Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a common cause of burns in laboratories?
What is a common cause of burns in laboratories?
- Reagents reacting with each other
- Chemicals and stains catching fire easily (correct)
- Flammable chemicals spontaneously combusting
- Acids and bases mixing together
How can infections occur in laboratories?
How can infections occur in laboratories?
- By inhaling contaminated air in the lab
- By drinking contaminated water from the lab
- By pathogens entering through needle punctures or cuts (correct)
- By touching toxic chemicals without gloves
What is one of the common ways pathogens can be ingested in a laboratory?
What is one of the common ways pathogens can be ingested in a laboratory?
- Handling infected needles without gloves
- Eating food stored in a contaminated refrigerator
- Using contaminated glassware for experiments
- Mouth-pipetting of specimens and cultures (correct)
How should laboratory personnel handle infected needles?
How should laboratory personnel handle infected needles?
What should be done with broken glassware in the lab?
What should be done with broken glassware in the lab?
How can infections occur through mouth-pipetting in laboratories?
How can infections occur through mouth-pipetting in laboratories?
What is a common hazard associated with laboratory centrifuges?
What is a common hazard associated with laboratory centrifuges?
How should reagent bottles be stored in laboratories?
How should reagent bottles be stored in laboratories?
What is a key reason laboratory personnel should be aware of mechanical hazards?
What is a key reason laboratory personnel should be aware of mechanical hazards?
What is a common cause of infection through pathogens in laboratories?
What is a common cause of infection through pathogens in laboratories?
Study Notes
Fire Hazards
- Fire sources include spirit lamps, Bunsen burners, lighted tapers, faulty electrical equipment, and overloaded circuits.
- Laboratory fires can occur near flammable substances like acetone, diethyl ether, methanol, and alcohol-based stains.
- Overheating due to poorly maintained electrical equipment, use of adapters, and inadequate ventilation can trigger fires.
- Worn gas tubing or electrical cables pose additional fire risks.
Chemical Hazards
- All chemicals should be treated as toxic unless proven otherwise.
- Risks involve toxicity, chemical burns, dermatitis, and potential explosions.
- Ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact can lead to toxic symptoms; therefore, eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited in labs.
- Benzene vapors are flammable and can cause chronic health issues; strong acids and bases inflict severe burns.
- Specific carcinogenic chemicals increase the risk of urinary tract tumors.
Highly Poisonous Substances
- Examples of hazardous solids include antimony, beryllium, iodine, cyanides, phenol, and oxalic acid.
- Dangerous liquids encompass substances like Nessler’s reagent, benzene, bromine, and fluorine compounds.
- Toxic gases include hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon monoxide.
Physical Hazards
- Broken glass accounts for over 30% of lab injuries; cuts from such incidents can lead to severe bleeding.
- Cracked or damaged glassware significantly increases injury risk during laboratory work.
Electrical Hazards
- Electric shocks can result from faulty circuits, incorrect equipment installation, and contact with exposed live wires.
Laboratory Safety Protocols
- Implement decontamination procedures to remove pathogenic microorganisms through sterilization or disinfection.
- Asepsis should involve protective techniques like gloves and air filtration systems to maintain a microbe-free environment.
Contributing Factors to Laboratory Accidents
- Poor laboratory design and overcrowding elevate the likelihood of accidents, often stemming from inadequate safety management and care.
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Description
Test your knowledge on laboratory safety hazards including fire risks, corrosive chemicals, cuts from damaged glassware, and harmful effects of toxic chemicals. Be prepared to identify potential risks and practice safe procedures to prevent accidents.
