Chemical Safety in Laboratories

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for adhering to chemical safety protocols in a laboratory?

To prevent accidents and ensure everyone's safety (correct)

To impress visitors

To finish experiments more quickly

To make the lab look professional

Which of the following is considered appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to wear in a chemical laboratory?

Any comfortable mask, gloves, and regular clothing

Sunglasses, open-toe shoes, and a lab coat

Chemical splash goggles, chemical resistant apron, closed-toe shoes, and safety gloves (correct)

Surgical mask, sandals, and a cotton apron

Which of the following activities is NOT allowed in a chemical lab?

Carefully handling laboratory glassware

Following approved experimental procedures

Engaging in practical jokes (correct)

Reporting all spills immediately to the teacher

What is the correct procedure for using a pipette in the laboratory?

Use a pipetted aid or suction bulb (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should you do immediately after an accident or injury occurs in the lab?

Report it to your teacher immediately (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with coats, bags, and other personal items in the laboratory?

They should be placed in designated areas away from benches and aisles (C) Signup and view all the answers

When should heating apparatus, gas valves, and water faucets be turned off?

Whenever they are not in use (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one important precaution to take when working with hot glassware?

Handle it carefully knowing that it looks just like cold glassware (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the information, what does chemical toxicity depend on?

Concentration (dose), frequency, duration, and route of exposure. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between acute and chronic exposure to a substance?

Acute exposure is short-term and severe, while chronic exposure is long-term and may have less obvious beginning symptoms. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym 'SIN' stand for in emergency situations?

Safety, Isolation, Notification. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The PASS method is associated with which fire safety procedure?

Using a fire extinguisher. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the source of danger, such as a chemical or hot surface?

Hazard (A) Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken first if a classmate's clothing catches fire?

Smother the flames using a blanket or rug. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a physical effect associated with exposure to cryogens?

Frostbite (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between dosage and toxicity?

The right dose is what determines if a substance is safe or toxic. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Repetitive motion, awkward posture, and improper lifting are categorized under which type of hazards?

Ergonomic hazards (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with excess chemicals after weighing?

Discard the excess according to the established protocols. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an example of Ionizing radiation?

X-rays (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is an example of chronic exposure, based on the information provided?

A laboratory technician is exposed to low levels of dust over several months. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why should materials never be placed temporarily on the floor in the lab?

To prevent accidental spills or trips. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms describes substances that can ignite spontaneously?

Pyrophoric (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the emergency situations listed that could occur?

A power outage. (B) Signup and view all the answers

When should laboratory equipment be inspected for damage?

Prior to each use, every time. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A chemical that results in a physical burn or an explosion belongs to which hazard category?

Physical Hazard (A) Signup and view all the answers

What personal hygiene practice should be followed when handling chemicals in the laboratory?

Wash hands after removing gloves and before exiting. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which term is used to describe chemicals that upon entry to the body can cause allergic reactions?

Sensitizer (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for holding chemical containers away from the body when transferring?

To minimize the risk of chemical exposure. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What route of chemical exposure is indicated by breathing in fumes from volatile solvents?

Inhalation (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure should be followed when disposing of broken glassware?

Place it immediately in designated containers. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Besides fire extinguishers, fire blankets, alarm systems and first aid kits, what other emergency equipment should a laboratory worker be familiar with?

Eye washes and safety showers. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate way to handle a solid reagent when removing it from a container?

Use a spatula. (A) Signup and view all the answers

When should you NOT fight a fire?

When the fire is spreading beyond its origin. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should you immediately do if a chemical splashes into your eyes?

Use the safety eyewash immediately and thoroughly. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended way to smell a substance in the lab?

Quickly waft the air above the substance towards your nose. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action when cleaning a chemical spill?

Absorb the excess spill and surround the area with absorbent material. (D) Signup and view all the answers

If you are fighting a fire and the extinguisher runs out of agent, what should you do?

Leave the area immediately. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to point the end of a test tube away from yourself and others?

To avoid any accidental projections of the contents. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should you do with clothes contaminated by a chemical spill?

Launder them separately or discard according to MSDS. (D) Signup and view all the answers

When treating chemical burns, what is generally the first step?

