CPT Materials, Tools, & Safety in Prosthetics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which solvent is most commonly used to clean carbon fiber components before bonding?
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Acetone (Correct answer)
- Mineral spirits
- Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
Correct answer: Acetone
Acetone effectively removes oils and contaminants from carbon fiber surfaces, promoting optimal adhesive bonding.
Question 2: When vacuum-forming thermoplastic sheets, which temperature range is typically used for polypropylene?
- 150–170°C
- 180–200°C (Correct answer)
- 210–230°C
- 250–270°C
Correct answer: 180–200°C
Polypropylene vacuum-forms optimally at 180–200°C, where it becomes pliable without degrading.
Question 3: A technician notices discoloration and brittleness in a silicone liner after extended use. What is the MOST likely cause?
- UV light exposure (Correct answer)
- Excessive compression
- Inadequate hygiene
- Overhydration
Correct answer: UV light exposure
UV light degrades silicone polymer chains over time, causing discoloration and reduced elasticity.
Question 4: Which OSHA standard primarily governs respiratory protection in a prosthetics fabrication shop?
- 29 CFR 1910.134 (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910.147
- 29 CFR 1910.1200
- 29 CFR 1910.303
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1910.134
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 establishes requirements for respiratory protection programs including fit testing and respirator selection.
Question 5: What is the primary advantage of using a belt sander over an angle grinder when shaping thermoplastic sockets?
- Higher surface temperature generation
- Better control and reduced risk of material melting (Correct answer)
- Faster material removal rate
- Produces a smoother final finish without additional steps
Correct answer: Better control and reduced risk of material melting
Belt sanders generate less localized heat than angle grinders, reducing the risk of melting or warping thermoplastic materials.
Question 6: Which type of adhesive is typically used to bond Pelite foam to a thermoplastic socket?
- Cyanoacrylate (super glue)
- Contact cement (Correct answer)
- Epoxy resin
- Polyurethane adhesive
Correct answer: Contact cement
Contact cement creates a flexible, durable bond between Pelite foam and thermoplastic, accommodating the movement of the prosthetic socket.
Question 7: In a prosthetics lab, an eyewash station must be accessible within how many seconds of travel from any chemical hazard?
- 5 seconds
- 10 seconds (Correct answer)
- 15 seconds
- 30 seconds
Correct answer: 10 seconds
ANSI Z358.1 requires emergency eyewash stations to be reachable within 10 seconds (approximately 55 feet) from any chemical hazard.
CPT Materials, Tools, & Safety in Prosthetics 2
Which solvent is most commonly used to clean carbon fiber components before bonding?