Occupational Health and Safety
This domain tests the risks you carry as a technician rather than the risks to the client: chemical exposure, ergonomics, waste handling and emergency response. Items often describe a workplace incident and ask for the safest immediate action.
Chemical hazards
Cyanoacrylate vapour irritates the eyes, nose and throat and can trigger asthma-like symptoms in sensitive workers. Work with good general ventilation plus local extraction where available, keep the bottle capped when not in use, dispense small drops, and avoid leaning directly over the adhesive. Keep a safety data sheet for every chemical on site and know where it is. Acetone and acetone-based removers are flammable: store them away from heat and ignition sources, keep containers closed, and ventilate the room.
Skin and eye exposure
If adhesive bonds skin, never pull it apart. Soak in warm soapy water or apply acetone, and separate gradually. Adding water alone can accelerate curing and generate heat. For eye splashes, flush with water or saline for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
Ergonomics and personal protection
Set chair and bed height so your forearms stay near horizontal, use magnification and good task lighting, support your wrists, and take micro-breaks between clients. Wear gloves and a mask, and use eye protection if you are sensitive to vapour. If you develop a latex or cyanoacrylate sensitivity, seek occupational health advice early.
Waste and environment
Place used strips, wands, gloves and contaminated disposables in a lined, closed bin. Keep the floor clear of cables, secure trailing leads, and check electrical equipment.
Worked example
A drop of adhesive bonds your glove to your fingertip. Reasoning: pulling will tear skin. The correct action is to apply acetone or soak in warm soapy water until the bond releases, remove the glove carefully, wash hands, and then change gloves before continuing. If the skin tears, treat and cover it before returning to the client.
Traps that cost marks
Using water alone on a skin bond; ignoring safety data sheets; treating an open window as adequate ventilation on its own; and postponing ergonomic changes until symptoms appear.