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Quizzes > Science

Chemistry Safety Quiz: Test Your Lab Know-How

Quick, free chemistry lab safety quiz. Instant results and answer tips.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Carmine ManieriUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of lab glassware hazard symbols and safety equipment on dark blue background for chemistry quiz

This chemistry safety quiz helps you practice core lab rules, hazard symbols, PPE, and emergency steps so you can work smarter and avoid mistakes. For more practice, try our lab safety quiz and a safety in the lab quiz, or check your basics with a science laboratory safety test.

What does the acronym PPE stand for in a chemistry lab?
Proper Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Elements
Personal Protection Equipment
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment, which includes items such as gloves, goggles, and lab coats that protect users from chemical exposures. It is a fundamental component of lab safety protocols to minimize risk of injury. Selecting proper PPE is dictated by the chemicals and procedures involved in the experiment. Learn more at .
Which piece of laboratory equipment is primarily used to accurately measure the volume of liquids?
Beaker
Graduated cylinder
Erlenmeyer flask
Volumetric flask
Graduated cylinders are calibrated with precise volume markings and are designed for accurate measurements of liquids. While volumetric flasks can be even more precise for a single volume, graduated cylinders offer flexibility for multiple volumes. Beakers and Erlenmeyer flasks are used for mixing or rough volume estimations. More details at .
When a Bunsen burner's air supply is properly adjusted, what color is the flame?
Blue
Orange
Yellow
Red
A properly adjusted Bunsen burner flame is blue, indicating complete combustion and a hotter, non-luminous flame. Yellow or orange flames are cooler and result from incomplete combustion, producing soot. The blue flame reduces soot contamination of samples. See more at .
Which hazard symbol indicates a substance is flammable?
Flame
Skull and crossbones
Corrosion
Gas cylinder
The flame pictogram signals flammable gases, liquids, or solids that can ignite easily. It is used under GHS and OSHA Hazard Communication standards to alert users of fire risk. Proper storage and handling procedures are critical when this symbol is present. Learn more at .
What is the safest way to smell a volatile chemical in the lab?
Directly inhale over the container
Waft vapors toward your nose with your hand
Wear a mask and breathe normally
Cup your hand over the container and sniff
Wafting gently with your hand directs a small amount of vapor toward your nose and limits inhalation of high concentrations. Direct inhalation or cupping your hand can expose you to harmful levels of vapors. Masks may not filter all chemical vapors effectively. Procedure details at .
Which type of fire extinguisher is suitable for electrical fires?
Type C
Type D
Type A
Type B
Class C extinguishers are designed for fires involving energized electrical equipment and contain non-conductive agents. Type A is for ordinary combustibles, B for flammable liquids, and D for combustible metals. Using the wrong extinguisher on electrical fires can cause electrocution. More info at .
What is the first step if a chemical splashes into your eyes?
Cover eyes with a clean cloth
Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes
Rub your eyes to remove the chemical
Apply over-the-counter eye drops
Immediate and continuous flushing of the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes helps remove harmful chemicals and reduce tissue damage. Rubbing or applying drops can spread the chemical further. After rinsing, seek medical attention. Guidelines available at .
What does SDS stand for in chemical safety documentation?
Safety Description Standard
Safety Data Summary
Safety Data Sheet
Standard Data Sheet
Safety Data Sheets provide detailed information on chemical hazards, handling, storage, and emergency measures. They replaced Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) under the GHS system. OSHA requires access to SDS for all hazardous chemicals in the workplace. See for more.
What material is most appropriate for a lab coat to protect against chemical splashes?
Plastic
Cotton
Nylon
Polyester
Cotton lab coats resist heat and flames better than synthetic fibers and provide a protective barrier against chemical splashes. Synthetic materials can melt onto skin when exposed to heat or certain chemicals. Many institutions specify 100% cotton for routine lab work. More at .
Which of the following is never allowed inside the laboratory?
Using a pipette filler
Eating or drinking
Wearing safety goggles
Tying back long hair
Eating or drinking in the lab risks ingesting hazardous chemicals and contaminating food or beverages. Lab rules universally prohibit consuming items to maintain a safe environment. Always perform personal tasks outside designated lab areas. See safety policies at .
Which chemical is commonly used to neutralize small acid spills in the lab?
Sodium bicarbonate
Acetic acid
Hydrochloric acid
Sodium hydroxide
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide and water, neutralizing the spill safely. It is readily available in most labs as a first-response neutralizer. Strong bases can overshoot the neutralization and create hazards. Details at .
What is the primary function of a fume hood in a chemistry lab?
Store chemicals
Remove harmful vapors
Provide power outlets
Filter water
A fume hood ventilates toxic or flammable vapors away from the user, protecting against inhalation hazards. It maintains airflow and filters or exhausts harmful chemicals outside the lab. Proper use requires keeping the sash at recommended heights. More at .
How should broken glassware be disposed of in the lab?
Down the sink
In the regular trash
In a designated sharps container
In a biohazard bin
Broken glassware must go into a rigid, puncture-resistant sharps or glass disposal container labeled accordingly. Regular trash can expose custodial staff to injury. Biohazard bins are for biological waste only. OSHA guidelines at .
What is the flash point of a liquid?
The temperature at which it boils
The lowest temperature at which it can ignite
The temperature at which it freezes
The temperature at which it decomposes
The flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air. It is a key property for assessing flammability risks. Lower flash points indicate higher fire hazards. For more, see .
In the NFPA diamond, what does the blue quadrant represent?
Health hazard
Reactivity
Flammability
Special hazards
The blue section of the NFPA 704 diamond indicates health hazards, ranging from 0 (no hazard) to 4 (severe hazards). Red is flammability, yellow is reactivity, and white lists special information. It helps first responders assess chemical risks. More at .
Which personal protective equipment is essential when handling strong corrosive acids?
Nitrile gloves
Latex gloves
Cotton gloves
Wool gloves
