Think you know all there is about lab protocols? Dive into our free lab safety quiz to test your PPE use, chemical handling, and emergency response know-how. Designed for students, technicians, and biology buffs alike, this quiz on lab safety offers instant lab safety quiz answers, comprehensive laboratory safety quiz answers, and detailed feedback to help you master best practices. You can even tackle a focused chemistry laboratory safety quiz or jump into our lab safety quiz with answers experience. Plus, try the biology lab safety quiz section to ensure you're prepped for any experiment. Ready to boost your confidence and earn top marks? Click "Start" and see if you can ace every lab safety question!
What piece of personal protective equipment is essential for protecting your eyes from chemical splashes?
Lab coat
Gloves
Safety goggles
Face shield
Safety goggles are designed to create a secure seal around the eyes, preventing chemicals from entering. They are required whenever handling corrosive or hazardous substances. Face shields offer additional facial protection but should be used in combination with goggles rather than as a replacement. For more details, see OSHA Lab Safety.
What does SDS stand for in chemical safety communications?
Safety Description Summary
Safety Data Sheet
System Data Specification
Standard Data Sheet
An SDS, or Safety Data Sheet, provides detailed information on the properties, hazards, protective measures, and handling protocols for chemicals. It is a critical resource for lab personnel to understand risks and emergency procedures. Employers must make SDSs accessible to all staff working with hazardous materials. More information is available at OSHA Hazard Communication.
Which fire extinguisher class is suitable for electrical equipment fires?
Class A
Class B
Class D
Class C
Class C extinguishers are specifically rated for electrical fires, as they use non-conductive agents that won't cause a shock hazard. Class A is for ordinary combustibles, B for flammable liquids, and D for combustible metals. Always check the extinguisher label before use. See NFPA Fire Classes for details.
What should you do first when you encounter a minor chemical spill in the lab?
Wipe it up with a paper towel
Rinse the area with water immediately
Ignore it and continue working
Alert nearby personnel and consult the SDS
The first step in any spill response is to alert others to the hazard and consult the Safety Data Sheet for specific cleanup instructions. SDSs outline necessary PPE, spill control materials, and neutralization procedures. Improper cleanup can lead to injury or spread contamination. Further guidance is available at OSHA Spill Response.
What is the minimum recommended hand-washing duration after completing a lab session?
5 seconds with water only
10 seconds using hand sanitizer
At least 20 seconds with soap and water
Rinse under water and air dry
Washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water is recommended to effectively remove chemical residues, pathogens, and debris. Hand sanitizers may not remove all chemical contaminants. Proper hand hygiene reduces risk of exposure and cross-contamination. See CDC Handwashing Guidelines.
Where should food and drinks be stored in a laboratory environment?
On the laboratory bench
In a designated refrigerator outside the lab area
Under the fume hood
In the same fridge as chemicals
Food and drinks must be kept in a separate, designated area outside the laboratory to prevent chemical contamination and ingestion hazards. Storing them near chemicals violates safety regulations. Many institutions provide a separate break room or refrigerator. Review your institution's policy at OSHA Food Safety.
What is the correct way to remove disposable gloves to avoid skin contamination?
Wash gloves with soap before removal
Cut the gloves off with scissors
Peel one glove off turning it inside out, then use it to remove the second glove
Pull off both gloves at once using fingertips
Peeling the first glove off inside-out allows it to contain contaminants. Using the inside of the first glove to remove the second prevents skin contact with hazardous materials. This method minimizes exposure and cross-contamination. For more, see CDC Glove Removal.
Where can you find the hazard pictograms for a chemical reagent?
In the building's office
On the floor beneath the container
Only in the lab manual
On the container's label
Globally Harmonized System (GHS) pictograms must appear on chemical labels to identify hazards such as toxicity, flammability, and corrosion. These labels are applied directly to containers. Always check the label before handling any substance. See OSHA GHS Labeling.
