LAB SAFETY

What is the main reason chemical laboratories can be dangerous?

Because of the adverse effects of chemicals and the potential hazards of experiments.

How can laboratory accidents be prevented?

By strictly following all precautionary measures and the instructor's advice.

What can your carelessness in the lab lead to?

Threat to your own safety and that of your classmates.

What PPE should be worn in the laboratory?

Laboratory coat/gown, face mask, hair/bouffant cap, goggles, and gloves.

What behavior is strictly prohibited in the laboratory?

Careless acts due to negligence.

Are unauthorized experiments allowed?

No, unauthorized or altered experiments are not allowed.

What should be done if chemical spills occur?

Clean up spills immediately and wipe reagent bottles with a dry cloth.

Is eating or drinking allowed in the lab?

No, it is strictly prohibited.

What should you do at the end of a lab session?

Clean glassware/equipment and wash your hands with soap.

When should you inspect glassware?

Before starting the experiment.

What should you do with broken or cracked glassware?

Clean up the spill and replace it with a new one.

Why should you keep your lab notebook nearby?

To record the actual results of experiments.

Should you ever taste or smell chemicals?

No, unless specifically directed.

How should you handle chemicals to avoid irritation?

Avoid direct contact; perform strong acid/base reactions under a ventilating hood.

How do you safely check the odor of a chemical?

Waft gently without inhaling deeply or placing your nose over the container.

Why should you check reagent labels twice?

To avoid using the wrong chemical, which can cause accidents or errors.

Should leftover reagents be returned to bottles?

No, it may contaminate or react dangerously.

Why not use personal pipettes or spatulas in reagent bottles?

It may introduce impurities.

How should concentrated solutions be mixed?

Slowly and with continuous stirring into water or less concentrated solutions.

What must be checked before heating glassware?

Ensure the outer surface is dry.

How should waste chemicals be discarded?

Follow your instructor’s instructions.

What is a Class I Biosafety Cabinet?

A cabinet that protects the user and environment, but not the sample.

What is a Class II Biosafety Cabinet?

A cabinet that protects the user, environment, and the sample using vertical airflow.

What is a Class III Biosafety Cabinet?

A gas-tight cabinet offering maximum protection, used with glove ports.

What is the main purpose of a fume hood?

To protect the user from toxic fumes by ventilating them out.

Does a fume hood protect the sample?

No, it only protects the user.

What does UDDDS stand for?

Unit Dose Dry Dispensing System.

What is the function of UDDDS?

To package and label individual medication doses for safety and accuracy.

What is a laminar airflow hood?

A hood that provides clean air using HEPA filters with unidirectional flow.

What does a laminar airflow hood protect?

The sample only, not the user.

What are the two types of laminar airflow?

Horizontal and vertical.

Where is laminar airflow hood commonly used?

In sterile preparations like IV meds or culture work.

Why is it dangerous to return excess reagent back to its original bottle?

It may contaminate the stock with foreign substances that could cause dangerous reactions.

What might happen if you insert a used glass rod into a reagent bottle?

It could introduce impurities, spoiling the reagent or causing unwanted reactions.

Why is it especially important to dilute sulfuric acid slowly into water?

Because it is highly exothermic and can cause splashing or explosions if done improperly.

How does poor lab discipline contribute to serious accidents?

Carelessness leads to mistakes and violations of safety protocols, increasing risk.

What is the consequence of using wet glassware when heating?

It can cause the glass to break due to uneven heat distribution.

Why must you mix chemicals slowly and not rush?

Rapid mixing can cause violent reactions, heat release, or splashing.

What is the risk of ignoring your bench neighbour's unsafe practices?

It could result in cross-contamination, accidents, or chemical exposure to you.

Define PPE.

Personal Protective Equipment - includes lab coat, gloves, mask, goggles, etc.

What is a reagent?

A substance or compound added to a system to cause a chemical reaction.

Define chemical spill.

An unintended release of a chemical substance that must be cleaned immediately.

What is a HEPA filter?

High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter that traps very small particles.

Define biosafety cabinet.

An enclosed, ventilated lab workspace for safely working with hazardous materials.

What does laminar flow mean?

Air moving at the same speed and in the same direction to avoid turbulence.

What is the primary use of a fume hood?

To ventilate hazardous fumes and vapors away from the user.

Define contamination.

The presence of an unwanted substance that can interfere with experiments or cause harm.

What is the main function of a UDDDS?

To ensure safe, precise, and hygienic medication administration.