Safety in the Science Laboratory Quiz

General Safety Rules

• Always obtain teacher’s permission before starting investigations or using lab equipment.
• Understand the procedure and seek clarification on any safety symbols.
• Communicate allergies or health issues to the teacher for safe participation.
• Learn proper equipment use; ask the teacher if uncertain.
• NO food, drinks, or personal grooming allowed in the lab; avoid using lab glassware for food/drink.
• Be aware of the safety shower, eye wash station, fire blanket, and fire alarm locations.

Preventing Accidents

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment: lab gown, goggles, masks, gloves.
• Do NOT use flammable hair products; secure long hair and loose clothing.
• Open-toed shoes or sandals are not permitted in the lab.
• Remove hand and wrist jewelry to prevent snagging on equipment.
• Avoid tasting substances or using your mouth to draw materials.
• Maintain proper behavior; horseplay can lead to accidents.
• Keep your workspace organized and uncluttered.

Laboratory Work Protocol

• Gather all equipment and materials before starting a lab experiment.
• Stay in your designated work area unless instructed otherwise.
• Always angle test tubes away from people while heating or adding substances.
• To smell a substance, waft vapors towards your nose from a safe distance.
• Do NOT substitute chemicals unless specifically instructed by the teacher.
• Do NOT remove any materials or chemicals from the lab.
• Limit access to storage areas to when supervised by the teacher.

Laboratory Cleanup Procedures

• Turn off burners, water, gas, and disconnect electrical devices after use.
• Clean and return all equipment and materials to designated locations.
• Dispose of chemicals per teacher’s instructions; broken glass goes in proper containers.
• Clean your workspace thoroughly.
• Wash hands with soap and water before removing goggles.

Emergency Protocols

• Report all incidents, such as fires or spills, to the teacher immediately.
• In case of clothing fire, STOP, DROP, and ROLL or use a fire blanket/safety shower.
• Turn off gas and evacuate during a fire following established procedures.
• Only the teacher should handle cleanup of spills unless permitted.
• Immediately use eyewash or flush skin/eyes with water if chemical contact occurs.
• Fire extinguisher and first-aid kit use is restricted to the teacher, unless in severe emergencies.
• Only certified personnel should administer first-aid.

Laboratory Apparatus and Their Uses

• Laboratory Apparatus: Essential tools for conducting experiments (e.g., test tubes, pipettes, beakers).
• Test Tube: Holds, mixes, and heats substances during experiments.
• Test Tube Holder: Securely holds test tubes during manipulation.
• Test Tube Rack: Keeps test tubes upright for convenience.
• Beaker: Contains and measures liquids.
• Erlenmeyer Flask: Used for mixing, heating, and storing liquids; ideal for filtration processes.
• Graduated Cylinder: Accurate measurement of liquid volumes.
• Mortar & Pestle: Used for grinding solid chemicals into finer particles.