Workshop Safety & the OHS Act is one of 9 topics in the Grade 11 Mechanical Technology CAPS syllabus, covered across 3 lessons on Study Vault. Below are real practice questions from this topic with full worked answers.
Sample practice questions
Easy
1. Which Act governs health and safety in a South African Mechanical Technology workshop?
The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993
The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008
The Companies Act 71 of 2008
The National Environmental Management Act
Answer: The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 — The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (the OHS Act) governs health and safety in South African workplaces, including a Mechanical Technology workshop.
Medium
2. According to the OHS Act, who is primarily responsible for ensuring workshop machinery is properly guarded and maintained?
The employer
The employee operating the machine
The machine manufacturer only, with no workshop obligation
No party has a specific responsibility under the Act
Answer: The employer — The OHS Act places responsibility for providing and maintaining a safe working environment, including properly guarded and maintained machinery, primarily on the employer.
Easy
3. What is the primary hazard that guards on a shearing or press machine are designed to prevent?
Crush and amputation injuries at the point of operation
Electric shock
Fume inhalation
Fire from flammable liquids
Answer: Crush and amputation injuries at the point of operation — Shearing and press machines present serious crush and amputation hazards at the point of operation, which is why guards must never be bypassed.