Wash the affected area with cold water for 10 minutes. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a substance that causes a rapid toxic effect after exposure?

Acute (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a material that causes chemical burns or eats away at equipment is known as?

Caustic (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a material that forms explosive peroxides when exposed to air?

Peroxide former (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the lowest temperature at which a vapor given off by a material will ignite?

Flash point (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the NFPA 704 labeling system, what does a '4' indicate for flammability?

Below 73°F (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of secondary container labeling?

To display the chemical identity and associated hazards (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'OX' symbol indicate on a chemical label?

Oxidizing agent (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Lacrymator' refer to?

A material that causes irritation to eyes, skin, or respiratory system. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chemical Laboratory Safety Orientation

Chemical laboratory work involves hazardous materials.
Accident prevention is a shared responsibility among all lab personnel.
Safe practices are essential, not just preferred.

Fundamentals of Chemical Laboratory Safety

Every day chemicals used in laboratories can be hazardous.
Preventing accidents is the responsibility of every lab member.
Safe practices are crucial in laboratories.

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

Wear appropriate PPE
- Chemical splash goggles
- Chemical-resistant apron
- Shoes that fully cover the whole foot
- Safety gloves
- Face mask (not surgical)

Laboratory Protocol

Do not engage in unauthorized activities, including practical jokes or unsanctioned experiments.
Avoid unnecessary running or conversations in the laboratory.
Prohibit using personal audio or video equipment in the laboratory.
Do not sit on lab work areas or sinks
Do not work unsupervised.

General Work Procedures

Exercise caution when handling hot glass and apparatus.
Hot glassware looks just like cold glassware, so always treat it carefully.
Avoid pipetting chemicals by mouth. Always use pipetting aids or suction bulbs.
Report any spills, incidents, or injuries to the teacher immediately.
Ensure there are no flammable solvents in the vicinity during flame tests.
Turn off all heating equipment, gas valves, burners, and water faucets when not in use.
Store lab coats, bags, and other personal items in designated areas; not on lab benches or aisles.

Housekeeping

Never place materials, particularly chemicals, on the floor, even temporarily.
Maintain well-organized workspaces and storage areas free of broken glass, surplus chemicals, and unnecessary items.
Never obstruct access to exits or emergency equipment.
Verify all equipment for damage prior to its use.

Hygiene Practices

Avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth, and body with chemicals.
Foods and drinks are not permitted within the laboratory area.
Wash your hands carefully after removing gloves and before leaving the laboratory.

Emergency Procedures

Know the location of all exits and follow the emergency plan.
Know how to operate fire extinguishers, fire blankets, alarm systems with pull stations, eyewashes, safety showers, and first aid kits.

Chemical Handling Procedures

Verify the label before using any chemical to ensure it's the correct substance.
Utilize spatulas to remove solid reagents from containers.
Hold containers away from your body when transferring liquids or chemicals.
Measure only the required amount of chemical and do not return any excess to its original container.

Waste Disposal

Do not discard chemical waste down the laboratory sinks.
Dispose of chemical wastes in properly labelled containers.
Properly dispose of broken glassware and sharp objects (e.g., syringe needles) in designated containers.
Place waste paper products that aren't chemical laden in the appropriate trash receptacles.

Safety Considerations

Hazards are danger sources (like chemicals, electricity, hot surfaces, etc.).
Risk is the likelihood of a hazard occurring, considering the length of exposure.
Consequence is the outcome or impact of exposure to a hazard.

Physical Hazards

Heat and fire cause thermal burns.
Cryogens cause frostbite.
Ultraviolet exposure causes sunburn.
Explosions (chemical reactions, compressed gases) lead to projectile injuries, impacts/bruises, or injections.
Noise leads to hearing damage.

Ergonomic Hazards

Repetitive motions, heavy lifting, workspaces design (computers, instruments), and awkward postures cause discomfort.

Bio Hazards

Bloodborne pathogens (AIDS, HIV, hepatitis) are found in clinical chemistry labs and labs involving genetic engineering/cloning, animal work, and zoology.
Zonotic diseases originate from animals.

Radiation Hazards

Ionizing radiation (alpha, beta, gamma, X-rays, neutrons) and radioactive isotopes (tritium H-3, carbon C-14, sulfur S-35, phosphorus P-32/33, iodine I-135) are dangerous.

