Let's analyze the cartoon and answer each question based on the visual clues and common lab safety principles.
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1. List 3 unsafe activities shown in the cartoon and explain why each is unsafe.
a) Bob spilling a chemical (labeled "H₂O") while holding a beaker with one hand and walking.
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Why it's unsafe: Walking while carrying chemicals without proper support increases the risk of spills, which can cause burns, contamination, or reactions. He should use both hands or a cart to transport chemicals safely.
b) Jim eating food in the lab.
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Why it's unsafe: Eating in the lab is dangerous because chemicals could contaminate food, leading to ingestion of hazardous substances. Labs are not meant for consumption of any kind.
c) Sue using a hairdryer near a chemical setup.
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Why it's unsafe: Hairdryers are electrical devices that can spark, potentially igniting flammable vapors. Also, they can blow dust or particles into open containers, causing contamination or reaction.
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2. What should Bob do after his accident?
Bob spilled a liquid (possibly water or a chemical) and is reacting in pain. After an accident like this:
- He should immediately
rinse the affected area with water (especially if it’s a chemical spill).
- Report the incident to the teacher or supervisor.
- If necessary, use the
eyewash station or
safety shower.
- Seek medical help if needed.
- Clean up the spill properly using appropriate materials (like spill kits), following lab procedures.
> *Note: Even if it’s just water, he should still report it so the area can be cleaned and checked.*
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3. What should Sue do to avoid an accident?
Sue is using a hairdryer in the lab, which is unsafe. To avoid an accident:
- She should
not use electrical appliances like hairdryers in the lab unless specifically approved and safe.
- She should
keep her hair tied back and wear appropriate lab attire.
- Avoid bringing personal items into the lab that aren’t part of the experiment.
> Best practice: Use only lab-approved tools and keep the workspace clear of non-essential items.
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4. What safety procedure is Tina following?
Tina is shown at the sink, washing her hands.
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She is following the safety procedure of washing hands after handling chemicals.
- This is essential to remove any residues that might be harmful if touched to eyes, mouth, or skin.
✔ Handwashing is a critical step in lab safety.
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5. Compare Joe and Carl’s lab techniques. Who is doing it the correct way?
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Joe: He is wearing goggles and a lab coat, and appears to be carefully pouring a liquid from one container to another. He is also using a funnel to prevent spills. These are all
correct lab practices.
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Carl: He is not wearing goggles or a lab coat. He is also eating (as seen by the sandwich), which is extremely unsafe in a lab.
👉
Joe is doing it the correct way. Carl is violating multiple safety rules.
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6. List 4 pieces of safety equipment that are in the lab.
From the cartoon, we can identify:
1.
Eye wash station – visible near the sink where Tina is washing her hands.
2.
Safety shower – located in the background, labeled “SAFETY SHOWER.”
3.
Fire extinguisher – hanging on the wall (top right corner).
4.
First aid kit – mounted on the wall, labeled “FIRST AID.”
These are standard lab safety features designed to respond to emergencies.
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✔ Summary Answers:
1.
Unsafe Activities:
- Bob walking with a beaker (risk of spill)
- Jim eating in the lab (contamination risk)
- Sue using a hairdryer (electrical/fire hazard)
2.
After accident: Rinse with water, report, seek help, clean up.
3.
Sue should: Not bring personal appliances into the lab; keep workspace safe.
4.
Tina’s safety procedure: Washing hands after lab work.
5.
Joe vs Carl: Joe is correct (wearing PPE, careful). Carl is wrong (eating, no PPE).
6.
Safety equipment:
- Eye wash station
- Safety shower
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit
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This cartoon highlights common lab safety mistakes and emphasizes the importance of following protocols to prevent accidents.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of safety in the laboratory worksheet answers.
