Essential Lab Safety for Students

Which of the following is considered essential personal protective equipment (PPE) in a science laboratory?

• Flip-flops

• Safety goggles

• Baseball cap

• Scarf

What should you do if a chemical splashes onto your skin?

• Wipe it off with a tissue

• Rinse immediately with plenty of water

• Ignore it if it doesn’t hurt

• Cover it with a bandage

Which of the following is NOT a correct way to handle chemicals in the lab?

• Smelling chemicals directly from the container

• Using a fume hood for volatile substances

• Wearing gloves when handling corrosive chemicals

• Reading labels before using chemicals

What is the first thing you should do in case of a fire in the laboratory?

• Run out of the room

• Notify the teacher immediately

• Pour water on the fire

• Ignore it if it’s small

Which item should you use to protect your hands when handling hot glassware?

• Bare hands

• Tongs or heat-resistant gloves

• Paper towels

• Plastic bags

What is the proper way to dispose of broken glass in the lab?

• In the regular trash can

• In a designated glass disposal container

• In the sink

• On the floor

If you spill a chemical, what should you do first?

• Clean it up immediately with your hands

• Tell the teacher or lab supervisor

• Ignore it

• Cover it with paper towels

Which of the following is NOT a correct emergency response protocol?

• Know the location of safety equipment

• Panic and run

• Follow teacher’s instructions

• Evacuate calmly if necessary

What should you do before using any lab equipment?

• Use it without checking

• Read the instructions and ask questions if unsure

• Assume you know how it works

• Let someone else use it first

Which of the following is the safest way to smell a chemical if instructed to do so?

• Sniff directly from the container

• Waft the odor toward your nose with your hand

• Inhale deeply over the container

• Ask a friend to smell it first