Fire and Explosion Hazards

Flammable solvents, pyrophoric materials, and spontaneous combustion pose fire hazards.

Special Chemical Substances

Controlled substances (drugs, psychotropics, hallucinogens, heroin).
Chemical warfare agents (nerve gas, phosgene, riot control agents) are particularly dangerous.

Chemical Exposure

Chemical exposures occur via physical and health routes (air, water, food, soil, products).
Toxicities depend on concentration, frequency, duration, and exposure route.
Physical hazards include chemical burns (acids/caustics), physical burns (flammables/combustibles), explosions (chemical reactions/compressed gases), and asphyxiation (lack of oxygen).
Health hazards include irritants, allergens/sensitizers, reproductive/developmental toxins, carcinogens, target organ effects, and chemical asphyxiants.

Routes of Exposure

Inhalation is a significant mode of chemical exposure, especially when working in the breathing zone. Others include absorption, ingestion, and injection.

How to Avoid Accidents in the Lab

Point test tubes away from yourself and others.
Look at test tube contents from the side.
Tie back loose hair to prevent contact with lab materials.
Never taste substances without a direct instruction; instead, fan your hand by the substance to direct the odor/smell to your nose.

Chemicals on Skin, Clothing, and Eyes

Flush spills immediately with a safety shower.
Launder contaminated clothes separately.
Rinse any eyes exposed immediately with the safety eyewash.
For chemical burns, wash with cold water for 10 minutes.
For organic burns, use soap to emulsify the substance, then wash with water

Spill Cleanup

Immediately and efficiently clean up spills.
Absorb excess liquid using absorbent materials.
Wear appropriate PPE.
Use tongs/forceps to pick up broken glassware.
Clean from outside to inside the spill area.
Avoid dry sweeping.

Material Safety Data Terminology

Poison: Material with toxic effects.
Toxin: Poisonous substance.
Acute: Rapid onset of toxic effects.
Chronic: Toxic effects develop over time.
Cumulative: Toxins accumulate in the body.
Carcinogen: Cancer-causing material.
Mutagen: Material that causes genetic mutations.
Teratogen: Material that causes birth defects.
Caustic: Substance that burns or damages tissue.
Explosive: Substance that can explode.
Oxidizer: Substance that can cause other materials to catch fire.
Peroxide former: Substance that forms peroxides when exposed to air/water
Flash point: Lowest temperature at which a liquid vaporizes and ignites.
Corrosive: Damages or destroys materials.
Lacrimator: Produces eye irritation.
Flammable: Substance that ignites easily.
Inflammable: Same as flammable
Combustible: Substance that catches fire.

Chemical Labeling

Primary container labels include manufacturer, hazards, and identity.
Secondary container labels display hazards (descriptions, icons, etc.).

Labeling: NFPA and DOT

Understanding the NFPA 704 and DOT safety symbols is critical for recognizing chemical hazards and risks.

Fire Safety

Preventing fires is the best approach.
Correctly use fire extinguishers, following the PASS method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
Know when NOT to tackle a fire (e.g., too large, spreading rapidly, blocking escape routes, inadequate PPE).
Immediately leave the area in such situations; contact relevant authorities.
If a person's clothes catch fire, have them STOP, DROP, and ROLL.
Use a blanket or rug to smother flames, if applicable.

Emergency Situations and Actions

Be ready for building alarms, earthquakes, and medical emergencies.
If a criminal act occurs, move to safety and contact relevant authorities.
Handle chemical or radioactive spills/contamination appropriately and contact relevant authorities.
In all cases of emergency, follow safety protocols: ensure you are safe first, then assist others.

How to Handle Laboratory Accidents

Dealing with incidents is just as critical as avoiding them.

Chemical Toxicity

Understand that all substances are potentially harmful; the dosage determines harm.
Recognize the distinction between acute (rapid onset) and chronic (prolonged) toxicity.

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Description

Test your knowledge on chemical safety protocols and personal protective equipment in laboratory settings. This quiz will cover crucial procedures, emergency actions, and safety precautions necessary for maintaining a safe laboratory environment. Prepare to ensure your safety and that of others while working with hazardous materials.