Chemical Management and Laboratory Safety in Schools

A comprehensive set of question-and-answer flashcards covering laboratory safety rules, chemical hazards, storage categories, hazard labels, and the steps for establishing a chemical management system in schools.

What are the three learning objectives for laboratory safety introduced at the start of the lecture?

1) Know the basic lab-safety rules, 2) Work safely in the science laboratory, and 3) Know what to do in case of an accident.

Why is following the teacher’s or supervisor’s instructions critical in the laboratory?

It ensures both safety and the accuracy of experimental results.

Which personal protective equipment (PPE) must always be worn in a science lab to prevent spills and splashes?

A lab coat, safety goggles, and closed-toe shoes.

Give two reasons why eating or drinking in the laboratory is prohibited.

1) It can contaminate experiments, 2) It increases the risk of ingesting hazardous chemicals.

List four emergency items you should know the location of before beginning lab work.

Emergency exits, fire extinguishers, safety showers, and eyewash stations.

What two chemistry ‘lessons’ summarize the problem of accidents and improper chemical storage?

Lesson one: Accidents happen; Lesson two: Adding unknowns (improper storage/handling) can create disasters.

According to MIOSHA, name three characteristics that make a chemical a physical hazard.

Flammable/combustible liquid, explosive, or pyrophoric (ignites spontaneously in air).

Provide three examples of health hazards listed by MIOSHA.

Carcinogens, neurotoxins, and reproductive toxicants.

What document (abbreviated MSDS) supplies detailed safety and handling information for each chemical?

Material Safety Data Sheet.

Which hazard class on the NFPA/WHMIS chart uses the number ‘4’ to indicate the most severe risk?

Health hazard (4 = deadly) and Fire hazard (4 = flash point below 73 °F/22 °C).

What does the ‘W’ with a line through it signify on a specific-hazard label?

Use no water – the material reacts dangerously with water.

Name two pieces of PPE recommended by pictograms for handling corrosive materials.

Safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves (an apron or face shield are also appropriate).

State the five-step cycle for developing a school chemical management system.

1) Form a team, 2) Assess current systems/conditions, 3) Dispose of unnecessary chemicals, 4) Develop a long-term management system, 5) Evaluate and update the system.

Why is maintaining an up-to-date chemical inventory important?

It tracks quantities, identifies expired or unnecessary chemicals, and supports safe storage and disposal.

Give two examples of highly corrosive concentrated acids commonly found in science laboratories.

Hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid.

What solvent used in vocational shops is also a flammable hazard and found in paint thinners?

Xylene (others include toluene and mineral spirits).

List two toxic heavy metals that may be present in visual and performing-arts studios.

Lead and cadmium.

Which compressed gas, commonly stored in cylinders, is listed for science laboratories?

Oxygen.

In custodial areas, which common swimming-pool treatment chemical poses an oxidizer risk?

Chlorine tablets (sodium hypochlorite).

What does ‘Hazard Communication’ involve within a chemical management plan?

Informing and training staff/students about chemical hazards, labels, and MSDS information.

Why must nitric acid be stored in a separate acid cabinet from other acids?

Nitric acid is a strong oxidizer and can react violently with other acids or organics.

Identify the storage group number for ethers, ketones, and halogenated hydrocarbons in the organic category.

4 (Ethers, Ketones, Ketenes, Halogenated Hydrocarbons, Ethylene Oxide).

Which inorganic group (#1) requires storage away from water and includes metals and hydrides?

Metals and hydrides (Group #1 Inorganic).

Explain why compressed gas cylinders should be secured upright in the laboratory.

To prevent falling, valve damage, and uncontrolled high-pressure releases that can turn cylinders into projectiles.

What is the maximum NFPA reactivity rating for a substance that ‘may detonate with heat or shock’?

3.

Which WHMIS symbol represents a material that can cause immediate and serious toxic effects?

The skull-and-crossbones symbol labeled D-1.

Give two reasons why keeping work areas clean contributes to lab safety.

It reduces trip/spill hazards and ensures more accurate measurements and organized workflow.

What is the proper response if a chemical splash contacts your eyes?

Immediately flush eyes at an eyewash station for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open, then seek medical attention.

Define ‘pyrophoric’ as used in chemical hazard classification.

A substance that ignites spontaneously upon exposure to air.

Which class of organic compounds, listed as #6, includes peroxides and hydroperoxides and must be stored away from heat and contaminants?

Peroxides, azides, and hydroperoxides (Group #6 Organic).

Why should cyanides be stored separately from acids?

Acids can release highly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas from cyanide salts.

What systematic procedure must follow disposal of unnecessary chemicals in a school?

Developing a long-term chemical management system that addresses purchasing, storage, inventory, training, and safety protocols.

Which laboratory rule directly addresses environmental protection as well as personal safety?

Handle chemicals safely—including proper storage and disposal—to prevent accidents and environmental harm.