lab safety essay questions

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Lab Safety Quiz PDF and Answers

Here is a quick 10-question multiple choice lab safety quiz that tests how well you understand safe procedures in the science lab. Download and print the PDF quiz or just take the quiz right here and check your answers. The answers and explanations are below the quiz.

Lab Safety Quiz

Select the best answer to each question:

(1) Eyeglasses and sunglasses are as protective as:

A. safety glasses B. fume hood shield C. chemical goggles D. none of the above

(2) If a fire starts in the laboratory:

A. open all the windows B. notify the instructor C. throw water on it D. run to the fire extinguisher

(3) Before using glassware:

A. inspect it for damage B. wash and dry it C. know how to use it D. all of the above

(4) If acid splashes onto your skin, immediately apply:

A. oil or lotion B. soap C. a strong base D. lots of water

(5) If you break a test tube and spill a chemical:

A. Use a paper towel to mop of the spill and collect the glass and throw the mess away. B. Use a paper towel for clean-up, but be sure to throw away the glass in the sharps bin. C. Collect the glass and throw it in the sharps bin and let the spill air-dry. D. Warn others of the spill and go tell the instructor.

(6) When heating substances:

A. never heat sealed containers B. use tongs and insulated gloves C. point the opening away from people D. all of the above

(7) If you get injured in lab:

A. apply first aid to yourself B. notify the instructor at once C. get treated after class

(8) If you wear contact lenses:

A. keep it to yourself B. inform your instructor C. you don’t need to wear safety goggles D. take them out before lab

(9) To pick up hot glassware:

A. first cool it with cold water B. use a paper towel for insulation C. use tongs D. pick it up by the part that looks cool

(10) To insert fire polished glass tubing into a stopper:

A. Lubricate the glass with glycerin or water. B. Protect your hands with gloves or a towel. C. Carefully twist the tubing and stopper. D. All of the above.

Review the Lab Safety Rules

Before you set foot into the laboratory, make sure you know the important lab safety rules.

Safety Quiz Answers and Explanations

Regular glasses generally don’t protect the sides of your eyes and aren’t necessarily resistant to chemicals. Also, they aren’t usually impact-resistant. That being said, they offer more protection than wearing no eyewear at all.

Opening all the windows is a bad plan because it feeds the fire with oxygen . Similarly, adding water (H2O) feeds certain types of fires. Alternatively, water may cause a chemical reaction or spread chemicals. While using the correct type of fire extinguisher is a plan, definitely don’t run to get it. The best option is notifying the instructor.

Glassware that has cracks or chips often breaks during an experiment. Using items that aren’t clean contaminates the experiment, sometimes with dire consequences. Similarly, make sure glassware is dry because some chemicals don’t play nicely with water. Finally, if you don’t know how to use a piece of glassware, you increase the risk of an accident or ruined experiment.

Applying oil or lotion just traps the acid onto the skin. Soap and other bases do neutralize acids. However, the reaction between an acid and a base is exothermic . In other words, applying a base immediately increases the risk of adding a thermal burn to your chemical burn. First, rinse the acid with plenty of water. Then, neutralize any remaining acid with soapy water or a bit of baking soda or other weak base. Don’t use a strong base because it causes a chemical burn, just like the acid.

Labs have rules about how you dispose of chemicals and sharp objects. There are also rules about reporting accidents. So, the first action you take is warning your neighbors about the accident. Then, tell your instructor. Paper towels are not always the go-to means of mopping up a spill because some chemicals react with cellulose in paper and start a fire. How the spill gets cleaned up and what happens to the chemicals and the broken glass depends on the situation and your lab’s policies.

Most substances expand upon heating, so heating a sealed container risks an explosive outcome. Don’t handle hot containers using your hands. Never point the open end of a hot container toward yourself or another person because of the risk of releasing hot material. Even if no solid or liquid escapes, the vapor pressure sends fumes in that direction.

Immediately reporting injuries, even if they are minor, is important. Then, get first aid. Yes, injuring yourself in the lab is embarrassing, but don’t make light of it, cover it up, or delay treatment.

Your instructor needs to know whether or not you wear contacts. Contacts are fine in some labs, but they are a bad plan in a chemistry wet lab or a microbiology lab because they trap chemicals or microorganisms. Taking out your contacts before lab is a good option, but only if you have glasses and are used to wearing them. Walking around the lab blindly is not safe.

Never set hot glassware on a cold counter or douse it with cold water because it could shatter. Paper towels are not great insulators and may even catch fire. Touching glass to see if it’s cool isn’t smart, especially since you can use tongs and avoid the risk of a burn.

Pushing glass tubing through your hand leaves a nasty permanent scar. Breaking the tubing and slashing yourself isn’t much better. Work slowly and gently. Don’t force the tubing. If it won’t fit, the hole in the stopper might be too small. This is a surprisingly common accident!

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Lab Safety Rules and Guidelines

A comprehensive round-up of common lab safety rules as well as frquently asked questions about lab safety to help you develop or update a set of policies for your own lab.

