Laboratory Safety Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of flammable liquids?

They can only ignite in the presence of water.

They are safe to store alongside oxidizers.

They have a flash point below 37.8°C (100°F). (correct)

They must be stored in heat-reactive containers.

Which type of chemical must be stored separately from mineral acids?

Caustics (correct)

Oils

Flammable liquids

Oxidizers

What immediate action should be taken if a chemical spill occurs in the lab?

Assist/evaluate personnel affected by the spill. (correct)

Ignore the spill if it is minor.

Initiate a fire evacuation.

Leave the area immediately.

Which color-coded waste container is used for infectious and pathological waste?

Yellow Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a combustible liquid from a flammable liquid?

A combustible liquid has a higher flash point compared to 37.8°C (100°F). Signup and view all the answers

Which type of substance is classified as carcinogenic?

Substances determined to be cancer-causing agents. Signup and view all the answers

Which chemical class can react violently with water?

Water-reactive substances Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding lab safety procedures is false?

All chemicals should be stored alphabetically without regard to their properties. Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred method for handling specimens during centrifugation to minimize the risk of aerosol exposure?

Allow several minutes to elapse after centrifugation before opening Signup and view all the answers

Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when cleaning up a biological spill?

Lab coat and goggles Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step to take when a spill occurs in the laboratory?

Inform others in the area of the spill Signup and view all the answers

How should you dispose of materials used in a biological spill cleanup?

Appropriate biohazard containers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is recommended for cleaning a spill site after using an absorbent material?

Using a common aqueous detergent followed by disinfectant Signup and view all the answers

What is the CDC requirement related to airborne pathogens in laboratories?

Establish a tuberculosis exposure control program Signup and view all the answers

What must an Exposure Control Plan include for employees working with bloodborne pathogens?

Strategies to minimize occupational exposure Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT recommended when managing a laboratory spill?

Allowing the area to dry before cleaning Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum operating sash height that should be established for a chemical fume hood?

Conspicuously marked Signup and view all the answers

Which type of personal protective equipment is NOT recommended when handling chemical reagents?

Loose-fitting clothing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a requirement for a safety shower in a laboratory?

Must be inspected periodically for proper operation Signup and view all the answers

What factor determines the level of protection offered by a Biosafety Cabinet (BSC)?

The biosafety level of the specific laboratory Signup and view all the answers

How often should face velocity in a fume hood be evaluated?

Periodically Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended travel distance to an eyewash station in areas with chemical exposure hazards?

100 feet or 10 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a characteristic of chemical fume hoods?

Sash must be fully opened during operation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should you do first when donning PPE?

Put on a gown Signup and view all the answers

What should be done during the doffing process after removing gloves?

Remove goggles Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of spill kits in the laboratory?

To manage and contain spills effectively Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chemical Storage Requirements

Chemicals must be organized by class in designated areas separate from routine workspaces.
Flammable liquids and solids, mineral and organic acids, caustics, oxidizers, perchloric acid, water-reactive, air-reactive, heat-reactive, and unstable substances should all be stored separately.

Chemical Safety

Flammable Chemicals: Classified by flash point; flammable (<37.8°C) vs. combustible (≥37.8°C).
Corrosive Chemicals: Can cause severe burns upon contact with skin or eyes; require immediate flushing with water.
Reactive Chemicals: May spontaneously ignite or explode under certain conditions.
Carcinogenic Chemicals: Identified as cancer-causing agents.

Waste Disposal Protocols

Black Containers: For non-infectious dry waste.
Green Containers: For non-infectious wet waste.
Yellow Containers: For infectious and pathological materials.
Yellow with Black Band: For chemical waste or heavy metals.
Orange Containers: For radioactive waste.
Red Containers: For sharps disposal.

Spill Response Procedures

Alert personnel in the vicinity of a spill and wear appropriate protective gear.
Use mechanical devices for sharp objects and absorb spills with absorbent materials.
Clean spills with detergent and disinfectant, rinse with water, and dispose of materials in biohazard containers.

Biologic Safety Protocols

Exposure Control Plans are essential to minimize risks associated with bloodborne pathogens; must be accessible to all employees.
TB exposure control programs are required in laboratories involved in diagnosing or treating TB.

Safety Equipment Regulations

Employers must provide safety equipment such as showers, eyewash stations, and fire extinguishers, with inspections conducted regularly.
Safety showers should deliver 30-50 gallons/minute at specified pressure; eyewash stations must be within 100 feet of hazards.

Biosafety Cabinets

Designed to protect laboratory workers from harmful particles, with varying protection levels based on biosafety needs.
The CDC outlines four biosafety levels corresponding to different laboratory risks.

Chemical Fume Hoods

Essential for containing hazardous chemicals; should never be operated with the sash fully open.
Regular evaluation of hood ventilation is necessary to maintain a face velocity of 100-120 feet per minute.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Required PPE includes safety glasses, goggles, laboratory coats, gloves, and respirators.
Proper donning sequence: gown, mask, goggles, gloves.
Doffing sequence to prevent contamination: gloves first, followed by goggles, mask, gown, and handwashing.

General Biologic Safety Practices

Follow standard precautions for handling blood samples and body fluids, ensuring safe transport and processing.

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Description

Test your knowledge on laboratory safety protocols and chemical storage requirements. This quiz covers essential practices for isolating hazardous substances and ensuring a safe work environment. Ideal for students and professionals in laboratory settings.