30 Chemistry Lab Safety Quiz Questions and Answers

Chemistry labs often involve various equipment, chemicals, and processes that can be potentially dangerous. Adhering to safety guidelines reduces the risk of accidents such as fires, explosions, chemical spills, and burns. Proper storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals, as well as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), help prevent accidents from occurring.

Chemistry lab safety practices involve identifying potential hazards associated with chemicals, equipment, and procedures. This includes understanding the properties of chemicals, their reactivity, and potential health effects. Conducting risk assessments helps in identifying potential risks and implementing necessary precautions to mitigate them.

Chemicals used in labs can have adverse effects on the environment if not handled properly. Proper storage, containment, and disposal of chemicals minimize the risk of chemical spills, contamination of water sources, or release of hazardous substances into the atmosphere. By practicing responsible lab safety, laboratories can reduce their environmental impact.

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Safety protocols in chemistry labs promote good laboratory practices. This includes maintaining cleanliness, organization, and orderliness in the lab. Proper labeling and storage of chemicals, regular equipment maintenance, and adherence to standard operating procedures contribute to a safe and efficient working environment.

Table of content

Part 1: 30 chemistry lab safety quiz questions & answers

1. What should you do if you spill a chemical on your skin in the lab?
a) Ignore it and continue working.
b) Wash the area with water and inform your instructor.
c) Cover it with a bandage and continue working.
d) Use a paper towel to wipe it off quickly.
Answer: b) Wash the area with water and inform your instructor.

2. Which of the following is an example of appropriate footwear for a chemistry lab?
a) Open-toed sandals
b) High heels
c) Sneakers or closed-toe shoes
d) Flip-flops
Answer: c) Sneakers or closed-toe shoes

3. What should you do if you encounter a chemical odor that irritates your nose in the lab?
a) Inhale deeply to get used to the smell.
b) Report it to your instructor and avoid inhaling the odor.
c) Spray air freshener to mask the smell.
d) Hold your breath until the odor disappears.
Answer: b) Report it to your instructor and avoid inhaling the odor.

4. What should you do before using a chemical in the lab?
a) Taste a small amount of the chemical to check for sweetness.
b) Read the label and consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
c) Mix it with other chemicals to test its reactivity.
d) Pour a large amount into your hands to examine its texture.
Answer: b) Read the label and consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

5. When handling chemicals in the lab, why is it important to wear gloves?
a) To keep your hands warm.
b) To avoid getting chemicals on your hands.
c) To improve your grip on equipment.
d) To make your hands look more professional.
Answer: b) To avoid getting chemicals on your hands.

6. Where should you dispose of broken glassware in the lab?
a) In the regular trash bin.
b) In the sink.
c) In a designated broken glass container.
d) On the lab bench for someone else to clean up.
Answer: c) In a designated broken glass container.

7. What should you do if a fire breaks out in the lab?
a) Pour water on the fire to extinguish it.
b) Immediately evacuate the lab and inform your instructor.
c) Cover the fire with a cloth and continue working.
d) Use a fire extinguisher without notifying anyone.
Answer: b) Immediately evacuate the lab and inform your instructor.

8. What should you do if you accidentally spill a small amount of acid on the lab bench?
a) Ignore it and continue working.
b) Wipe it with a paper towel and dispose of it in the regular trash bin.
c) Clean it up with the appropriate spill kit and inform your instructor.
d) Leave it for someone else to clean up later.
Answer: c) Clean it up with the appropriate spill kit and inform your instructor.

9. Which of the following is NOT an appropriate eyewear for a chemistry lab?
a) Safety goggles
b) Prescription glasses with side shields
c) Contact lenses
d) Safety glasses with no side shields
Answer: c) Contact lenses

10. Why is it important to tie back long hair and avoid loose clothing in the lab?
a) To look more professional.
b) To avoid getting hair and clothing caught in equipment.
c) To keep hair and clothing clean.
d) To stay cool

in the lab.
Answer: b) To avoid getting hair and clothing caught in equipment.

11. When should you wear a lab coat in the chemistry lab?
a) Only when working with hazardous chemicals.
b) Only when instructed by your instructor.
c) Always, whenever you are in the lab.
d) Only when conducting experiments involving heat.
Answer: c) Always, whenever you are in the lab.

12. What should you do if you accidentally break a mercury thermometer in the lab?
a) Sweep up the mercury with a broom and dustpan.
b) Use your hands to pick up the broken thermometer pieces.
c) Notify your instructor and follow proper cleanup procedures.
d) Pour water over the broken thermometer to dilute the mercury.
Answer: c) Notify your instructor and follow proper cleanup procedures.

13. Why should you never taste or smell chemicals in the lab?
a) It is not polite to taste or smell chemicals.
b) Chemicals may be toxic, corrosive, or harmful if ingested or inhaled.
c) Tasting and smelling chemicals are unnecessary in the lab.
d) Tasting and smelling chemicals can lead to contamination of experiments.
Answer: b) Chemicals may be toxic, corrosive, or harmful if ingested or inhaled.

14. What should you do if you accidentally spill a small amount of a corrosive chemical on your skin?
a) Wipe it off with a paper towel.
b) Rinse the area with water for at least 15 minutes.
c) Ignore it and continue working.
d) Apply a bandage to cover the area.
Answer: b) Rinse the area with water for at least 15 minutes.

