TOWES - Test of Workplace Essential Skills Reading Workplace Text Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are reviewing a workplace safety memo about a new chemical handling procedure. The memo states: 'Prior to handling Corrosive Substance X, employees must don Type B gloves and splash-proof goggles. A full-face respirator is required only when working in unventilated areas.' According to this text, when is a full-face respirator mandatory?
- Every time Corrosive Substance X is handled.
- Only when handling the substance outdoors.
- When working in an area without proper air circulation. (Correct answer)
- After putting on Type B gloves and goggles.
Correct answer: When working in an area without proper air circulation.
The memo explicitly states that a full-face respirator is required 'only when working in unventilated areas.' This means it is not required for all handling of the substance, but is specific to the ventilation status of the work area.
Question 2: A training manual includes the following instruction: 'Step 1: Unlatch the primary cover. Step 2: Disengage the two red safety clips simultaneously. Step 3: Wait for the green indicator light to flash three times before proceeding.' What is the critical action that must be performed immediately after disengaging the safety clips?
- Proceed to the next step.
- Close the primary cover.
- Wait for a specific visual signal. (Correct answer)
- Press the green indicator light.
Correct answer: Wait for a specific visual signal.
The instructions clearly state that after disengaging the clips (Step 2), the user must 'Wait for the green indicator light to flash three times before proceeding' (Step 3). This is a conditional pause, making the visual signal the next critical point of action.
Question 3: A company policy document on email usage contains the following sentence: 'Aberrant use of company email for personal business is strictly prohibited and may be grounds for disciplinary action.' What is the primary purpose of this sentence?
- To encourage employees to use email for personal reasons.
- To describe the process for requesting personal email use.
- To list the types of disciplinary action.
- To forbid improper personal use of work email and state the potential consequence. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To forbid improper personal use of work email and state the potential consequence.
The sentence clearly forbids 'aberrant' (improper) use of company email for personal matters and warns of 'disciplinary action' as a possible result. This serves as a clear rule and a warning.
Question 4: You are a new employee, and you read a notice on the bulletin board: 'All personnel must complete the mandatory WHMIS refresher course by the end of the fiscal quarter. Please see your direct supervisor to schedule your session.' What should you do to comply with this notice?
- Wait for your supervisor to approach you about the course.
- Find the course online and complete it yourself.
- Speak with your supervisor to arrange a time for the training. (Correct answer)
- Ask a coworker when the fiscal quarter ends.
Correct answer: Speak with your supervisor to arrange a time for the training.
The notice explicitly instructs personnel to 'see your direct supervisor to schedule your session.' This is a direct command requiring the employee to take the initiative to speak with their supervisor.
Question 5: A section of an equipment manual is titled 'Preventative Maintenance Schedule.' Which of the following pieces of information would you be most likely to find in this section?
- Instructions on how to operate the equipment daily.
- A list of recommended service tasks and their frequencies. (Correct answer)
- The purchase price and warranty details of the equipment.
- Emergency shutdown procedures.
Correct answer: A list of recommended service tasks and their frequencies.
A 'Preventative Maintenance Schedule' is designed to outline tasks that prevent equipment failure. Therefore, it would logically contain a list of service tasks (like lubrication, filter changes, inspections) and how often they should be performed (e.g., weekly, monthly, annually).
Question 6: A workplace memo reads: 'Effective immediately, the north entrance will be inaccessible due to construction. All staff must utilize the south entrance until further notice. This is a critical safety measure.' The main idea of this text is to:
- Announce the start of a new construction project.
- Inform employees about a temporary but required change in entry procedures for safety reasons. (Correct answer)
- Ask for employee opinions on the new entrance policy.
- Warn that the south entrance will also be closing soon.
Correct answer: Inform employees about a temporary but required change in entry procedures for safety reasons.
The text's primary purpose is to inform employees about a necessary change (using the south entrance instead of the north) and the reason for it (construction/safety). It clearly states the action required and that it is temporary ('until further notice').
TOWES - Test of Workplace Essential Skills Reading Workplace Text Questions and Answers
You are reviewing a workplace safety memo about a new chemical handling procedure.
The memo states: 'Prior to handling Corrosive Substance X, employees must don Type B gloves and splash-proof goggles.
A full-face respirator is required only when working in unventilated areas.' According to this text, when is a full-face respirator mandatory?