Which type of footwear is appropriate for laboratory work?
High heels
Barefoot
Closed-toe, non-slip shoes
Sandals or flip-flops
Closed-toe, non-slip shoes protect feet from spills, dropped equipment, and sharp objects. Sandals, high heels, or bare feet offer no protection and increase injury risk. Proper lab footwear is a basic element of PPE. Guidelines are detailed at OSHA Lab Safety.
How should corrosive acids and bases be stored in a chemical storage cabinet?
Mixed together if in sealed bottles
In alphabetical order regardless of hazard
At eye level for easy access
On lower shelves in chemically resistant trays, separated by compatibility
Corrosive chemicals should be placed on lower shelves to minimize damage if leaks occur, and kept in trays to contain spills. Acids and bases must be separated to prevent violent reactions. Compatibility grouping reduces risk of hazardous interactions. See OSHA Chemical Storage.
What sash height should be maintained on a fume hood for optimal containment during work?
At least 36 inches
Completely closed
Fully open
Approximately 18 inches
Maintaining the sash at about 18 inches balances air flow and user access while keeping contaminants inside the hood. Fully open sashes reduce containment, and fully closed prevents work. Consult hood performance tests for specifics. See OSHA Laboratory Ventilation.
What term describes the lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapor to ignite?
Boiling point
Melting point
Autoignition temperature
Flash point
The flash point is the temperature at which vapors above a liquid can form an ignitable mixture with air. It is lower than the autoignition temperature. Knowing flash points helps in classifying and storing flammable liquids. More at NFPA Flammable Liquids.
When loading materials into an autoclave, what practice enhances safety and steam penetration?
Arrange items loosely with space between them
Stack items tightly to maximize capacity
Wrap everything in plastic to keep it dry
Seal containers completely before sterilization
Spacing items allows steam to circulate freely and ensures effective sterilization and cooling. Stacking tightly or sealing prevents proper steam penetration and can cause pressure buildup. Use autoclave-specific packaging. Guidance at CDC Lab Safety.
Where should broken glassware and contaminated sharps be disposed of?
In a rigid, puncture-resistant sharps container
In regular trash bins
Down the sink drain
In cardboard boxes
Sharps containers are designed to safely contain broken glass and needles without risk of puncture. Regular trash can expose custodial staff to injury. Sinks can clog and lead to environmental release. See OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens.
Which practice is prohibited when handling liquids in the lab?
Using mechanical pipette aids
Working in a fume hood for volatile solvents
Wearing gloves
Pipetting by mouth
Pipetting by mouth can lead to ingestion or inhalation of hazardous substances. Mechanical pipette aids reduce exposure risk and increase precision. Follow safe pipetting guidelines at OSHA Lab Safety.
What is the proper way to dilute a concentrated strong acid?
Mix acid and water in any order
Heat the acid before adding water
Add water to acid rapidly
Slowly add acid to water while stirring
Adding acid to water dissipates heat gradually and prevents exothermic splashes. Adding water to concentrated acid can cause violent reactions. Always wear PPE and work in a fume hood. Guidelines at OSHA Chemical Hygiene.
When working with perchloric acid, what special equipment is required?
A dedicated perchloric acid fume hood with wash-down capability
Biological safety cabinet
Glove box under positive pressure
Standard laboratory fume hood
Perchloric acid can form explosive perchlorate salts in ductwork and hoods. A special acid hood with wash-down capability flushes residues and prevents buildup. Standard hoods lack this feature. See OSHA Perchloric Acid Safety.
Which chemicals should never be stored together due to violent reaction risk?
Salts and sugars
Oxidizers and organic solvents
Acids and water
Bases and bases
Oxidizers can cause organic solvents to ignite or explode upon contact. These groups must be segregated according to compatibility charts. Incorrect storage can result in serious incidents. More at OSHA Chemical Storage.