Nitrile gloves provide strong resistance against acids and solvents and are preferred for handling corrosive substances. Latex can degrade with some chemicals and is less protective. Always check glove compatibility charts before use. CDC guidance at .
What is the correct order for diluting concentrated sulfuric acid?
Heat then add water
Add acid to water
Add water to acid
Mix equal parts
Always add acid to water slowly to dissipate heat and prevent splattering. Adding water to acid can cause violent reactions due to exothermic heat. Proper technique is emphasized in all chemical safety protocols. See for details.
Which of the following terms describes the minimum energy needed to ignite a flammable vapor-air mixture?
Flash point
Autoignition temperature
Minimum ignition energy
Lower explosive limit
Minimum ignition energy (MIE) is the least energy required to initiate combustion of a vapor-air mix. Flash point is a temperature property, not energy. Lower explosive limit refers to concentration, and autoignition is when a substance ignites without spark. More at .
Which hazard pictogram indicates a substance that may cause long-term health effects like carcinogenicity?
Skull and crossbones
Exclamation mark
Flame
Health hazard silhouette
The health hazard pictogram (a silhouette of a person with a starburst) indicates chronic health risks such as carcinogenicity, respiratory sensitization, or reproductive toxicity. The exclamation mark covers less severe irritants or acute toxicity. Linked regulations at .
How should biological waste like agar plates be disposed of?
Recycling bin
Biohazard autoclave bag
Chemical waste drum
Regular trash
Biological waste must be placed in labeled biohazard bags or containers and treated (e.g., autoclaved) before disposal. Regular trash or chemical drums are not suitable and risk contamination. Follow institutional biosafety guidelines. More at .
Which GHS pictogram represents oxidizing agents?
Corrosion
Flame
Exploding bomb
Flame over circle
The flame over circle symbol denotes oxidizers that can cause or intensify fires by releasing oxygen. It is distinct from the simple flame pictogram for flammables. Recognizing oxidizer risks is critical for safe storage. See for more.
When mixing concentrated nitric acid and water, which procedure is safest?
Heating acid then adding water
Mixing equal parts directly
Adding acid to water slowly
Adding water to acid
Adding concentrated acid to water dissipates heat gradually and minimizes splattering. The reverse (water to acid) can generate localized overheating and violent ejection of acid droplets. Proper mixing order is emphasized in safety protocols. More at .
Peroxide-forming chemicals like diethyl ether pose what main risk if allowed to age?
Increased flammability
Formation of explosive peroxides
Reduced volatility
Loss of color
Unsaturated ethers can form unstable peroxide crystals when stored exposed to air and light. These peroxides can detonate upon concentration or mechanical shock. Labs monitor peroxide levels and discard aged solvents safely. See .
What does the safety shower symbol indicate in a lab?
Eyewash station
Fire extinguisher
Emergency shower location
First aid kit location
The safety shower pictogram points to a full-body emergency drench shower for decontamination after chemical spills. It differs from the eyewash symbol, which indicates targeted eye flushing stations. Understanding these symbols speeds emergency response. More at .
Under the EU CLP regulation, which hazard class covers skin irritation?
Serious eye damage
Skin corrosion
Skin sensitization
Skin irritation
Skin irritation (Category 2) under CLP refers to reversible damage like redness or swelling after exposure. Skin corrosion (Category 1) causes irreversible tissue damage. Sensitization covers allergic responses. Details at .
What does the acronym PEL stand for in OSHA regulations?
Permissible Emission Level
Potential Exposure Limit
Personal Exposure Level
Permissible Exposure Limit
PEL is the Permissible Exposure Limit, the maximum airborne concentration of a chemical to which OSHA allows worker exposure over an 8-hour shift. It is legally enforceable and detailed in OSHA standards. Employers must monitor and control exposures accordingly. See .
Which agent is commonly used to chelate and remove heavy metal spills like mercury?
Sulfuric acid
Sodium hydroxide
Sodium chloride
EDTA
EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) forms stable complexes with heavy metals, aiding in cleanup and decontamination. It is used in spill kits for mercury and lead. Other common acids or salts do not chelate metals as effectively. More at .
What is the correct sequence for donning personal protective equipment?
Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
Gloves, goggles, gown, mask
Gown, gloves, goggles, mask
Mask, goggles, gown, gloves
The recommended order is gown first, then mask (or respirator), followed by goggles or face shield, and finally gloves. This sequence prevents contamination and ensures each item is secured before the next. Reversing the order can compromise protection. See CDC guidelines at .
Nanoparticles pose unique hazards primarily due to their...
Ease of disposal
High color intensity
Small size and high surface area
Low reactivity
Nanoparticles have extremely small dimensions and a large surface area-to-volume ratio, which can enhance chemical reactivity and biological interactions. This raises concerns about inhalation, dermal, and environmental exposures. Proper containment and ventilation are critical. More at .
What information does the signal word 'Danger' on an SDS convey compared to 'Warning'?
Less severe hazard
More severe hazard
No hazard
Moderate hazard only
On Safety Data Sheets and GHS labels, 'Danger' indicates a higher level of hazard severity than 'Warning'. It is used for chemicals that pose serious health, physical, or environmental risks. Using the correct signal word ensures proper risk communication. See .
In occupational health, what does OEL stand for?
Occupational Exposure Limit
Occupational Emission Limit
Operational Exposure Level
Official Exposure Limit
OEL stands for Occupational Exposure Limit, which is the maximum permissible concentration of a hazardous substance in workplace air. OELs guide engineering controls and personal protective equipment decisions to protect worker health. Regulatory agencies may publish different OELs for the same substance. Details at .
What do LEL and UEL stand for regarding flammable vapors?
Lowest Effective Level and Upper Effective Level
Lower Energy Limit and Upper Energy Limit
Lowest Emission Level and Upper Emission Level
Lower Explosive Limit and Upper Explosive Limit
LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) and UEL (Upper Explosive Limit) define the concentration range in air where a flammable vapor can ignite. Below the LEL there's insufficient fuel, and above the UEL there's insufficient oxygen for combustion. Understanding these limits is critical for safe handling and storage of solvents. Read more at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Hazard Symbols -

