Praxis (5236) - Biology > 1A3 Lab Equipment and Safety > Flashcards

1A3 Lab Equipment and Safety Flashcards

Describe how to safely use and dispose of chemicals, lab equipment, and biological specimens. (72 cards)

Study These Flashcards
1
Q

What is the most common way to measure length in a biology lab?

A

Ruler

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What instrument is commonly used to measure the mass of objects in a biology lab?

A

Balance

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What instrument is used to measure an object or substance’s temperature in a biology lab?

A

Thermometer

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What common piece of equipment is used in a biology lab to measure the volume of a substance that will be mixed and/or poured into another container?

A

Graduated cylinder

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What piece of equipment is more accurate for measuring volume than a beaker in a biology lab?

A

Graduated cylinder

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What type of flask is commonly used in a biology lab to hold liquids but is not generally used to mix anything?

A

Erlenmeyer flask

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What type of flask is useful for boiling and heating liquids in a biology lab due to their round bottom?

A

Florence flask

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the name of the piece of equipment used in a biology lab to add one drop of liquid at a time?

A

Eyedropper

or pipette

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What type of pipette is used to get an exact volume of liquid in a biology lab?

A

Volumetric pipette

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What piece of heating equipment in a biology lab produces a single flame to heat substances?

A

Bunsen burner

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the electric source of heat commonly used in a biology lab?

A

Hot plate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the protective pieces of equipment used during dissection in a biology lab?

A
  • Protective eyewear
  • Gloves
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What piece of equipment is commonly used in a biology lab to hold liquids for observation and running reactions?

A

Test tube

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is commonly used to hold test tubes in a biology lab if there are many of them?

A

Test tube holder

Also known as a test tube rack.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the main activities performed in a biology lab?

A
  • Measure
  • Test
  • Observe
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are some fundamental techniques involved in handling biological and chemical materials?

A
  • preparing
  • identifying
  • storing
  • dispensing
  • disposing of substances
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are biological specimens?

A

Any biological tissues, fluids, or organisms.

Biological specimens may be used to learn about anatomy, physiology, bio-chemical processes, disease, health, nutrition and more.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What precautions should be taken when preparing and storing standard molar or percent solutions?

A
  • Uncap solutions for minimum time.
  • Use volumetric pipette at room temperature.
  • Store in appropriate containers.
  • Replace stock solutions regularly.
  • Store photosensitive solutions in a dark place.

Precautions help avoid issues like contamination and evaporation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are solutions?

A

Homogeneous mixtures of one or more substances.

A liquid mixture in which the minor component (the solute) is uniformly distributed within the major component (the solvent) to form a homogeneous mixture.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What precautions should be taken when working with lab samples?

A
  • Wear gloves (latex or nitrile)
  • Wear a face mask or shield
  • Wear goggles
  • Wear gowns, booties, specialized clothing, or hazmat suits when needed
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Why is identification of lab samples critical?

A

So experimental procedures aren’t compromised and others know what’s in the container.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What factors should be considered when storing chemical and biological samples?

A
  • Interaction with light, temperature, moisture.
  • Refrigeration for effectiveness.
  • Dark beakers to avoid breakdown by light.
  • Dry place to avoid disintegration by humidity.
  • Do not store near heat.
  • Record the date opened on the container.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

How should chemical and biological substances be disposed of?

A

According to facility guidelines, never in plain garbage bags, flushed down a toilet, or into the sink.

Some substances may need to be soaked up by or mixed with neutralizing materials before being discarded, while others may need to be dumped into special hazardous waste receptacles. The MSDS should be checked before disposing of any chemicals or specimens to ensure proper disposal.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What does MSDS stand for?