Jonathan Klane, M.S.Ed., CIH, CSP, CHMM, CIT, is senior safety editor for  Lab Manager . His EHS and risk career spans more than three decades in various roles as a...

Rules, rules, rules. Labs need rules to operate well. Below, we focus on the rules specific to safety, hazards, and risks in labs. There are so many that you need to sort them by hazard types (like chemical hygiene, laser safety, or dress codes, for example). 

Guidelines are also in plentiful supply when it comes to lab safety. But what’s the difference between a rule and a guideline?  A rule is a mandatory must and a guideline is a voluntary should. Rules are often based on external regulatory requirements or internal policies. Guidelines are often in addition to the requirements and promote best practices . When it comes to lab risks, survival is usually based on those best practices.

This comprehensive list can be used as an informative resource for your lab teams. So, review these lab safety rules and guidelines and share them with your lab folks. They just might save a life. 

General lab safety rules

The following are rules that relate to almost every laboratory and should be included in most safety policies. They cover what you should know in the event of an emergency, proper signage , lab safety equipment, safely using laboratory equipment, and basic common-sense rules. 

• Be sure to read all fire alarm and lab safety symbols  and signs and follow the instructions in the event of an accident or emergency. 
• Ensure you are fully aware of your facility's/building's evacuation procedures.
•  Make sure you know where your lab's safety equipment—including first aid kit(s), fire extinguishers, eye wash stations, and safety showers—is located and how to properly use it. 
• Know emergency phone numbers to use to call for help in case of an emergency. 
• Lab areas containing carcinogens, radioisotopes, biohazards, and lasers should be properly marked with the appropriate warning signs. 
• Open flames should never be used in the laboratory unless you have permission from a qualified supervisor. 
• Make sure you are aware of where your lab's exits and fire alarms are located. 
• An area of 36" diameter must be kept clear at all times around all fire sprinkler heads. 
• If there is a fire drill, be sure to turn off all electrical equipment and close all containers.
• Always work in properly-ventilated areas. 
• Do not chew gum, drink, eat, or apply lip balm or cosmetics while working in the lab. 
• Laboratory glassware should never be used as food or beverage containers. 
• Each time you use glassware, be sure to check it for chips and cracks. Notify your lab supervisor of any damaged glassware so it can be properly disposed of or recycled.
• Never use lab equipment that you are not approved or trained by your supervisor to operate. 
• If an instrument or piece of equipment fails during use, or isn't operating properly, report the issue to a technician right away. Never try to repair an equipment problem on your own.
• If you are the last person to leave the lab, make sure to lock all the doors and turn off all ignition sources.
• Do not work alone in the lab.
• Never leave an ongoing experiment unattended. 
• Never lift any glassware, solutions, or other types of apparatus above eye level. 
• Never purposefully smell or taste chemicals. 
• Do not pipette by mouth. 
• Make sure you always follow the proper lab safety procedures for disposing of lab waste.
• Report all injuries, accidents, and broken equipment or glass right away, even if the incident seems small or unimportant.
• If you have been injured, yell out immediately and as loud as you can to ensure you get help.
• In the event of a chemical splashing into your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush the affected area(s) with running water for at least 20 minutes.
• If you notice any unsafe lab conditions , let your supervisor know as soon as possible.

Housekeeping safety rules

Laboratory housekeeping rules also apply to most facilities and deal with the basic upkeep, tidiness, and maintenance of a safe laboratory. 

• Always keep your work area(s) tidy and clean. 
• Make sure that all lab safety equipment , like eyewash stations, emergency showers, fire extinguishers, and exits are always unobstructed and accessible. 
• Only materials you require for your work should be kept in your work area. Everything else should be stored safely out of the way.
• Only lightweight items should be stored on top of cabinets; heavier items should always be kept at waist height to avoid bending and lifting.
• Solids should always be kept out of the laboratory sink. 
• Any equipment that requires air flow or ventilation to prevent overheating should always be kept clear. 

Dress code safety rules  

As you’d expect, laboratory dress codes set a clear policy for the clothing employees should avoid wearing to prevent accidents or injuries in the lab. For example, skirts and shorts might be nice for enjoying the warm weather outside, but quickly become a liability in the lab where skin can be exposed to heat or dangerous chemicals. 

• Always tie back hair that is chin-length or longer and as needed.
• Make sure that loose clothing or dangling jewelry is removed, or avoid wearing it in the first place. 
• Never wear sandals or other open-toed shoes in the lab. Footwear must always cover the foot completely. 
• Never wear shorts or skirts in the lab.
• When working with Bunsen burners, lighted splints, matches, etc., acrylic nails are not allowed.

Personal protection safety rules

Unlike laboratory dress code policies, rules for personal protection cover what employees must be wearing in the lab to protect themselves from various lab hazards, as well as basic hygiene rules to follow to avoid any sort of contamination.

