REE CMLA Laboratory Safety & Procedures — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in a laboratory?
- To stay comfortable while working.
- To prevent exposure to hazardous materials. (Correct answer)
- To look professional.
- To make cleaning easier.
Correct answer: To prevent exposure to hazardous materials.
The primary purpose of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in a laboratory is to create a barrier between the worker and potential hazards. This prevents exposure to harmful chemicals, biological agents, and other dangerous materials, ensuring safety and minimizing risks of injury or contamination.
Question 2: How should you handle broken glassware in the laboratory?
- Pick it up with your bare hands.
- Use a broom and dustpan to clean it up. (Correct answer)
- Throw it in the regular trash.
- Leave it for someone else to clean.
Correct answer: Use a broom and dustpan to clean it up.
Broken glassware should always be handled with extreme caution to prevent cuts and injuries. Using a broom and dustpan allows you to safely collect the shards without direct hand contact. It should then be disposed of in a designated sharps container, not regular trash.
Question 3: What should you do if you spill a chemical in the laboratory?
- Leave the spill for the janitor.
- Ignore it and continue working.
- Follow the appropriate cleanup procedure from the SDS. (Correct answer)
- Cover it with paper towels and move on.
Correct answer: Follow the appropriate cleanup procedure from the SDS.
If a chemical spill occurs, it is crucial to consult and follow the appropriate cleanup procedure outlined in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for that specific chemical. The SDS provides detailed information on hazards, protective measures, and proper spill response, ensuring safe and effective containment and disposal.
Question 4: How should you dispose of biological waste in a laboratory?
- Dispose of it in a regular trash can.
- Dispose of it in biohazard containers. (Correct answer)
- Leave it on the floor for someone else.
- Throw it in the recycling bin.
Correct answer: Dispose of it in biohazard containers.
Biological waste, which may contain infectious agents, must be disposed of in designated biohazard containers. This practice ensures proper segregation, treatment, and safe disposal, preventing the spread of pathogens and protecting laboratory personnel and the environment from contamination.
Question 5: Why is it important to know the location of emergency equipment in the laboratory?
- So you can impress others with your knowledge.
- So you can avoid using them.
- So you can respond quickly in emergencies. (Correct answer)
- It’s unnecessary as they are self-explanatory.
Correct answer: So you can respond quickly in emergencies.
Knowing the location of emergency equipment, such as eyewash stations, safety showers, and fire extinguishers, is vital for responding quickly and effectively during an emergency. Rapid access to these tools can minimize injuries and mitigate hazardous situations, potentially saving lives.
Question 6: What is the correct procedure for labeling chemicals in the laboratory?
- Use vague labels to save time.
- Clearly label with the chemical name and hazards. (Correct answer)
- Don’t label them if the container looks clean.
- Use a sticky note with a short description.
Correct answer: Clearly label with the chemical name and hazards.
Proper chemical labeling is critical for safety and accurate identification. Labels must clearly state the chemical name, concentration, and any associated hazards to inform users of potential risks and ensure correct handling and storage. Vague or absent labels can lead to dangerous mix-ups.
Question 7: What should you do if a chemical spill reaches the floor?
- Ignore it, it will evaporate.
- Contain and clean it according to SDS instructions. (Correct answer)
- Pour more chemicals to neutralize the spill.
- Wait for the next shift to handle it.
Correct answer: Contain and clean it according to SDS instructions.
A chemical spill on the floor requires immediate action to contain its spread and clean it up according to the specific instructions in the chemical's Safety Data Sheet (SDS). This prevents slips, falls, further exposure, and potential damage to the facility. Ignoring it or attempting neutralization without proper knowledge is dangerous.
Question 8: When should you perform a safety check of laboratory equipment?
- Only when the equipment is broken.
- Before each use and regularly. (Correct answer)
- When someone reports an issue.
- Once a year.
Correct answer: Before each use and regularly.
Performing safety checks of laboratory equipment before each use and on a regular schedule is essential for ensuring its proper and safe operation. This proactive approach helps identify potential malfunctions or hazards before they lead to accidents or compromise experimental results. Waiting for equipment to break is reactive and unsafe.
Question 9: What is the proper action if you accidentally ingest a laboratory chemical?
- Ignore it, your body will handle it.
- Immediately seek medical help and inform them of the chemical. (Correct answer)
- Drink water to dilute it.
- Wait for the symptoms to appear.
Correct answer: Immediately seek medical help and inform them of the chemical.
Accidental ingestion of a laboratory chemical is a medical emergency that requires immediate professional medical attention. It is crucial to inform medical personnel of the specific chemical ingested, as this information is vital for them to administer the correct and most effective treatment. Delaying or attempting self-treatment can be extremely dangerous.
REE CMLA Laboratory Safety & Procedures
What is the primary purpose of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in a laboratory?