Laboratory Safety Flashcards
7 cards from real Histology Certification practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Laboratory Safety flashcards as text
Which class of fire extinguisher is appropriate for a chemical solvent fire in a histology lab?
Answer: Class B
Class B extinguishers are designed for flammable liquid fires, including chemical solvents such as xylene and alcohol.
What is the correct first action when a histology technician splashes formalin into their eyes?
Answer: Flush eyes with water at an eyewash station for at least 15 minutes
Immediate, prolonged flushing at an eyewash station for a minimum of 15 minutes is required to dilute and remove formalin from the eyes.
In the hierarchy of controls, which measure provides the highest level of protection against hazardous chemical exposure?
Answer: Elimination or substitution
Elimination or substitution removes the hazard at the source and is ranked highest in the hierarchy of controls.
Which OSHA standard specifically governs occupational exposure to formaldehyde in U.S. laboratories?
Answer: 29 CFR 1910.1048
29 CFR 1910.1048 is OSHA's Formaldehyde Standard, setting permissible exposure limits and required controls.
A histology lab receives a new chemical. Which document must accompany it and be accessible to all staff?
Answer: Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are legally required to accompany hazardous chemicals and must be readily accessible to employees.
Which personal protective equipment combination is minimum standard when handling xylene in an open container?
Answer: Chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat, safety glasses, and use in a fume hood
Xylene is a flammable, CNS-toxic solvent requiring chemical-resistant gloves, a lab coat, eye protection, and ventilation control via a fume hood.
What is the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for formaldehyde as an 8-hour time-weighted average set by OSHA?
Answer: 0.75 ppm
OSHA's PEL for formaldehyde is 0.75 ppm as an 8-hour TWA, with a short-term exposure limit of 2 ppm.