• When working with equipment, hazardous materials, glassware, heat, and/or chemicals, always wear  safety glasses or goggles, and additionally use a face shield as needed.
• When handling any toxic or hazardous agent, always wear the appropriate gloves that resist the specific chemicals you’re working with.
• When performing laboratory experiments, you must always wear a lab coat.
• Before leaving the lab or eating, always wash your hands.
• After performing an experiment, you should always wash your hands with soap and water. 
• When using lab equipment and chemicals, be sure to keep your hands away from your body, mouth, eyes, face, and items you’ll handle after removing your gloves (e.g., your phone, laptop).

Chemical safety rules

Since almost every lab uses chemicals of some sort, chemical lab safety rules are a must. Following these policies helps employees avoid spills and other accidents, as well as damage to the environment outside of the lab. These rules also set a clear procedure for employees to follow in the event that a spill does occur to ensure it is cleaned up properly and injuries are avoided. 

• Every chemical should be treated as though it were dangerous.
• Do not allow any solvent to come into contact with your skin. 
• All chemicals should always be clearly labeled with the name of the substance, its concentration, the date it was received, and the name of the person responsible for it.
• Before removing any of the contents from a chemical bottle, read the label twice.
• Never take more chemicals from a bottle than you need for your work. 
• Do not put unused chemicals back into their original container. 
• Chemicals or other materials should never be taken out of the laboratory. 
• Chemicals should never be mixed in sink drains. 
• Flammable and volatile chemicals should only be used in a fume hood. 
• If a chemical spill occurs, clean it up right away.
• Ensure that all chemical waste is disposed of properly. 

Chemistry lab safety rules

As chemistry labs are one of the most common types, these basic chemistry lab safety rules are relevant to many scientists, dealing with the safe performance of common activities and tasks in the average chemistry lab: 

• Before you start an experiment, make sure you are fully aware of the hazards of the materials you'll be using.  
• When refluxing, distilling, or transferring volatile liquids, always exercise extreme caution.  
• Use smaller amounts and containers as able. When transferring a solvent, ensure proper bonding and grounding. Make sure that containers are always labeled appropriately.  
• Never pour chemicals that have been used back into the stock container.   
• Never tap flasks that are under vacuum.   
• Chemicals should never be mixed, measured, or heated in front of your face.  
• Water should not be poured into concentrated acid. Instead, pour acid slowly into water while stirring constantly. In many cases, mixing acid with water is exothermic. Remember the saying, “Add acid to water, just like you oughta.” 

Electrical safety rules

Like almost every other workplace, laboratories contain electronic equipment. Electrical lab safety rules help prevent the misuse of electronic instruments, electric shocks, and other injuries, and ensure that any damaged equipment, cords, or plugs are reported to the appropriate authorities so they can be repaired or replaced. 

• Before using any high voltage equipment (voltages above 50Vrms ac and 50V dc) or high amperage current, make sure you get permission from your lab supervisor. 
• High voltage equipment should never be changed or modified in any way. 
• Always turn off a high voltage power supply when you are attaching it.
• Use only one hand if you need to adjust any high voltage equipment.  It's safest to place your other hand either behind your back or in a pocket.
• Make sure all electrical panels are unobstructed and easily accessible. 
• Whenever you can, avoid using extension cords.

Laser safety rules

Perhaps not as common as some of the other lab safety rules listed here, many laboratories do use lasers and it’s important to follow some key rules of thumb to prevent injuries. In particular, lab safety accidents due to reflection are something that many employees may not think about. A clear set of lab safety rules for the use of lasers is essential to ensure that everyone is aware of all hazards and that the appropriate personal protective equipment is worn at all times. 

• Even if you are certain that a laser beam is "eye" safe or low power, you should never look into it.
• Always wear the appropriate goggles in areas of the lab where lasers are present. The most common laser injuries are those caused by scattered laser light reflecting either off the shiny surface of optical tables, the sides of mirrors, or off of mountings. Use laser curtains and signs. Goggles rated for that laser and frequency will help you avoid damage from such scattered light.
• You should never keep your head at the same level as the laser beam.
• Always keep the laser beam at or below chest level. 
• Laser beams should never be allowed to spread into the lab. Beam stops should always be used to intercept laser beams.
• Do not walk through laser beams.

Lab safety: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the most important lab safety rule?

A:  The most important lab safety rule is “Always perform a risk assessment”—it trumps all other science safety rules. Risk assessing is the key to all aspects of lab rules and safety. If you always assess risk, you should be successful in minimizing or even eliminating any bad or unexpected outcomes. 

Q: What PPE is needed in the laboratory?

A:  PPE in science labs should always include safety glasses or goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and a lab coat. Other PPE may be needed depending on the hazards and risks in the lab. With PPE, you also need proper lab safety attire—covered from the neck down—no bare arms, legs, or toes.

Q: What is the first step in lab safety?

A:  The first step in lab safety is to recognize and respect the hazards and risks. Once you accept the realities of the safety issues, the rest should come naturally. You start to look at the chemicals, equipment, processes, experiments, and controls in a new and more productive way. Open your eyes, then open your mind. 

Q: Who is responsible for lab safety?

A:  You are, the PI or teacher is, your classmates or other researchers are, EHS is, risk management is, institutional or organizational leadership is, and I am.  We all are. It must be a group ethos, part of a true culture of lab safety, where we all care about each other’s safety and openly discuss risk. Without positive group norms and behaviors, we are lost, and risk is ever-present. 