15. Which of the following is NOT a proper way to extinguish a small fire in the lab?
a) Smother it with a fire blanket.
b) Pour water on it.
c) Use a fire extinguisher appropriate for the type of fire.
d) Follow the PASS method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) when using a fire extinguisher.
Answer: b) Pour water on it.

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16. How should you transport chemicals from one location to another in the lab?
a) Carry them in your hands.
b) Pour them into an unlabeled container.
c) Use a suitable secondary container or a chemical carrier.
d) Balance them on the edge of the lab bench.
Answer: c) Use a suitable secondary container or a chemical carrier.

17. What should you do if you accidentally inhale a harmful chemical vapor in the lab?
a) Hold your breath until the vapor dissipates.
b) Blow air out of your mouth to disperse the vapor.
c) Immediately leave the lab and seek fresh air.
d) Continue working as long as you are not feeling any immediate effects.
Answer: c) Immediately leave the lab and seek fresh air.

18. How should you dispose of chemical waste in the lab?
a) Pour it down the sink with plenty of water.
b) Mix it with other chemicals before disposing of it.
c) Place it in a designated waste container with proper labeling.
d) Throw it in the regular trash bin.
Answer: c) Place it in a designated waste container with proper labeling.

19. What should you do if you accidentally cut yourself with a sharp object in the lab?
a) Ignore it and continue working.
b) Wash the wound with soap and water.
c) Apply an adhesive bandage and keep working.
d) Seek medical attention and inform your instructor.
Answer: d) Seek medical

attention and inform your instructor.

20. What is the purpose of a fume hood in the chemistry lab?
a) To store chemicals.
b) To provide extra light in the lab.
c) To safely ventilate and remove harmful fumes and gases.
d) To protect the lab equipment from dust.
Answer: c) To safely ventilate and remove harmful fumes and gases.

21. What should you do if you accidentally spill a small amount of a flammable liquid in the lab?
a) Ignite it with a matchstick to burn it off quickly.
b) Clean it up with a paper towel and dispose of it in the regular trash bin.
c) Inform your instructor and follow appropriate cleanup procedures for flammable liquids.
d) Pour water on it to dilute it and prevent flammability.
Answer: c) Inform your instructor and follow appropriate cleanup procedures for flammable liquids.

22. What should you do if you accidentally break a glass thermometer in the lab?
a) Sweep up the broken glass with your hands.
b) Notify your instructor and follow proper cleanup procedures.
c) Ignore it and continue working.
d) Leave it for someone else to clean up later.
Answer: b) Notify your instructor and follow proper cleanup procedures.

23. Why is it important to work in a well-ventilated area in the chemistry lab?
a) To prevent others from seeing your experiments.
b) To maintain a comfortable temperature in the lab.
c) To prevent the buildup of harmful fumes and gases.
d) To reduce the noise level in the lab.
Answer: c) To prevent the buildup of harmful fumes and gases.

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24. What should you do if you accidentally get a chemical in your eyes in the lab?
a) Rub your eyes to remove the chemical.
b) Rinse your eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
c) Ignore it and continue working.
d) Cover your eyes and wait for the chemical to evaporate.
Answer: b) Rinse your eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

25. Why is it important to read and understand the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a chemical before using it?
a) To know the cost of the chemical.
b) To learn about the chemical’s physical and chemical properties, hazards, and safety precautions.
c) To determine the expiration date of the chemical.
d) To find out the chemical’s molecular structure.
Answer: b) To learn about the chemical’s physical and chemical properties, hazards, and safety precautions.

26. How should you dispose of used or contaminated gloves in the lab?
a) Place them in the regular trash bin.
b) Rinse them with water and reuse them.
c) Dispose of them in a designated glove disposal container.
d) Leave them on the lab bench for someone else to pick up.
Answer: c) Dispose of them in a designated glove disposal container.

27. What should you do if you accidentally knock over a container of chemicals in the lab?
a) Leave it for someone else to clean up later.
b) Immediately notify your instructor and follow proper cleanup procedures.
c) Ignore it and continue working.
d) Spread absorbent material around it to contain the spill.
Answer: b) Immediately notify your instructor and follow proper cleanup procedures.

28. Why is it important to label all chemical containers in the lab?
a) To make them look more organized.
b) To show off your neat handwriting.
c) To ensure proper identification and prevent misuse or confusion.
d)

To add a personal touch to the lab.
Answer: c) To ensure proper identification and prevent misuse or confusion.

29. What should you do if you accidentally inhale a toxic gas in the lab?
a) Hold your breath until the gas dissipates.
b) Immediately leave the lab and seek fresh air.
c) Cover your nose and mouth with your hand.
d) Continue working as long as you are not feeling any immediate effects.
Answer: b) Immediately leave the lab and seek fresh air.

30. Why is it important to report any accidents, spills, or injuries that occur in the lab?
a) To avoid getting in trouble with your instructor.
b) To ensure proper documentation and follow-up actions.
c) To create unnecessary panic in the lab.
d) To make the lab technician’s job more difficult.
Answer: b) To ensure proper documentation and follow-up actions.

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