Which first-aid measure is essential when treating hydrofluoric acid exposure on skin?
Cover with a dry bandage
Rinse with tap water only
Use alcohol to disinfect
Apply calcium gluconate gel to the affected area
Hydrofluoric acid penetrates tissue deeply and binds calcium, causing systemic toxicity. Calcium gluconate gel neutralizes fluoride ions and alleviates pain. Immediate medical attention is also critical. Refer to NIOSH HF Guidelines for protocols.
What type of biosafety cabinet is required for work with moderate-risk (BSL-2) infectious agents?
Class I biosafety cabinet
Open bench-top workspace
Laminar flow hood
Class II biosafety cabinet
Class II cabinets provide both product and personnel protection via HEPA-filtered airflow. BSL-2 agents can pose moderate hazards, so containment is mandatory. Open benches and laminar flow hoods lack proper protection. Visit CDC Biosafety Guidelines.
In the NFPA 704 diamond, what does the blue quadrant indicate?
Flammability
Reactivity
Specific hazards
Health hazard
The blue quadrant of the NFPA diamond denotes health hazards, rated from 0 (no hazard) to 4 (severe). Red is flammability, yellow is reactivity, and white is for special or specific hazards. Understanding these helps in emergency response. See NFPA 704.
What is the recommended method for cleaning up a small mercury spill in the lab?
Use a specialized mercury spill kit with sulfur powder
Sweep with a broom
Vacuum the mercury beads
Wipe with a wet paper towel
Mercury spill kits contain materials like sulfur or zinc powder to bind droplets and prevent vapor release. Vacuums or brooms can disperse droplets and increase vapor. Always work under a fume hood and wear appropriate PPE. Guidance at OSHA Mercury.
Which PPE is essential when handling liquid nitrogen or other cryogenic substances?
Insulated cryogenic gloves and face shield
Rubber boots only
Nitrile gloves only
Cotton lab coat
Cryogenic gloves are insulated to protect against extreme cold, while a face shield guards against splashes and cold burns. Nitrile gloves alone will not provide adequate protection. Proper laboratory coats and closed-toe shoes are also recommended. See NIOSH Cryogen Safety.
What precaution should you take before performing vacuum filtration with glassware?
Use any glassware regardless of condition
Seal joints with plastic wrap
Tap the side of the flask to build pressure
Inspect glassware for cracks and chips
Vacuum filtration creates pressure differentials that can cause damaged glassware to implode. Inspecting for defects prevents accidents. Never apply vacuum to compromised apparatus. Detailed guidance is at OSHA Lab Safety.
Which document is required by OSHA to outline safe procedures, training, and responsibilities for laboratory workers?
Emergency Action Plan
Building Evacuation Plan
Safety Data Sheet
Chemical Hygiene Plan
The Chemical Hygiene Plan details standard operating procedures, engineering controls, and training requirements for handling hazardous chemicals in labs. It must be accessible to all staff. An Emergency Action Plan covers building-wide emergencies. More at OSHA CHP.
Which GHS pictogram indicates corrosive hazards?
A skull and crossbones
An exclamation mark
A symbol of test tubes pouring on a hand and metal
A flame over a circle
The corrosive pictogram shows test tubes spilling liquid that damages skin and metal surfaces, indicating skin corrosion or metal degradation hazards. It alerts users to wear appropriate PPE. Other symbols cover oxidizers, toxicity, and irritants. See OSHA GHS.
Which practice is essential when performing maintenance on lab equipment to prevent accidental start-up?
Disconnect after work is complete
Use lockout/tagout procedures
Keep equipment plugged in for troubleshooting
Rely on visual inspection only
Lockout/tagout involves isolating energy sources and locking controls to prevent accidental energization during maintenance. It is mandatory under OSHA to protect workers. Simply unplugging may not isolate all hazards. Review OSHA LOTO.
At what average face velocity (in feet per minute) should a chemical fume hood operate to ensure adequate containment?
