Lab Safety Quiz

You may enter the lab if the teacher is not present.

• true

• false

Answer explanation

The statement indicates that entry to the lab is conditional on the teacher's presence. Therefore, if the teacher is not present, entry is not allowed, making the correct answer false.

It is important to wear safety goggles at all times.

• true

• false

Answer explanation

Wearing safety goggles is crucial to protect your eyes from potential hazards such as chemicals, debris, or harmful light. Therefore, the statement is true.

Flammable materials, like alcohol, should never be dispensed or used near

• an open door

• an open flame

• another student

• a sink

Answer explanation

Flammable materials like alcohol should never be used near an open flame, as this poses a significant fire hazard. An open flame can ignite the alcohol, leading to dangerous situations.

Approved eye protection devices (such as goggles) are worn in the laboratory

•  to avoid eye strain

• to improve your vision

• only if you don’t have corrective glasses

•  any time chemicals, heat or glassware are used

Answer explanation

Approved eye protection devices, like goggles, are essential to protect your eyes from potential hazards such as chemicals, heat, or glassware in the laboratory. Therefore, they should be worn any time these risks are present.

If you wear contact lenses in the school laboratory

• take them out before starting the lab

• you do not have to wear protective goggles

•  advise your science instructor that you wear contact lenses

•  keep the information to yourself

Answer explanation

Advising your science instructor that you wear contact lenses is crucial for safety. They can provide appropriate guidance and ensure you have the necessary protective measures in place during the lab.

 If you do not understand a direction or part of a lab procedure, you should 

• skip it and go on to the next part.

• ask the instructor before proceeding

• try several methods until something works

• figure it out as you do the lab

Answer explanation

If you do not understand a direction or part of a lab procedure, the best course of action is to ask the instructor before proceeding. This ensures safety and clarity, rather than risking mistakes by guessing.

After completing an experiment, all chemical wastes should be

• taken home

• dumped in the sink

• disposed of according to your instructor’s/teacher's directions

• left at your lab station for the next class

Answer explanation

Chemical wastes must be disposed of according to your instructor’s/teacher's directions to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Other options can lead to hazardous situations.

You are heating a substance in a test tube. Always point the open end of the tube

• away from all people

• toward another classmate

• toward your lab partner

• toward yourself

Answer explanation

Always point the open end of the test tube away from all people to prevent accidents or injuries from hot substances or splashes. This ensures safety for everyone in the vicinity.

You are heating a piece of glass and now want to pick it up. You should 

• pour cold water on it

• use tongs

• pick up the end that looks cooler

• use a rag or paper towels

Answer explanation

Using tongs is the safest way to pick up heated glass, as it prevents burns and allows for a secure grip. Other options, like pouring cold water or using a rag, can be dangerous or ineffective.

You have been injured in the laboratory (cut, burn, etc.). First you should

• apply first aid yourself

• tell the science instructor at once

• see a doctor after school

• visit the school nurse after class

Answer explanation

In case of an injury in the laboratory, the first step is to tell the science instructor at once. They are trained to handle such situations and can provide immediate assistance and ensure proper care.