Q: What are the legal aspects for consideration when it comes to lab safety?

A:  In the US, the standard is “do what a reasonable and prudent person would do to not cause harm.” That is the standard language for negligence, and no one wants to be negligent and cause harm. It’s purposefully an open-ended, performance-based standard of care. As part of this, we have a “duty to warn”—thus the need for signs, labels, training, and effective risk communication.

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Introduction

Accidents happen, but we try to avoid them when we can! Lab safety is a topic covered in science every single year, and students will explore whether or not it is important to follow safety procedures in the lab.

Learning Objective

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.1

• WALT write a persuasive argument on why it is important to follow lab safety procedures.

For the full writing prompt, download the PDF.

Download Full Writing Prompt: Lab Safety

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The 10 Most Important Lab Safety Rules

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The science lab is an inherently dangerous place, with fire hazards, dangerous chemicals, and risky procedures. No one wants to have an accident in the lab, so it's imperative to follow lab safety rules. 

Key rules include following all instructions carefully, knowing the location and proper use of safety equipment, and dressing appropriately for lab work. These precautions help ensure a safer environment and minimize the risk of accidents. Here are the most important lab safety rules and why you must follow them.

The Most Important Lab Safety Rule

Follow the instructions. Whether it's listening to your instructor or lab supervisor or following a procedure in a book, it's critical to listen, pay attention, and be familiar with all the steps, from start to finish, before you begin. If you are unclear about any point or have questions, get them answered before starting, even if it's a question about a step later on in the protocol. Know how to use all of the lab equipment before you begin.

Why is this the most important rule? If you don't follow it:

• You endanger yourself and others in the lab.
• You could easily ruin your experiment.
• You put the lab at risk of an accident, which could damage equipment as well as harm people.
• You could get suspended (if you're a student) or fired (if you're a researcher).

Know the Location of Safety Equipment

In the event something goes wrong, it's important to know the location of the safety equipment and how to use it. It's a good idea to periodically check equipment to make sure it is in working order. For example, does water actually come out of the safety shower? Does the water in the eye wash look clean?

Not sure where safety equipment is located? Review lab safety signs and look for them before starting an experiment.

Dress for the Lab

Dress for the lab. This is a safety rule because your clothing is one of your best forms of protection against an accident. For any science lab, wear covered shoes and long pants, and keep your hair up so it can't fall into your experiment or a flame.

Make sure you wear protective gear , as needed. Basics include a lab coat and safety goggles. You may also need gloves, hearing protection, and other items, depending on the nature of the experiment.

Don't Eat or Drink in the Laboratory

Save your snacking for the office, not the lab. Don't eat or drink in the science laboratory. Don't store your food or beverages in the same refrigerator that contains experiments, chemicals, or cultures.

• There is too much risk of contaminating your food. You could touch it with a hand that is coated with chemicals or pathogens or set it down on a lab bench that has residue from past experiments.
• Having drinks in the lab risks your experiment, too. You could spill a drink on your research or lab notebook.
• Eating and drinking in the lab is a form of distraction. If you are eating, you aren't concentrating on your work.
• If you're used to drinking liquids in the lab, you might accidentally reach for and drink the wrong liquid. This is especially true if you did not label your glassware or used lab glassware as dishes.

Don't Taste or Sniff Chemicals

Not only should you not bring in food or drinks, but you shouldn't taste or smell chemicals or biological cultures already in the lab. Tasting or smelling some chemicals can be dangerous or even deadly. The best way to know what's in a container is to label it, so get in the habit of making a label for glassware before adding the chemical.

Don't Play Mad Scientist in the Laboratory

Another important safety rule is to act responsibly in the lab; don't play Mad Scientist, randomly mixing chemicals to see what happens. The result could be an explosion, fire, or release of toxic gases .

Similarly, the laboratory is not the place for horseplay. You could break glassware, annoy others, and potentially cause an accident.

Dispose of Lab Waste Properly

Matthias Tunger/Getty Images

Another important laboratory safety rule is to know what to do with your experiment when it's over. Before you start an experiment, you should know what to do at the end. Don't leave your mess for the next person to clean up.

Here are some questions to consider:

• Are the chemicals safe to dump down the drain? If not, what do you do with them?
• If you have biological cultures, is it safe to clean up with soap and water or do you need an autoclave to kill dangerous organisms?
• Do you have broken glass or needles? Know the protocol for disposing of chemical sharps.

Know What to Do With Lab Accidents

 Getty Images/Oliver Sun Kim

Accidents happen, but you can do your best to prevent them and have a plan to follow when they occur. Most laboratories have a plan to follow in the event of an accident.

One particularly important safety rule is to tell a supervisor if and when an accident occurs . Don't lie about it or try to cover it up. If you get cut, exposed to a chemical, or bitten by a lab animal, or if you spill something, there could be consequences, and the danger isn't necessarily only to you. If you don't get the proper care, sometimes you could expose others to a toxin or pathogen. Also, if you don't admit to an accident, you could get your lab in a lot of trouble.

