Cartoon On Lab Safety | PDF - Free Printable

Let’s go step by step to answer each question based on the lab safety illustration.

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1. List 3 unsafe activities shown in the illustration and explain why each is unsafe.

- Eating or drinking in the lab – This is unsafe because chemicals or biological materials could contaminate food or drinks, leading to poisoning or illness.

- Running or horseplay (like the student slipping with a beaker) – Running can cause spills, broken glass, or collisions that lead to injuries or chemical exposure.

- Not wearing safety goggles – Eyes are very sensitive; without goggles, splashes from chemicals or flying debris can cause serious eye damage.

*(Other possible answers: pointing test tube at someone, smelling chemicals directly, long hair not tied back, etc.)*

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2. List 3 correct lab procedures depicted in the illustration.

- Wearing an apron/lab coat – Protects clothing and skin from spills.

- Using a fume hood or working under ventilation (if shown) – Helps remove dangerous vapors. *(Note: In this image, one student appears to be using a sink for rinsing — which is correct if done properly.)*

Actually, looking carefully:

✔ One student is washing hands after handling materials — good hygiene.

✔ A student is holding a test tube away from their face while heating it — safe practice.

✔ Someone is cleaning up a spill immediately — prevents slips and contamination.

*(Adjust based on what’s clearly visible: e.g., “Student using tongs to handle hot equipment,” “Student reading labels before use,” etc.)*

Better accurate ones from typical images like this:

- Student wearing safety goggles ✔
- Student tying back long hair ✔
- Student disposing of waste in proper container ✔

*(Since we’re going by standard lab safety posters, these are commonly shown as correct practices.)*

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3. What should Bob do after the accident?

Bob spilled something and slipped. He should:

→ Immediately tell the teacher.

→ Not touch the spill with bare hands.

→ Wait for instructions — maybe he needs to clean it up with proper tools (paper towels, gloves) or let the teacher handle hazardous material.

→ If injured, get first aid.

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4. What should Sue have done to avoid an accident?

Sue was running or rushing and dropped her beaker.

She should have:

→ Walked slowly and carefully in the lab.

→ Held equipment securely with both hands.

→ Paid attention to where she was stepping.

→ Made sure her path was clear before moving.

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5. What are three things shown in the lab that should not be there?

These are items that don’t belong in a science lab:

- Food/drink (sandwich, soda can) – Never eat or drink in lab.

- Personal electronics (cell phone, music player) – Can distract you or get damaged/contaminated.

- Toys or non-lab items (stuffed animal, comic book) – Distractions and potential contaminants.

*(Also: open backpacks on benches, coats hanging near experiments, etc.)*

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6. Compare Joe and Carl’s ways. Which method is safer? Why?

Joe is probably doing something risky — maybe heating a test tube pointed toward himself or others.

Carl is likely doing it correctly — pointing the test tube away from people, using clamp or holder, wearing goggles.

✔ Carl’s way is safer because:

→ He avoids directing heat or reactions toward himself or classmates.

→ He uses protective gear.

→ He follows procedure instead of rushing or joking around.

*(In many such illustrations, Joe is often shown being careless — e.g., sniffing chemicals directly — while Carl does wafting technique. So adjust accordingly.)*

Assuming common version:

If Joe is smelling chemical directly → UNSAFE.

If Carl is wafting vapor toward nose → SAFE.

Then: Carl’s method is safer because direct inhalation can burn lungs or cause poisoning; wafting lets you detect odor safely.

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7. What will happen to Ray and Tim when the teacher catches them?

They were likely misbehaving — maybe throwing paper airplanes, making faces, ignoring rules.

When caught:

→ They’ll probably lose lab privileges.

→ Get a warning or detention.

→ Have to write a reflection or redo assignment.

→ Might need to stay after school to learn proper behavior.

Teachers take lab safety seriously — so consequences are meant to teach responsibility.

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8. What is Betty doing wrong?

Betty is likely:

→ Looking into a test tube while heating it (dangerous — could explode or spray).

OR

→ Mixing unknown chemicals without permission.

OR

→ Not wearing goggles.

Most common mistake in these drawings: looking down the barrel of a test tube during reaction — which can cause injury if contents erupt.

So: Betty should look from the side, wear goggles, and follow teacher’s directions.

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Final Answer:

1. Unsafe activities: Eating in lab (risk of poisoning), running (causes spills/falls), no goggles (eye injury risk).
2. Correct procedures: Wearing goggles, tying back hair, cleaning spills promptly.
3. Bob should report spill to teacher, wait for cleanup instructions, seek help if hurt.
4. Sue should walk slowly, hold equipment securely, watch her step.
5. Items not allowed: Food/drinks, cell phones, toys/stuffed animals.
6. Carl’s method is safer — he points test tube away, wears protection; Joe risks injury by aiming at self/others.
7. Ray and Tim will face discipline — loss of privileges, detention, or extra work to learn responsibility.
8. Betty is looking into test tube while heating — should view from side and wear goggles to prevent injury.