Lab Safety Worksheet | PDF | Laboratories | Science - Free Printable

RECOGNIZING LAB SAFETY WORKSHEET – SOLUTION

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#### Part 1: Safety Situations (Write "yes" or "no" and give a reason)

1. Bubba cannot find matches to light his Bunsen burner. The student next to him picks up a lighted burner and says, "Here, you can use my flame to light your burner."

- Answer: *No*
- Reason: Using a lit burner to ignite another is dangerous because it increases the risk of fire spreading, accidental burns, or gas leaks. Always use a proper ignition source like a striker or match, and never transfer flames between burners.

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2. Jim Bob notices that the electrical cord on his microscope is frayed near the plug. He takes the microscope to his teacher and asks for permission to use another one.

- Answer: *Yes*
- Reason: A frayed electrical cord can cause electric shock or fire. Reporting damaged equipment to the teacher and avoiding its use shows awareness of safety protocols and responsible behavior.

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3. The directions in lab manual instruct students to pour a small amount of hydrochloric acid into a beaker. Hawkeye puts on safety goggles and a lab apron before pouring the acid into the beaker.

- Answer: *Yes*
- Reason: Hydrochloric acid is corrosive and can cause skin burns or eye damage. Wearing safety goggles and a lab apron protects against chemical splashes, which is proper safety procedure.

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4. Trapper John finds a paper clip on the floor, and becomes curious. He wants to know what will happen if he sticks the paper clip in the electrical outlet at his lab desk. His lab partners agree, and he performs his experiment.

- Answer: *No*
- Reason: Inserting metal objects into electrical outlets is extremely dangerous and can cause electric shock, short circuits, or fire. This is a serious violation of lab safety rules.

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5. While using ice in a lab, Major Burns puts a piece of ice down Captain Pierce’s shirt. To get even, Pierce grabs a handful and returns the favor.

- Answer: *No*
- Reason: Horseplay and pranks in the lab are unsafe and distract from proper procedures. They increase the risk of accidents, especially when handling chemicals or equipment. Labs require focus and professionalism.

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#### Part 2: Identify the Meaning of Each Safety Symbol

6. 🔥 (Flame symbol inside square)
- Meaning: Flammable – The substance can catch fire easily.

7. 🌧️ (Corrosive liquid dripping onto hand and surface)
- Meaning: Corrosive – The substance can burn or damage skin, eyes, or materials.

8. ☢️ (Three-bladed triangle)
- Meaning: Radioactive – The material emits radiation; handle with extreme caution.

9. 💥 (Explosion inside diamond)
- Meaning: Explosive – The substance can explode under certain conditions.

10. ☠️ (Skull and crossbones)
- Meaning: Toxic / Poisonous – The substance can cause harm or death if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed.

11. 🦠 (Biohazard symbol)
- Meaning: Biological Hazard – Contains harmful biological agents (e.g., bacteria, viruses) that may pose health risks.

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✔ Summary of Answers:

| Question | Answer | Reason |
|--------|--------|--------|
| 1 | No | Never transfer flames between burners; risk of fire or injury. |
| 2 | Yes | Damaged cords are hazardous; reporting them is safe practice. |
| 3 | Yes | Proper PPE (goggles, apron) used when handling corrosive chemicals. |
| 4 | No | Putting metal in outlets causes electric shock/fire hazard. |
| 5 | No | Pranks disrupt safety and can lead to accidents. |

| Symbol | Meaning |
|-------|---------|
| 6 | Flammable |
| 7 | Corrosive |
| 8 | Radioactive |
| 9 | Explosive |
| 10 | Toxic / Poisonous |
| 11 | Biohazard |

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✔ Final Note: Always follow lab safety rules to prevent injuries and ensure a safe learning environment. These symbols and practices help identify hazards and promote responsible behavior in science labs.