200 - 250 fpm
80 - 120 fpm
30 - 50 fpm
10 - 20 fpm
Chemical fume hoods are typically tested at a face velocity between 80 and 120 feet per minute to balance containment and energy use. Lower velocities may allow vapors to escape; higher velocities can cause turbulence. Performance testing follows ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 110. Details at ASHRAE 110.
What is the maximum recommended storage time for unopened peroxide-forming chemicals before they must be tested or discarded?
1 month
3 months
12 months
6 months
Many peroxide-forming chemicals, such as ethers, can accumulate explosive peroxides over time. Regulations recommend testing or disposing of unopened containers within 3 months of receipt. This prevents hazardous peroxide buildup. For guidance, see OSHA Peroxide Guidelines.
0
{"name":"What piece of personal protective equipment is essential for protecting your eyes from chemical splashes?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"What piece of personal protective equipment is essential for protecting your eyes from chemical splashes?, What does SDS stand for in chemical safety communications?, Which fire extinguisher class is suitable for electrical equipment fires?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}
Score6/29
Easy3/9
Medium1/9
Hard2/9
Expert0/2
AI Study Notes
Email these to me
You can bookmark this page to review your notes in future, or fill out the email box below to email them to yourself.
Study Outcomes
Identify Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) -
After reviewing the lab safety quiz answers, recognize the correct PPE items required for various laboratory tasks and understand how they protect against common hazards.
Apply Proper Chemical Handling Techniques -
Use the insights from the quiz on lab safety to demonstrate safe practices for measuring, mixing, and storing chemicals in the laboratory environment.
Analyze Emergency Response Protocols -
Leverage laboratory safety quiz answers to outline the step-by-step procedures for responding to spills, fires, and first-aid situations.
Evaluate Laboratory Hazard Signs -
Interpret common hazard symbols and warning labels, ensuring you can assess risks and take appropriate precautions in any lab setting.
Interpret Waste Disposal and Biosafety Guidelines -
Understand the correct methods for segregating, labeling, and disposing of biological and chemical waste according to safety standards.
Implement Equipment Safety Checks -
Apply the lab safety quiz with answers to perform routine inspections and maintenance checks on laboratory instruments and equipment.
Cheat Sheet
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Essentials -
Knowing which PPE to wear is crucial for any lab safety quiz with answers. Always select gloves, goggles, and a lab coat tailored to the chemicals and procedures you're using - think "GEL" (Goggles, Eyewear, Lab coat) as a quick mnemonic. Consistency in PPE use is backed by OSHA and CDC guidelines to minimize exposure risks.
Chemical Labeling & SDS Familiarity -
Accurate chemical labeling and reviewing the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) are key topics in a quiz on lab safety. Learn GHS pictograms and follow the "SDS first" rule before handling any reagent - this habit is often tested in lab safety quiz answers. University labs and ACS standards emphasize this step for preventing accidental reactions.
Proper Waste Segregation -
Segregating chemical, biological, and sharps waste is a must for a biology lab safety quiz and real-world practice. Use color-coded bins - organic solvents in halogenated vs. non-halogenated containers, glass in sharps boxes - to avoid dangerous cross-contamination. Many institutions reference EPA regulations to guide correct disposal methods.
Emergency Response & RACE Protocol -
Mastering Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish (RACE) can make or break your laboratory safety quiz answers. Know where emergency showers, eyewash stations, and fire extinguishers are located before you start any experiment. American Red Cross and NFPA recommend regular drills to build confidence and speed during real incidents.
Equipment Operation & Maintenance -
Understanding proper setup and upkeep of instruments - like balancing a centrifuge or calibrating a pipette - is frequently covered in lab safety quiz answers. Remember "BBP": Balance, Brush-clean, Power-off to keep equipment running safely and accurately. Many academic labs follow manufacturer SOPs to ensure consistency and compliance.
