Lab Behaviour
True or False: Eating in the lab is unsafe only when chemicals are out.
False — contamination can occur even if chemicals were cleaned up; lab benches are never food-safe.
If you get a chemical in your eye, what is the first thing you should do?
a) Rub your eye
b) Use the eye-wash fountain immediately
c) Notify a friend
d) Wait to see if it hurts
Answer: b) Use the eye-wash fountain immediately
True or False: An octagon symbol on a household product means the highest level of danger.
True
Which of these is used to wash chemicals out of your eyes?
a) Fire extinguisher
b) Safety shower
c) Eye-wash fountain
d) Dustpan
c) Eye-wash fountain
True or False: The teacher is the only one responsible for lab safety.
False — all students share responsibility.
True or False: If you have read the lab once at home, you don’t need to review the instructions again before beginning.
False — instructions must be reviewed immediately before lab to ensure accuracy and updates.
A student spills hot water and does not let Miss Mckinley know. They also let it dry on the floor. Which two rules did they break?
Did not tell the teacher, did not clean up the spill
Which of the following cleaners would likely have a “Danger” HHPS symbol?
a) Vinegar
b) Bleach
c) Mild dish soap
d) Baking soda
b)Bleach
True or False: It is okay to smell chemicals directly from a flask.
False
Two students rush through instructions and start mixing chemicals without checking with the teacher. Whose responsibility is this error?
The students — everyone must read instructions and ask questions first.
Which of these is the most serious lab behaviour violation?
a) Forgetting to tie back long hair
b) Talking loudly during instructions
c) Wearing sandals in the lab
d) Horseplay near open flames
d) Horseplay near open flames — immediate risk of fire and injury.
A student burns their hand with a hot beaker. What is the correct first step?
Immediately plunge the burned area into cold water and notify the teacher.
True or False: A product with the skull-and-crossbones WHMIS symbol means toxic
True
A student is unsure how to use a fire extinguisher. What should they do?
Ask the teacher for instructions before using it.
Multiple Choice: Which student is acting safely?
a) Sam, who removes goggles once their group finishes, even though others are still working
b) Alex, who asks the teacher how to clean up a spill
c) Jordan, who leaves their apron on the bench
d) Riley, who smells a test tube directly
b) Alex
A student finishes early and decides to help another group by picking up their test tube without gloves. What’s the hidden risk?
Unknown chemicals could cause burns, toxicity, or contamination. You should never handle another group’s materials without instruction.
A student cuts their hand on broken glass but hides it because “it’s just a scratch.” Why is this unsafe?
Even small cuts can allow chemical entry or infection, all accidents must be reported.
A student is handling a chemical and notices two safety symbols: one showing a flame and another with an exclamation mark. What do these symbols represent?
a) Flammable , Health Hazard
b) Flammable, Corrosive
c) Flammable, Irritation
d) Flammable, Explosive
c) Flammable, Irritation
Which item is NOT part of proper lab dress code?
a) Goggles
b) Lab apron
c) Open sandals
d) Gloves
c) Open sandals
True or False: If you’re not the one who caused the unsafe situation, you don’t need to report it.
False — all hazards must be reported.
During clean-up, a student pours leftover acid down the sink without asking. Why is this dangerous?
Strong acids can corrode pipes and create toxic fumes; disposal must be directed by teacher.
Two students report a chemical spill after they finished their experiment. Why is this dangerous, and what should have happened?
Others may have been exposed during delay; reporting must be immediate so hazards are contained right away.
What is the name of the WHMIS symbol that shows the outline of a person with a star inside the chest?
You notice broken glass in the sink after class. What two things should you do?
Notify the teacher; use the designated glass disposal container, not bare hands.
Multiple Choice: A group ignores instructions, and one member gets hurt. Who is MOST at fault?
a) Only the injured student
b) The teacher
c) The whole group
d) Nobody, accidents happen
c) The whole group — responsibility is shared.