    Recognize and interpret common chemical hazard pictograms to ensure accurate risk identification in a chemistry safety quiz context.

  2. Apply Proper Equipment Handling -

    Demonstrate safe techniques for using lab apparatus, from pipettes to Bunsen burners, minimizing accidents during experiments.

  3. Demonstrate Emergency Protocols -

    Recall and execute correct responses to spills, fires, and exposures, reinforcing critical steps for a swift lab safety chemistry quiz answer.

  4. Analyze Chemical Risk Assessments -

    Evaluate potential hazards in experimental setups and propose control measures that align with best practices in a chemical lab safety quiz.

  5. Interpret Safety Data Sheets -

    Extract and apply key information from SDS entries to understand chemical properties, handling requirements, and first-aid measures.

  6. Reinforce Best Laboratory Practices -

    Integrate core safety rules and procedures into daily routines, aiming to achieve a high score and prove readiness in the chemistry lab safety quiz.

Cheat Sheet

  1. GHS Hazard Symbols & Pictograms -

    Mastering the nine GHS hazard symbols (like the flame for flammables and the skull for toxics) is crucial for any chemistry safety quiz and real-world labs. You can remember them with the mnemonic "FLIPSCOMB" (Flame, Light, Irritant, Pressure, Skin corrosion, Corrosive, Oxidizer, Mutagen, Biohazard). Regularly test yourself in a chemical lab safety quiz to ensure instant recognition.

  2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Protocols -

    Wearing goggles, lab coats, and nitrile gloves is non-negotiable for lab safety chemistry quiz prep and everyday experiments. Inspect PPE for tears and chemical compatibility before each session, and swap disposable gloves every 30 minutes with harsh reagents. The "Three-Point Check" (Fit, Integrity, Compatibility) helps you verify gear fast.

  3. Chemical Handling & Storage Best Practices -

    Store acids below bases and flammables in designated cabinets with ventilation to avoid dangerous reactions and master questions in a chemical lab safety quiz. Use secondary containment trays and clearly label each reagent with name, concentration, and date to prevent mix-ups. Always transfer liquids using fume hoods and anti-splash techniques for added safety.

  4. Emergency Response & First Aid Procedures -

    Knowing the PASS mnemonic (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) for fire extinguishers and eye-flush protocols is vital for passing any chemistry lab safety quiz. Keep emergency showers and eyewash stations unobstructed and practice a 15-second water flush for minor splashes or a 15-minute continuous flow for serious exposures. Familiarize yourself with your institution's MSDS database and exit routes during drills.

  5. Waste Disposal & Lab Hygiene -

    Segregate chemical waste by hazard class - organic, corrosive, heavy metal - and label each container properly to ace questions on waste disposal in a chemistry safety quiz. Remember "Bin It Right": solids in red bins, organics in yellow, and glass waste in blue, per many university guidelines like UNC's chemical hygiene plan. Regular bench cleaning with appropriate solvents or disinfectants prevents cross-contamination and reinforces good lab habits.

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