LAB SAFETY

If a fire ignites in the lab, immediately…

• run for the fire extinguisher

• alert your teacher

• throw water on the fire

• exit the room without saying anything

Answer explanation

Always Alert the teacher.

The teacher needs to know immediately so they can assess how to deal with it.

(fire blanket, fire extinguisher, or simply evacuate and call the fire department)

Which image shows proper use of safety goggles?

• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

they only work if actually covering your eyes.

Always wear them properly when near glassware, heat, and/or chemicals.

Which of the following is prohibited in the lab area?

• wearing safety goggles

• re-reading the directions to be certain about the procedure

• eating and drinking

• communicating with other students

Answer explanation

of course it is eating and drinking.

This could introduce hazardous materials into your body if they become contaminated in the lab area.

Long hair in the laboratory must be

• cut off before lab

• held away from the lab table by one hand and you do lab with the other.

• braided

• tied back securely

Answer explanation

this is true for guys as well as gals. (including the teacher!)

If you don't have a hairtie or hair clips, ask for one.

During a lab experiment...

• the procedure is just a set of suggestions.

  You really can do what you want.

• the procedure should be followed exactly.

• follow some procedure steps exactly, and others you can skip

Answer explanation

the teacher carefully designs the lab procedure for learning and safety.

Stick to it and do not make assumptions or go off script in a chemistry lab.

True or False?

A hot piece of glass looks just like a cold piece of glass.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

glass does not turn red when hot. It looks no different from room temperature glass.

put your hand near, (but not on!), a piece of glassware to determine if it is still hot.

If unsure, assume it is hot and handle using tongs or mitts.

Your group has a lit Bunsen burner at your station.

_______ must remain at the station until it is turned off.

• All group members

• At least one group member

• No group members

Answer explanation

A group member or two might need to step away to get other materials, but AT LEAST 1 MUST STAY to monitor a heat source (hotplate or Bunsen burner) at times.

You are accidentally splashed in the face with an unknown solution and feel some stinging in your eyes. You find that you can't see due to tearing up.

What do you do?

• Try to remember where the Eye Wash Station is and stumble blindly toward it through the lab area.

• Feel your way to the nearest sink faucet and stick your head sideways under it.

• Ask for help to get to the Eye Wash Station

Answer explanation

Always ask for help during an emergency situation.

For at least how long should you flush your eyes with water at the Eye Wash Station if you get chemical in them?

• 30 seconds

• 5 minutes

• 2 minutes

• 15 minutes

Answer explanation

Yes, at least 15 minutes.

A long time perhaps, but your eyesight is worth it.

True or False?

Cellphones are permitted in the lab area.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Cell phones are not permitted in the lab area or during class.

They are not required to complete the lab and therefore unnecessary to have in the lab area.

Only take needed items into the lab area. Do not clutter up the lab or have things that cause distraction.