Leave Experiments at the Lab

Getty Images/G Robert Bishop

It's important, for your safety and the safety of others, to leave your experiment at the lab. Don't take it home with you. You could cause a spill, lose a specimen, or have an accident. This is how science fiction movies start. In real life, you can hurt someone, cause a fire, or lose your lab privileges.

While you should leave lab experiments at the lab, if you want to do science at home, there are many safe science experiments you can try.

Don't Experiment on Yourself

The premise of many a science fiction movie starts with a scientist conducting an experiment on him or herself. However, you won't gain superpowers or discover the secret to eternal youth. More than likely, whatever you accomplish will be at great personal risk.

Science means using the scientific method . You need data on multiple subjects to draw conclusions, but using yourself as a subject and self-experimenting is dangerous, not to mention bad science.

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Chemistry Laboratory Safety Questions, Essay Example

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One of the unsafe actions taken in the picture is that Bob is touching broken glass. This is dangerous because it can break skin. He should instead use gloves to avoid contact, in addition to a broom and a dust pan to remove the glass. A second unsafe occurrence in the picture is that Joe is drinking an unknown liquid. Clear liquids are not always water, so there should be no eating or drinking of any kind in the laboratory to prevent health concerns. Sue’s hair is not in a ponytail, and it is likely that her hair will catch fire.

Three proper behaviors include Tina turning the test tube away from her while it’s over a flame, Carl is wearing goggles while he is working with a chemical, and John is cleaning the laboratory materials after use.

In order to properly clean the glass spill, Bob should first alert his teacher of the glass breakage. Then, he should put on gloves and sweep the glass into a dust pan. The surrounding area should be swept as well to ensure that all shards are removed from the floor.

It is important to ensure that all loose items are secured in the lab. If Sue doesn’t wish to have her hair cut short, she should ensure to wear a ponytail to lab. To ensure that she doesn’t forget, it would be useful for her to generally wear one on her wrist at all times.

Luke is following the rules because he is looking through the microscope with one eye open at his bench. Duke is not following the rules, and is at risk for becoming blind. When the light from the sun hits the microscope mirror, the light that is reflected will be damagingly bright.

Three things in the lab that should not be there include chips, a pair of scissors stuck in the socket, and a mirror. There should be no food in the lab, scissors conduct electricity and could cause someone to be electrocuted, and there should be no fooling around so Betty should leave her mirror at home.

Carl is doing it the correct way because he is clearly working on the given instructions and is wearing the proper protection equipment. On the other hand, Joe is not doing the experiment and is drinking the substance. In addition, Joe is not wearing safety goggles.

Ray and Tim will be asked to leave the classroom for engaging in horseplay. Not only are they hurting each other, they have the potential for hurting other classmates if the disruptive behavior continues.

Three items in the illustration that are there for the safety of the students in the lab include the eye wash station, the safety blanket, and the fire extinguisher.

Betty is not paying attention to the work that she should be doing and is being distracted by the mirror. This could lead to her getting hurt. This is made worse by the fact that she seems to be applying makeup; if chemicals had fallen on the makeup, she would then be applying them to her face, which could potentially cause a severe chemical burn.

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Lab Safety Practice Test Quiz

Start your scientific journey with our engaging "Lab Safety Quiz." This informative platform has been designed to boost your knowledge of proper laboratory procedures and ensure a secure environment. Delve into the world of protective gear, chemical handling, and hazard identification with each question. Prepare to be challenged and intrigued, as this isn't your typical trivia. So, are you ready to tackle the world of science in the safest way possible? Take the final leap with our "Lab Safety Test," an indispensable tool for every aspiring scientist seeking to combine exploration with safety!

Lab Safety Practice Questions and Answers

You have accidentally broken a test tube and spilled a chemical on the table. which of the following best explains what you should do.

Inform the instructor and lab assistant. Use water and paper towels to clean up the spill; place the broken test tube in the disposal container specified by the teacher for sharp objects.

Throw the glass into the nearest trash bin and let the spill air-dry rather than letting anyone know. 

Quickly dispose of the glass, wipe up the spill with the nearest cloth, and hope nobody notices.

Caution your lab partners to avoid the area while you dispose of the glass. 

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What is the purpose of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in a laboratory?

To show laboratory authority

To protect against potential hazards 

To maintain hygiene 

For aesthetic appeal 

 What is something that you must remember while working with heat or burners? 

Never heat closed containers.

Keep it away from you and your classmates.

Use clamps when you need to hold the container.

All of the above.

What is the appropriate way to smell a chemical in the lab? 

Use the "wafting" technique 

Directly inhale the scent

Pour a little chemical on your hand and then smell 

Ask a colleague to smell it for you

What should you ensure when you are the last person leaving the lab? 

All equipment is turned off, and the area is clean. 

All the lights are turned off.

The lab door is locked.

All your personal items are taken with you. 

If a fire starts in a lab, what should you NOT  do?

