Free CMLA Laboratory Safety & Procedures Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On the NFPA hazard diamond, which color represents flammability?
- Blue
- Red (Correct answer)
- Yellow
- White
Correct answer: Red
The NFPA 704 hazard diamond uses a color-coded system to quickly convey chemical hazards. The red section, located at the top of the diamond, specifically indicates the flammability hazard of a substance. This allows emergency responders to quickly assess the fire risk.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a laboratory fume hood?
- Sterilize equipment
- Provide extra lighting
- Contain and exhaust harmful fumes (Correct answer)
- Store chemicals
Correct answer: Contain and exhaust harmful fumes
A laboratory fume hood is a critical piece of safety equipment designed to protect lab personnel from exposure to hazardous fumes, vapors, and particulate matter. It works by drawing air from the lab into the hood and then exhausting it safely outside, preventing the buildup of dangerous substances in the breathing zone.
Question 3: If a chemical splashes into your eyes, how long should you flush them at the eyewash station?
- 5 seconds
- 30 seconds
- 2 minutes
- 15 minutes (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 15 minutes
In the event of a chemical splash to the eyes, immediate and thorough flushing is crucial to prevent severe injury. ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 standards recommend flushing the eyes continuously for a minimum of 15 minutes at an eyewash station. This extended period ensures that all traces of the chemical are removed and minimizes potential damage.
Question 4: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when handling biohazard materials?
- Safety sandals
- Gloves and lab coat (Correct answer)
- Hearing protection
- Dust mask
Correct answer: Gloves and lab coat
When handling biohazard materials, it is essential to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to prevent exposure and contamination. Gloves protect hands from direct contact, while a lab coat provides a barrier for clothing and skin, minimizing the risk of infection.
Question 5: Before disposing of used sharps, they must be:
- Wrapped in paper
- Incinerated immediately
- Placed in a puncture‑resistant sharps container (Correct answer)
- Emptied into regular trash
Correct answer: Placed in a puncture‑resistant sharps container
Used sharps, such as needles, scalpels, and broken glass, pose a significant risk of injury and infection. To ensure safety, they must be immediately disposed of in designated puncture-resistant sharps containers. These containers prevent accidental needlesticks and safely contain biohazardous waste until proper disposal.
Question 6: The safety shower should ideally be reached within how many seconds after a chemical spill on the body?
- 10 seconds (Correct answer)
- 30 seconds
- 1 minute
- 5 minutes
Correct answer: 10 seconds
In the event of a chemical spill on the body, immediate decontamination is vital to minimize injury. Safety standards, such as ANSI/ISEA Z358.1, mandate that a safety shower must be accessible within 10 seconds or 55 feet of any hazardous chemical work area. This rapid access allows for quick flushing and reduces the severity of chemical burns or exposure.
Question 7: The GHS pictogram showing a test tube pouring onto a hand and metal indicates:
- Flammable
- Toxic
- Corrosive (Correct answer)
- Oxidizer
Correct answer: Corrosive
The GHS (Globally Harmonized System) pictogram showing a test tube pouring liquid onto a hand and a metal surface, causing damage, specifically indicates a corrosive hazard. This symbol warns that the substance can cause severe skin burns, eye damage, or be corrosive to metals.
Question 8: When heating a liquid in a test tube, you should always:
- Cap the tube tightly
- Point the opening toward yourself
- Point the opening away from people (Correct answer)
- Fill the tube to the brim
Correct answer: Point the opening away from people
When heating a liquid in a test tube, it is crucial to always point the opening away from yourself and others. This safety precaution prevents hot liquid or vapors from being ejected towards anyone in case of sudden boiling or splashing, which could cause severe burns.
Question 9: What is the first action you should take when a minor chemical spill occurs?
- Leave the lab immediately
- Alert others and don PPE (Correct answer)
- Mop it up with paper towels
- Ignore it if small
Correct answer: Alert others and don PPE
When a minor chemical spill occurs, the immediate first step is to alert others in the vicinity to ensure their safety and then don appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This ensures that you are protected before attempting to contain or clean up the spill, preventing personal exposure.
Free CMLA Laboratory Safety & Procedures Questions and Answers
On the NFPA hazard diamond, which color represents flammability?