1A3 Lab Equipment and Safety

Question 1

What is the most common way to measure length in the laboratory?

Answer 1

With a ruler or meter stick.

Rulers are suitable for small-scale measurements, while meter sticks are used for longer distances or objects.

Question 1

What tool is used to measure the mass of objects in the lab?

Answer 1

A balance

Electronic balances are precise and efficient, while triple-beam balances offer manual control and accuracy.

Question 2

How is temperature measured in the laboratory?

Answer 2

With a thermometer.

Digital thermometers provide faster and more accurate readings compared to mercury thermometers, which are less common due to safety concerns.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a graduated cylinder?

Answer 3

To measure liquid volume accurately.

Graduated cylinders offer precise readings, unlike beakers which are more suited for mixing or rough volume estimates.

Question 4

What is an Erlenmeyer flask mainly used for?

Answer 4

Holding liquids

Its conical shape reduces the risk of spills and is suitable for heating, mixing, and short-term storage.

Question 5

Fill in the blank.

A volumetric pipette is more ______ than a graduated pipette.

Answer 5

accurate

Volumetric pipettes deliver one fixed, precise volume, while graduated pipettes are flexible but less precise.

Question 6

True or False:

A bunsen burner is used to produce a controlled flame for heating substances.

Answer 6

True

Adjusting the air intake allows for a blue (hot, efficient) or yellow (cooler, less efficient) flame.

Question 7

What equipment is used to examine small samples in detail?

Answer 7

A microscope

Microscopes often require slides and cover slips to protect lenses and improve sample clarity.

Question 8

True or False:

Tweezers and scissors are the most common dissection tools used in biology labs.

Answer 8

False

Forceps (to handle delicate parts) and scalpels (for precise cutting) are more commonly used than tweezers or scissors.

Question 9

Fill in the blanks.

You should never _____ or _____ lab chemicals.

Answer 9

taste; smell

Even minimal exposure can cause serious harm. Always follow safety protocols to avoid accidental ingestion or inhalation.

Question 10

Fill in the blank.

The ____ _____ is used to heat glassware and substances electrically.

Answer 10

hot plate

Many hot plates include magnetic stirrers for simultaneous heating and mixing.

Question 11

What is a common piece of equipment for mixing substances in the lab?

Answer 11

Beakers

Beakers, available in multiple sizes, have wide mouths and spouts for easy pouring.

Question 12

Fill in the blank.

You should always ______ containers in the lab.

Answer 12

label

Proper labeling prevents mishandling and ensures safe identification of chemicals.

Question 13

What should you always wear when handling dissection tools or hazardous materials?

Answer 13

Safety goggles and gloves.

Goggles shield eyes from splashes, while gloves protect hands from chemicals and sharp objects.

Question 14

A student accidentally spills a chemical on the lab bench. What should the teacher do?

Answer 14

1. Identify the chemical.
2. Remove the students from the area.
3. Use appropriate protective equipment to clean the spill.

For large spills or hazardous chemicals, call emergency services or follow the lab’s emergency protocol.

Question 15

What should you never do with broken glass in the lab?

Answer 15

Pick it up with your hands.

Always use tools like tongs or a dustpan to safely clean up broken glass to avoid injury.

Question 16

What items should be kept out of the lab to ensure safety?

Answer 16

• Food
• Drinks
• Gum

These can lead to contamination or accidental ingestion of hazardous substances.

Question 17

Why is it important to know the locations of emergency equipment in the lab?

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

What should you do with lab substances after use?

Answer 18

Follow specific disposal instructions.

Some chemicals require special disposal methods to prevent environmental damage or harm.

Question 19

What are emergency eyewash stations used for?

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

What is the minimum water flow rate required for emergency showers according to OSHA?

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

What should be included in a first aid kit in a laboratory?

Answer 21

• Bandages
• Gauze
• Sterile dressings
• Plaster
• Antiseptic wipes
• Eye pad dressings
• Gloves

These supplies address common injuries like cuts, burns, and minor chemical exposure.

Question 22

What is the function of ventilation hoods in a laboratory?

Answer 22

To remove airborne particles and harmful fumes.

Also known as fume hoods, they provide a safe environment for experiments involving volatile chemicals.

Question 23

What is one general lab safety rule regarding emergency equipment?

Answer 23

Regularly check lab safety equipment to ensure proper functioning.

Emergency showers, eyewash stations, and fire extinguishers should be inspected periodically to prevent malfunctions.

Question 24

# True or False: It is **acceptable** to eat or drink in the laboratory.

Answer 24

False ## Footnote Food and drinks can be contaminated with hazardous materials, posing risks to health and safety.

Question 25

What resources should laboratory employees have access to in order to ensure **safety procedures**?

Answer 25

* Lab safety manual * Chemical inventory list * Safety data sheets * Standard operating procedures * Emergency telephone numbers ## Footnote These resources ensure quick and effective responses to emergencies and proper handling of chemicals.

Question 26

# Fill in the blank: Always \_\_\_\_\_\_ **equipment** after use and return it to its proper location.

Answer 26

clean ## Footnote Cleaning **prevents** contamination, prolongs equipment lifespan, and ensures it is ready for the next user.

Question 27

What should you do if equipment **emits** an unusual odor or sound during use?

Answer 27

Turn it **off** immediately and report the issue. ## Footnote Strange odors or noises may indicate a **malfunction** or **hazard** that requires attention.

Question 28

What is the designated **place** where scientific experiments and research are conducted?

Answer 28

Laboratory ## Footnote Laboratories are specialized facilities equipped with tools and equipment for various fields of study, such as biology, chemistry, and physics.

Question 29

What is the role of **OSHA** in laboratory safety?

Answer 29

Establishing standard **rules** and **procedures** for lab safety. ## Footnote OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is a division of the U.S. Department of Labor and regulates workplace safety, including in laboratories.

Question 30

What does **PPE** stand for in laboratory safety?

Answer 30

Personal Protective Equipment ## Footnote PPE includes goggles, gloves, lab coats, and masks to minimize exposure to hazards.

Question 31

What is the primary **importance** of lab safety?

Answer 31

To **protect** people and equipment. ## Footnote Lab safety rules help **prevent** injuries, accidents, and damage to equipment.

Question 32

A student is using the **Bunsen burner** incorrectly, creating a fire risk. What should the teacher do?

Answer 32

1. Turn off the burner. 2. Re-teach the student the correct technique. 3. Observe the student using the correct technique.

Question 33

Name five types of hazards that **Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)** protects against.

Answer 33

* Chemical * Radiological * Electrical * Physical * Mechanical ## Footnote Radiological hazards include ionizing radiation like X-rays.