Use a fire extinguisher if safe and trained to do so

Pull the fire alarm

Evacuate the lab immediately 

Try to put out the fire with water, regardless of the source

Why should you not eat, drink, or apply cosmetics in a lab? 

Because you might spill something.

Because it's unprofessional 

To avoid distracting others 

To avoid potential ingestion or contact with harmful substances 

You're working with a Bunsen burner, and your lab partner's sleeve catches fire. You alert the instructor or lab assistant. What should be the right course of action now?

 Pour water over your lab partner's sleeve.

Smother the flame using a fire blanket.

Try to beat the fire out with your hand.

Leave the lab immediately and call for help.

What should you do if a beaker of an unknown liquid has no label? 

Taste it to determine what it is

Smell it to identify the substance 

Treat it as potentially hazardous and notify the lab supervisor

Ask a lab partner to identify it

When diluting a strong acid, you should:

Add water to acid

It doesn't matter, the order of addition doesn't affect the reaction 

Neither one, acids should never be diluted 

Add acid to water

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29 lab safety quiz questions and answers: careful.

Working in laboratories requires many important responsibilities. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or a researcher, it is important to handle chemicals and devices carefully to prevent injuries or accidents. Check out the following 29 trivia lab safety quiz questions and answers to see how well you know about them.

Lab Safety Quiz Questions And Answers

1. What should you do after working with biological specimens, chemicals, and lab substances?

A. Wipe both hands with a towel

B. Wash both hands with water and soap

C. Treat both hands with skin lotion

2. When an acid comes in contact with your skin, you should immediately wash it with what?

3. the skull and crossbones symbol is used for which type of hazard in a lab.

A. Biohazardous infection materials

B. Skin irritation or corrosion

C. Acute toxicity

4. Which of the following is a true statement?

A. Avoid wearing contact lenses in the lab, particularly when dealing with chemicals

B. Earphones can be worn as long as you are careful

C. Dangling and dazzling jewellery is acceptable in the lab

5. Which of the following is the best footwear to use in the lab?

A. Closed-toed shoes

B. Open-toed shoes

6. Which is the right way to look at what is inside a test tube?

A. To look from the bottom

B. To look from an aerial view

C. To look from the side

7. What is used to support and hold a lab crucible?

A. A pipestem triangle

B. A stirring rod

C. An evaporating dish

8. All of the following terms can be used to describe hazardous waste, EXCEPT:

A. Toxicity

B. Corrosivity

C. Enzymatic

9. Where should test tubes be facing when you are heating them?

A. Towards the floor

B. Away from you and other people

C. Towards other people

10. Why we should not add water to a solution containing concentrated acids?

A. Acid would splatter

B. Acid would go bad

C. Acid would change colour

11. What is the proper way to deal with a minor burn on your skin?

A. To apply burn cream

B. To dip your burned area into cold water

C. To wash with water and soap

12. What is the right way to mix water and acid?

A. Slowly add water into acid while stirring the solution

B. Slowly add acid into the water while stirring the solution

C. Add acid into water and shake the solution

13. Where should you never use or dispense flammable materials?

B. An open door

C. A heat source

14. What is the main purpose of wearing goggles and other eye protection devices?

A. To prevent glassware, heat, or chemicals from coming in contact with your eyes

B. To reduce eye strain

C. To improve vision

15. After heating a glass tube, what should you use to pick it up?

A. Pour cold water and use your hands

B. Use tongs

C. Use paper towels

16. What should you do when a chemical comes in contact with your eyes?

A. Put on an eye patch

B. Clean out chemicals with eye drops

C. Wash your eyes thoroughly with water from the fountain

17. What is the right way to smell chemicals inside a tube?

A. Put our nose above the tube

B. Create a fan motion to sweep the fumes to your nose

C. Put your nose to the side of the tube

18. Liquids can be heated safely in which of the following tools?

A. A beaker

B. A wire gauze

C. A funnel

19. What does “MT” mean on a piece of glassware?

A. It is broken

B. It is empty

C. It should be cleaned before each use

20. Which of the following chemicals can be used to neutralise spilt acid on the floor?

A. Potassium chlorate

B. Sodium hydrogen carbonate

C. Nitroparaffin

21. Wearing a fume hood in the lab can help protect you from which of the following factors?

B. Bacteria

C. Toxic volatiles

22. Which of the following is a common feature of all biosafety cabinets?

A. HEPA filtration

B. Inflow velocity of 100 ft/min

C. Ensure environmental protection

23. How should hazardous materials be stored?

A. On the floor

B. Below eye level

C. In the sink

24. Which of the following substances can be poured safely down the drain?

B. Halogenated hydrocarbons

C. Water-reactive materials

25. Which kind of gloves should you wear in a lab?

A. Nitrile gloves

B. Latex gloves

C. Depending on the handled chemicals

26. Exposure to carcinogens in laboratory may increase the risk of which disease?

A. Kidney diseases

B. Mental diseases

27. What does the word PPE stand for?

A. Personal Protective Equipment

B. Partial Protection Equipment

C. Private Protective Equipment

28. Which of the following is the most common hazard in general lab settings?

A. Electrocutions

C. Exposure to toxins

29. What are the typical colours of warning signs in the lab?

A. Black and red

B. Black and yellow

C. Grey and orange

We hope these lab safety quiz questions and answers give you some useful tips to reduce the risks of accidents when working in school projects or research. The key is to be careful and stick to the rules. If you want to learn more, check out the following basic chemistry quiz .

