1A3 Lab Equipment and Safety Flashcards
Explain how safe and effective scientific investigations require proper handling of materials, maintenance of equipment, and adherence to safety protocols.
What is the designated place where scientific experiments and research are conducted?
Laboratory
Laboratories are specialized facilities equipped with tools and equipment for various fields of study, such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
What is the role of OSHA in laboratory safety?
Establishing standard rules and procedures for lab safety.
OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is a division of the U.S. Department of Labor and regulates workplace safety, including in laboratories.
Fill in the blanks.
You should never _____ or _____ lab chemicals.
taste; smell
Even minimal exposure can cause serious harm. Always follow safety protocols to avoid accidental ingestion or inhalation.
Fill in the blank.
You should always ______ containers in the lab.
label
Proper labeling prevents mishandling and ensures safe identification of chemicals.
What is the primary importance of lab safety?
To protect people and equipment
Lab safety rules help prevent injuries, accidents, and damage to equipment.
What items should be kept out of the lab to ensure safety?
- Food
- Drinks
- Gum
These can lead to contamination or accidental ingestion of hazardous substances.
Name five types of hazards that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protects against.
- Chemical
- Radiological
- Electrical
- Physical
- Mechanical
Radiological hazards include ionizing radiation like X-rays.
Why is it important to know the locations of emergency equipment in the lab?
To quickly respond to emergencies like chemical spills, fires, or injuries.
Essential equipment includes the emergency shower, eyewash station, and fire extinguisher. Familiarity with their locations can save time and reduce harm during accidents.
What is the primary purpose of a graduated cylinder?
To measure liquid volume accurately.
Graduated cylinders offer precise readings, unlike beakers which are more suited for mixing or rough volume estimates.
What are emergency eyewash stations used for?
To flush chemicals or irritants from the eyes.
Use for at least 15 minutes after exposure to ensure thorough cleaning and follow up with medical attention if necessary.
What is the minimum water flow rate required for emergency showers according to OSHA?
At least 20 gallons per minute for at least 15 minutes.
This ensures effective rinsing of hazardous substances from the skin in case of an emergency.
What should be included in a first aid kit in a laboratory?
- Bandages
- Gauze
- Sterile dressings
- Plaster
- Antiseptic wipes
- Eye pad dressings
- Gloves
These supplies address common injuries like cuts, burns, and minor chemical exposure.
True or False:
It is acceptable to eat or drink in the laboratory.
False
Food and drinks can be contaminated with hazardous materials, posing risks to health and safety.
What resources should laboratory employees have access to in order to ensure safety procedures?
- Lab safety manual
- Chemical inventory list
- Safety data sheets
- Standard operating procedures
- Emergency telephone numbers
These resources ensure quick and effective responses to emergencies and proper handling of chemicals.
What is a common piece of equipment for mixing substances in the lab?
Beakers
Beakers, available in multiple sizes, have wide mouths and spouts for easy pouring.
What should you never do with broken glass in the lab?
Pick it up with your hands.
Always use tools like tongs or a dustpan to safely clean up broken glass to avoid injury.
What is an Erlenmeyer flask mainly used for?
Holding liquids
Its conical shape reduces the risk of spills and is suitable for heating, mixing, and short-term storage.
Fill in the blank.
A volumetric pipette is more ______ than a graduated pipette.
accurate
Volumetric pipettes deliver one fixed, precise volume, while graduated pipettes are flexible but less precise.
What equipment is used to examine small samples in detail?
A microscope
Microscopes often require slides and cover slips to protect lenses and improve sample clarity.
Fill in the blank.
The ____ _____ is used to heat glassware and substances electrically.
hot plate
Many hot plates include magnetic stirrers for simultaneous heating and mixing.
What is the most common way to measure length in the laboratory?
With a ruler or meter stick.
Rulers are suitable for small-scale measurements, while meter sticks are used for longer distances or objects.
What does PPE stand for in laboratory safety?
Personal Protective Equipment
PPE includes goggles, gloves, lab coats, and masks to minimize exposure to hazards.
What tool is used to measure the mass of objects in the lab?
A balance
Electronic balances are precise and efficient, while triple-beam balances offer manual control and accuracy.
How is temperature measured in the laboratory?
With a thermometer.
Digital thermometers provide faster and more accurate readings compared to mercury thermometers, which are less common due to safety concerns.
True or False:
A bunsen burner is used to produce a controlled flame for heating substances.
True
Adjusting the air intake allows for a blue (hot, efficient) or yellow (cooler, less efficient) flame.
True or False:
Tweezers and scissors are the most common dissection tools used in biology labs.
False
Forceps (to handle delicate parts) and scalpels (for precise cutting) are more commonly used than tweezers or scissors.
What should you always wear when handling dissection tools or hazardous materials?
Safety goggles and gloves.
Goggles shield eyes from splashes, while gloves protect hands from chemicals and sharp objects.
A student accidentally spills a chemical on the lab bench. What should the teacher do?
- Identify the chemical.
- Remove the students from the area.
- Use appropriate protective equipment to clean the spill.
For large spills or hazardous chemicals, call emergency services or follow the lab’s emergency protocol.
What should you do with lab substances after use?
Follow specific disposal instructions.
Some chemicals require special disposal methods to prevent environmental damage or harm.
What is the function of ventilation hoods in a laboratory?
To remove airborne particles and harmful fumes.
Also known as fume hoods, they provide a safe environment for experiments involving volatile chemicals.
What is one general lab safety rule regarding emergency equipment?
Regularly check lab safety equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Emergency showers, eyewash stations, and fire extinguishers should be inspected periodically to prevent malfunctions.
Fill in the blank:
Always ______ equipment after use and return it to its proper location.
clean
Cleaning prevents contamination, prolongs equipment lifespan, and ensures it is ready for the next user.
What should you do if equipment emits an unusual odor or sound during use?
Turn it off immediately and report the issue.
Strange odors or noises may indicate a malfunction or hazard that requires attention.
A student is using the Bunsen burner incorrectly, creating a fire risk. What should the teacher do?
- Turn off the burner.
- Re-teach the student the correct technique.
- Observe the student using the correct technique.
