to the workplace emergency map shown, what is your primary evacuation route?