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Health Effects of Vaping

At a glance.

Learn more about the health effects of vaping.

• No tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, are safe.
• Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and is a health danger for pregnant people, developing fetuses, and youth. 1
• Aerosol from e-cigarettes can also contain harmful and potentially harmful substances. These include cancer-causing chemicals and tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into lungs. 1
• E-cigarettes should not be used by youth, young adults, or people who are pregnant. E-cigarettes may have the potential to benefit adults who smoke and are not pregnant if used as a complete substitute for all smoked tobacco products. 2 3 4
• Scientists still have a lot to learn about the short- and long-term health effects of using e-cigarettes.

Most e-cigarettes, or vapes, contain nicotine, which has known adverse health effects. 1

• Nicotine is highly addictive. 1
• Nicotine is toxic to developing fetuses and is a health danger for pregnant people. 1
• Acute nicotine exposure can be toxic. Children and adults have been poisoned by swallowing, breathing, or absorbing vaping liquid through their skin or eyes. More than 80% of calls to U.S. poison control centers for e-cigarettes are for children less than 5 years old. 5

Nicotine poses unique dangers to youth because their brains are still developing.

• Nicotine can harm brain development which continues until about age 25. 1
• Youth can start showing signs of nicotine addiction quickly, sometimes before the start of regular or daily use. 1
• Using nicotine during adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. 1
• Adolescents who use nicotine may be at increased risk for future addiction to other drugs. 1 6
• Youth who vape may also be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future. 7 8 9 10 11 12

Other potential harms of e-cigarettes

E-cigarette aerosol can contain substances that can be harmful or potentially harmful to the body. These include: 1

• Nicotine, a highly addictive chemical that can harm adolescent brain development
• Cancer-causing chemicals
• Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead
• Tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
• Volatile organic compounds
• Flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease. Some flavorings used in e-cigarettes may be safe to eat but not to inhale because the lungs process substances differently than the gut.

E-cigarette aerosol generally contains fewer harmful chemicals than the deadly mix of 7,000 chemicals in smoke from cigarettes. 7 13 14 However, this does not make e-cigarettes safe. Scientists are still learning about the immediate and long-term health effects of using e-cigarettes.

Dual use refers to the use of both e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes. Dual use is not an effective way to safeguard health. It may result in greater exposure to toxins and worse respiratory health outcomes than using either product alone. 2 3 4 15

Some people who use e-cigarettes have experienced seizures. Most reports to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA ) have involved youth or young adults. 16 17

E-cigarettes can cause unintended injuries. Defective e-cigarette batteries have caused fires and explosions, some of which have resulted in serious injuries. Most explosions happened when the batteries were being charged.

Anyone can report health or safety issues with tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, through the FDA Safety Reporting Portal .

Health effects of vaping for pregnant people

The use of any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes, is not safe during pregnancy. 1 14 Scientists are still learning about the health effects of vaping on pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. Here's what we know now:

• Most e-cigarettes, or vapes, contain nicotine—the addictive substance in cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products. 18
• Nicotine is a health danger for pregnant people and is toxic to developing fetuses. 1 14
• Nicotine can damage a fetus's developing brain and lungs. 13
• E-cigarette use during pregnancy has been associated with low birth weight and pre-term birth. 19 20

Nicotine addiction and withdrawal

Nicotine is the main addictive substance in tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. With repeated use, a person's brain gets used to having nicotine. This can make them think they need nicotine just to feel okay. This is part of nicotine addiction.

Signs of nicotine addiction include craving nicotine, being unable to stop using it, and developing a tolerance (needing to use more to feel the same). Nicotine addiction can also affect relationships with family and friends and performance in school, at work, or other activities.

When someone addicted to nicotine stops using it, their body and brain have to adjust. This can result in temporary symptoms of nicotine withdrawal which may include:

• Feeling irritable, jumpy, restless, or anxious
• Feeling sad or down
• Having trouble sleeping
• Having a hard time concentrating
• Feeling hungry
• Craving nicotine

Withdrawal symptoms fade over time as the brain gets used to not having nicotine.

Nicotine addiction and mental health

Nicotine addiction can harm mental health and be a source of stress. 21 22 23 24 More research is needed to understand the connection between vaping and mental health, but studies show people who quit smoking cigarettes experience: 25

• Lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress
• Improved positive mood and quality of life

Mental health is a growing concern among youth. 26 27 Youth vaping and cigarette use are associated with mental health symptoms such as depression. 22 28

The most common reason middle and high school students give for currently using e-cigarettes is, "I am feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed." 29 Nicotine addiction or withdrawal can contribute to these feelings or make them worse. Youth may use tobacco products to relieve their symptoms, which can lead to a cycle of nicotine addiction.

