Activity 2 - Safety in the Laboratory

Question 1

is a key concern in any science laboratory but more particularly in the chemistry laboratory

Answer 1

Safety

Question 2

RAMP

Answer 2

Recognize hazards.
Assess the risk of hazards. Minimize the risk of hazards. Prepare for emergencies.

Question 3

Accidents in the laboratory often result from:

Answer 3

• an indifferent attitude toward safety
• failure to recognize hazards and hazardous situations
• failure to be alert to the surroundings; and
• failure to read and follow instructions or measures to minimize risks

Question 4

1. Conduct proper behavior

Answer 4

a. Do not perform unauthorized experiments
b. Never eat, drink or smoke in the laboratory
c. Never play tricks or engage in horseplay in the laboratory

Question 5

2. Wear Proper Laboratory Attire

Answer 5

a. Wear your PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) : laboratory gown, goggles, mask, closed shoes, gloves (if necessary)
b. Long hair should be tied and kept.
c. Remove jewelries and accessories.

Question 6

3. Safe handling of chemicals

Answer 6

a. Read the procedure before coming to the laboratory and listen to your instructor’s directions
b. Never sniff a chemical directly. Smell vapors by wafting.
c. Never return reagents to their original containers.

Question 7

4. Proper housekeeping

Answer 7

a. Put your bags in the designated area. Make sure to free aisles and counters from unnecessary stuff.
b. Keep chemicals away from edges of the counters to prevent spilling.
c. Clean your workstation before leaving the laboratory.

Question 8

5. Proper hygiene

Answer 8

a. Never put your hands or pen to your face or mouth while working in the laboratory.
b. Always wash your hands and arms with soap and water before leaving the laboratory, even if you wore gloves.

Question 9

this is a way to get out of the building if there is an emergency such as fire or earthquake. In an emergency, the main evacuation route is through the front door. The detail of this route is put near elevators, stairways and in main hallways so guests know how to get out in an emergency.

Answer 9

Evacuation route

Question 10

this is an equipment designed to wash a person’s head and body which has come into contact with hazardous chemicals. This can also be used in extinguishing fires or to flush contaminants off clothing.

Answer 10

Safety shower

Question 11

this equipment is used to flush the eyes with water when dust, irritants or chemicals enters the eye

Answer 11

Eyewash fountain

Question 12

is a potential source of danger or harm

Answer 12

hazard

Question 13

is the combination of the possibility of the occurrence of an unwanted incident, the severity of its consequences and the frequency of exposure to the hazard

Answer 13

Risk

Question 14

Chemical hazards are divided into three broad categories

Answer 14

physical, health and environmental hazard

Question 15

is a chemical that can cause injury to a living organism

Answer 15

toxic substance

Question 16

this is when the chemical enters the respiratory tract by breathing

Answer 16

• Inhalation

Question 17

this is when a chemical enters the digestive tract through the mouth

Answer 17

Ingestion

Question 18

this is when a chemical enters the digestive tract through the mouth

Answer 18

• Ingestion

Question 19

this occurs when a chemical enters the body through a cut made in the skin by a sharp contaminated object

Answer 19

• Injection

Question 20

is defined as the amount of toxic substance received at one time

Answer 20

dose

Question 21

this is characterized by the rapid assimilation of the toxic substance in one or more doses within 24 hours

Answer 21

• Acute exposure

Question 22

this is characterized by repeated exposures, typically of low doses, with a duration measured in months or years

Answer 22

• Chronic exposure

Question 23

is the gradual destruction resulting from the action of a chemical on a metal or living tissue

Answer 23

Corrosion

Question 24

this is the ability of chemicals to react with other chemicals and transform into new substances

Answer 24

Reactivity

Question 25

Information about these hazards can be found in:

Answer 25

1. Posters
2. Manufacturer’s container labels
3. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)