Lab Safety Practice Quiz

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Daniel P, MSEd (Science Education) |
Science Teacher
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Daniel P. is an experienced STEM club teacher with 11 years of urban teaching experience. He holds a MSEd in Science Education from The City College of New York and a BA in History from Binghamton University. He is committed to enhancing student education, using his expertise in curriculum design, differentiated instruction, and Google Classroom.
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  • 1/10 Questions

    Why is it important to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in the laboratory?

    • To show laboratory authority
    • To protect against potential hazards 
    • To maintain hygiene 
    • For aesthetic appeal 
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About This Quiz


The Lab Safety Quiz is designed to assess your understanding of the essential rules and practices that ensure a safe and effective laboratory environment. Safety is critical in all scientific settings to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to equipment. This quiz covers a range of topics, from proper handling of chemicals and equipment to emergency procedures and personal protective gear.

By taking this quiz, you will reinforce your knowledge of standard safety protocols, such as wearing gloves and goggles, knowing how to handle spills, and understanding the importance of ventilation and fire safety. A solid understanding of lab safety not only protects you and others but also contributes to more successful experiments and research. The lab safety practice quiz is ideal for students, teachers, and anyone involved in laboratory work.

Lab Safety Practice Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Why should you avoid eating, drinking, or applying cosmetics in the lab?

    • Because you might spill something.

    • Because it's unprofessional 

    • To avoid distracting others 

    • To avoid potential ingestion or contact with harmful substances 

    Correct Answer
    A. To avoid potential ingestion or contact with harmful substances 
    Explanation
    Eating, drinking, or applying cosmetics in a lab should be avoided to prevent potential ingestion or contact with harmful substances. Labs often contain hazardous chemicals, and consuming or coming into contact with these substances can be dangerous to one's health. It is important to maintain a safe and controlled environment in a lab to minimize the risk of accidents or exposure to harmful substances.

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  • 3. 

    What should you do if you find a beaker containing an unlabeled liquid?

    • 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

    Correct Answer
    A. Treat it as potentially hazardous and notify the lab supervisor
    Explanation
    If a beaker of unknown liquid has no label, it is important to treat it as potentially hazardous. This means that it could potentially be dangerous or harmful. Therefore, it is necessary to notify the lab supervisor so that they can assess the situation and take appropriate measures to handle the unknown liquid safely. Tasting or smelling the liquid is not recommended as it could be toxic or harmful. Asking a lab partner to identify it may not be reliable or safe.

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  • 4. 

    If a fire starts in the 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

    Correct Answer
    A. Try to put out the fire with water, regardless of the source
    Explanation
    In the event of a fire in a lab, it is important to follow proper safety protocols. Using a fire extinguisher if safe and trained to do so is a recommended action as it can help to control or extinguish the fire. Pulling the fire alarm is necessary to alert others in the building and initiate the evacuation process. Evacuating the lab immediately is crucial to ensure everyone's safety. However, trying to put out the fire with water, regardless of the source, is not advised as it can potentially worsen the situation by spreading the fire or causing chemical reactions.

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  • 5. 

    What must you remember when 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.

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above.
    Explanation
    While working with heat, you must remember to never heat closed containers, keep them away from you and your classmates, and use clamps when you need to hold the container. These precautions are important to ensure safety and prevent accidents or injuries while working with heat. All of the above is important and is the correct answer. 

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  • 6. 

    What should you do if you accidentally break a test tube and spill a chemical on the table?

    • 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. 

    Correct Answer
    A. 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.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is to first inform the instructor and then with the help of the lab assistant use water and paper towels to clean up the spill and place the broken test tube in the specified disposal container. This is the best course of action because it ensures that the spill is properly cleaned up and the broken glass is disposed of safely. Using water and paper towels helps to remove the chemical from the table, minimizing the potential for further accidents or contamination. Placing the broken test tube in the disposal container designated for sharp objects ensures that it is handled properly and reduces the risk of injury.

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  • 7. 

    If your lab partner’s sleeve catches fire while using a Bunsen burner, what should you do?

    •  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.

    Correct Answer
    A. Smother the flame using a fire blanket.
    Explanation
    The correct course of action is to smother the flame using a fire blanket. Fire blankets are designed to quickly and effectively extinguish small fires by cutting off the oxygen supply. Pouring water on the fire, especially if the clothing is synthetic, could make the situation worse, and trying to beat the fire out with your hand could result in burns. Leaving the lab could delay immediate assistance. Therefore, using a fire blanket is the safest and most effective response.

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  • 8. 

    What is the correct way to smell a chemical in the laboratory?

    • 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

    Correct Answer
    A. Use the "wafting" technique 
    Explanation
    The appropriate way to smell a chemical in the lab is to use the "wafting" technique. This involves gently waving your hand over the chemical to create a small air current, and then bringing the scent towards your nose. This technique helps to prevent inhaling a large concentration of the chemical and reduces the risk of potential harm or irritation to the respiratory system.

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  • 9. 

    What should you ensure before leaving the lab as the last person?

    • 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. 

    Correct Answer
    A. All equipment is turned off, and the area is clean. 
    Explanation
    Ensuring all equipment is turned off and the area is clean is the most crucial safety practice when leaving the lab. This prevents potential hazards like fires, chemical spills, or equipment damage. Turning off lights and locking the door are also important, but secondary to ensuring a safe environment. Taking personal items is a matter of personal responsibility, not lab safety.

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  • 10. 

    How should you dilute a strong acid safely?

    • 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

    Correct Answer
    A. Add acid to water
    Explanation
    When diluting a strong acid, it is crucial to add the acid to water slowly and gradually. This is because the reaction between a strong acid and water is highly exothermic, meaning it releases a significant amount of heat. Adding water to acid can cause the acid to splatter or even boil violently, potentially leading to chemical burns or injuries. Adding acid to water allows the heat to be dissipated more effectively, reducing the risk of dangerous reactions.

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Daniel P |MSEd (Science Education) |
Science Teacher
Daniel P. is an experienced STEM club teacher with 11 years of urban teaching experience. He holds a MSEd in Science Education from The City College of New York and a BA in History from Binghamton University. He is committed to enhancing student education, using his expertise in curriculum design, differentiated instruction, and Google Classroom.

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Jan 13, 2025 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Jan 13, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team

    Expert Reviewed by
    Daniel P
  • Sep 07, 2007
    Quiz Created by
    Scvicela
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