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2016. Accessed Feb 14, 2024.
• Goniewicz ML, Smith DM, Edwards KC, et al. Comparison of nicotine and toxicant exposure in users of electronic cigarettes and combustible cigarettes . JAMA Netw Open. 2018;1(8):e185937.
• Reddy KP, Schwamm E, Kalkhoran S, et al. Respiratory symptom incidence among people using electronic cigarettes, combustible tobacco, or both . Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2021;204(2):231–234.
• Smith DM, Christensen C, van Bemmel D, et al. Exposure to nicotine and toxicants among dual users of tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes: Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, 2013-2014 . Nicotine Tob Res. 2021;23(5):790–797.
• Tashakkori NA, Rostron BL, Christensen CH, Cullen KA. Notes from the field: e-cigarette–associated cases reported to poison centers — United States, April 1, 2022–March 31, 2023 . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2023;72:694–695.
• Yuan M, Cross SJ, Loughlin SE, Leslie FM. Nicotine and the adolescent brain . J Physiol. 2015;593(16):3397–3412.
• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Public Health Consequences of E-Cigarettes . The National Academies Press; 2018.
• Barrington-Trimis JL, Kong G, Leventhal AM, et al. E-cigarette use and subsequent smoking frequency among adolescents . Pediatrics. 2018;142(6):e20180486.
• Barrington-Trimis JL, Urman R, Berhane K, et al. E-cigarettes and future cigarette use . Pediatrics. 2016;138(1):e20160379.
• Bunnell RE, Agaku IT, Arrazola RA, et al. Intentions to smoke cigarettes among never-smoking US middle and high school electronic cigarette users: National Youth Tobacco Survey, 2011-2013 . Nicotine Tob Res. 2015;17(2):228–235.
• Soneji S, Barrington-Trimis JL, Wills TA, et al. Association between initial use of e-cigarettes and subsequent cigarette smoking among adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis . JAMA Pediatr. 2017;171(8):788–797.
• Sun R, Méndez D, Warner KE. Association of electronic cigarette use by U.S. adolescents with subsequent persistent cigarette smoking . JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(3):e234885.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease: The Biology and Behavioral Basis for Smoking-Attributable Disease . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2010. Accessed Feb 13, 2024.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking: 50 Years of Progress. A Report of the Surgeon General . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2014. Accessed Feb 12, 2024.
• Mukerjee R, Hirschtick JL, LZ Arciniega, et al. ENDS, cigarettes, and respiratory illness: longitudinal associations among U.S. youth . AJPM. Published online Dec 2023.
• Faulcon LM, Rudy S, Limpert J, Wang B, Murphy I. Adverse experience reports of seizures in youth and young adult electronic nicotine delivery systems users . J Adolesc Health . 2020;66(1):15–17.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. E-cigarette: Safety Communication - Related to Seizures Reported Following E-cigarette Use, Particularly in Youth and Young Adults . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2019. Accessed Feb 14, 2024.
• Marynak KL, Gammon DG, Rogers T, et al. Sales of nicotine-containing electronic cigarette products: United States, 2015 . Am J Public Health . 2017;107(5):702-705.
• Regan AK, Bombard JM, O'Hegarty MM, Smith RA, Tong VT. Adverse birth outcomes associated with prepregnancy and prenatal electronic cigarette use . Obstet Gynecol. 2021;138(1):85–94.
• Regan AK, Pereira G. Patterns of combustible and electronic cigarette use during pregnancy and associated pregnancy outcomes . Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):13508.
• Kutlu MG, Parikh V, Gould TJ. Nicotine addiction and psychiatric disorders . Int Rev Neurobiol. 2015;124:171–208.
• Obisesan OH, Mirbolouk M, Osei AD, et al. Association between e-cigarette use and depression in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2016-2017 . JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(12):e1916800.
• Prochaska JJ, Das S, Young-Wolff KC. Smoking, mental illness, and public health . Annu Rev Public Health. 2017;38:165–185.
• Wootton RE, Richmond RC, Stuijfzand BG, et al. Evidence for causal effects of lifetime smoking on risk for depression and schizophrenia: a Mendelian randomisation study . Psychol Med. 2020;50(14):2435–2443.
• Taylor G, McNeill A, Girling A, Farley A, Lindson-Hawley N, Aveyard P. Change in mental health after smoking cessation: systematic review and meta-analysis . BMJ. 2014;348:g1151.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.   Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2011–2021 . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2023. Accessed Dec 15, 2023.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Protecting Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory . Office of the Surgeon General; 2021. Accessed Jan 5, 2024.
• Lechner WV, Janssen T, Kahler CW, Audrain-McGovern J, Leventhal AM. Bi-directional associations of electronic and combustible cigarette use onset patterns with depressive symptoms in adolescents . Prev Med. 2017;96:73–78.
• Gentzke AS, Wang TW, Cornelius M, et al. Tobacco product use and associated factors among middle and high school students—National Youth Tobacco Survey, United States, 2021 . MMWR Surveill Summ. 2022;71(No. SS-5):1–29.

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