Laboratory Safety Protocols Flashcards

A laboratory technician notices a strong solvent odor while working at the bench. The FIRST corrective action should be to:

Answer: Move work into the fume hood immediately

Work involving volatile solvents generating detectable odors must be moved into a functioning fume hood to prevent inhalation exposure.

Under laboratory waste management protocols, empty containers that held acutely hazardous chemicals must be:

Answer: Triple-rinsed and managed as hazardous waste

Empty containers of acutely hazardous materials require triple-rinsing and must still be managed as hazardous waste per regulatory standards.

What minimum face velocity (in feet per minute) is generally required for a properly functioning chemical fume hood?

Answer: 60–100 fpm

A face velocity of 60–100 fpm is the generally accepted range to ensure adequate containment in a chemical fume hood.

Which of the following is an example of an administrative control for laboratory chemical hazards?

Answer: Implementing mandatory buddy-system procedures

Administrative controls include work practices and procedural changes such as buddy systems, whereas engineering controls and PPE are separate hierarchy categories.

When are laboratory workers required to remove personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves before leaving the lab?

Answer: Before exiting into any common area or corridor

PPE must be removed before leaving the laboratory to prevent spreading contamination into common areas.

A chemical with a flash point below 23°C is classified under which GHS flammable liquid category?

Answer: Category 2 or 1

GHS Flammable Liquid Categories 1 and 2 cover liquids with flash points below 23°C (with Category 1 having an additional boiling point criterion).

In a CCIL-accredited laboratory, a documented emergency response plan must be:

Answer: Posted and accessible to all laboratory personnel

Emergency response plans must be accessible to all personnel in the lab and are typically posted in visible locations.