Laboratory Safety Protocols Flashcards

Which document must be completed immediately following a laboratory chemical spill that results in worker exposure?

Answer: An incident or accident report form

Any incident involving chemical exposure to workers must be documented immediately through an incident or accident report to ensure proper follow-up and regulatory compliance.

The hierarchy of controls in laboratory safety lists which measure as MOST effective at reducing hazard exposure?

Answer: Elimination or substitution

Elimination or substitution of the hazard is always the most effective control because it removes the hazard entirely rather than managing exposure to it.

In a CCIL-accredited environmental testing lab, chain of custody (COC) documentation primarily serves to:

Answer: Demonstrate sample integrity and traceability from collection to analysis

COC documentation establishes a traceable, unbroken record of sample possession and handling, which is critical for defensible data quality.

Which action is required before performing maintenance on a laboratory instrument that uses high-voltage electricity?

Answer: Perform a lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure to de-energize the equipment

Lockout/tagout procedures must be followed to ensure equipment is de-energized and cannot be accidentally restarted during maintenance.

What is the maximum volume of flammable liquids typically permitted outside of a flammable storage cabinet in a standard laboratory work area?

Answer: 5 gallons per laboratory

NFPA 45 and OSHA guidelines generally limit outside-cabinet flammable liquid storage to no more than 5 gallons in a laboratory work area.

When working with carcinogenic chemicals in a CCIL laboratory, which additional control beyond standard PPE is typically required?

Answer: Annual medical surveillance and exposure monitoring

Workers with potential carcinogen exposure require medical surveillance programs and documented exposure monitoring as part of a comprehensive occupational health program.

A laboratory receives a new chemical with GHS pictogram showing an exclamation mark (!). This symbol indicates:

Answer: Acute toxicity, skin/eye irritation, or respiratory sensitization (less severe categories)

The GHS exclamation mark pictogram covers moderate hazards including acute toxicity (Category 4), skin sensitization, irritation, and narcotic effects.