A

Material Safety Data Sheet

A document that provides information about potentially hazardous chemicals and how to properly handle and dispose of them.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What are the **requirements outlined by OSHA** for handling chemicals in laboratories and workplaces?
* Have a chemical management plan in place * Properly label and store chemicals * Keep Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on site * Train employees in chemical management * Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ## Footnote OSHA sets standards for chemical safety in workplaces.
26
What **pH values** classify a solution as acidic or basic?
* **Acidic**: pH < 7 * **Basic**: pH > 7 ## Footnote Acids donate hydrogen ions, while bases accept hydrogen ions.
27
What are the pH levels that make acids and bases **hazardous**?
pH < 2 or pH > 12.5 ## Footnote Acids and bases are chemically reactive substances.
28
What measures should be taken for the safe preparation and storage of acids and bases?
* Separate acids from bases and reactive materials * Store in specialized corrosive cabinets * Use polyethylene containers for inorganic hydroxides * Transport bottles on a cart ## Footnote Proper storage prevents hazardous reactions.
29
What is the **difference** between ignitable wastes and caustic materials?
* **Ignitable wastes**: Flash point < 60 degrees celsius * **Caustic materials**: Eats away at other materials ## Footnote Special storage considerations are required for flammable and caustic materials.
30
# Define: ignitable wastes
Those with a **flash point of less than 60°C**, or those that are spontaneously combustible. ## Footnote Ignitable wastes give off vapors that can form an ignitable mixture with the air.
31
# Define: caustic material
A material that **eats away at other materials** due to chemical reaction. ## Footnote Caustic materials require special consideration for safe storage, use, and disposal.
32
What are essential storage safety precautions for **flammable and caustic materials**?
* Store away from any building exit or pathway. * Properly label with product identifier and hazard statement. * Store flammable materials at least 18 inches below the ceiling and away from heat sources. * Ensure chemicals are enclosed in the proper storage cabinets. ## Footnote Proper storage is crucial for safety when working with these materials.
33
How should **small amounts** of flammable materials be disposed of?
By either evaporation or solidification. ## Footnote Evaporation or solidification methods can be used for safe disposal of small amounts of flammable liquids.
34
What are **standard solutions** of chemicals?
Solutions of known concentration of reagent, used to find the concentration of unknown substances. ## Footnote Standard solutions must be safely prepared and handled to avoid precipitation, contamination, and evaporation.
35
What is the **Red List** provided by the International Living Future Institute?
A list of chemicals that should not be poured down a drain or sink. ## Footnote The Red List helps in identifying hazardous chemicals, materials and elements that require special disposal methods as they are known to be harmful to human health and the environment.
36
How are flammable liquids **classified**?
In 4 categories according to their flash points. ## Footnote The flash point of a liquid is the minimum temperature at which it will give off sufficient vapors to form an ignitable mixture with the air.
37
What are the **4 categories flammable liquids** can be placed into?
* Categories 1 and 2: Have the signal word "**Danger**" on the container. * Categories 3 and 4: Have the signal word "**Warning**" on the container.
38
What should be done with **scalpels or needles** after use?
Dispose of in a **sharps container**.
39
What is the purpose of an **autoclave** in handling biological specimens?
To sterilize equipment.
40
How should **preserved animals** be treated for disposal?
Treat and dispose of them in the same manner as the chemicals that preserved them. ## Footnote Preserved animals should be properly bagged and labeled for disposal.
41
What should be done with **pathogens or microbial organisms** after use?
Properly destroy them and sterilize all lab equipment. ## Footnote Pathogens and microbial organisms should be handled carefully to prevent potential dangers.
42
Why is it important to follow lab safety rules?
To **reduce the risk of accidents** and **ensure the safety** of all individuals in the lab. ## Footnote To help staff and students to avoid spills and other accidents as well as prevent damage to the environment outside of the lab.
43
What should students do to protect their hands in the lab?
* Wash your hands before starting work * Wear gloves * Wash your hands after finishing work
44
What is the importance of keeping food, drinks, and gum out of the lab?
To **prevent contamination** of lab materials and potential contamination of food.
45
Why should you avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth in the lab?
To **prevent exposure** to chemicals or other substances.
46
What **clothing guidelines** should you follow in the lab?
* Avoid loose or baggy clothing * Avoid wearing nice clothes * Tie back long hair * Remove jewelry * Wear close-toed shoes * Wear long pants * Wear a lab coat
47
Why is it important to **properly label** containers and substances in the lab?
To know what you're working with and prevent accidents.
48
Why should students know the location of **emergency stations** in the lab?
To save time in case of an emergency. ## Footnote Students will know exactly what to do and where to go in case of emergency.
49
What can reduce accidents and make it easier to clean up in the lab?
Keeping your work area clean. ## Footnote Cleaning and putting away your lab equipment allows others to use it later.
50
What should you never do in the lab, as it can easily cause accidents?
Horseplay ## Footnote Horseplay has no place in the lab, as you could easily knock something over.
51
What should you never leave unattended in the lab?
Heating lab materials. ## Footnote Make sure you stay with your materials and watch them carefully.
52
What should you not touch in the lab, even when wearing protective equipment?
Hot plates or open flames. ## Footnote Just like you shouldn't touch chemicals or materials, you shouldn't touch hot plates or open flames.
53
What does **PPE** stand for?
Personal Protective Equipment ## Footnote PPE is protective gear worn in the lab to prevent direct exposure to hazardous conditions or materials. Examples: Lab coats, lab goggles, lab gloves
54
What is the purpose of **emergency eye wash stations**?
To flush irritants from the eyes to prevent injury. ## Footnote Emergency eye wash stations have two steady inverted streams of water for this purpose. Eyes should be rinsed for at least 15-20 minutes, and up to 30 minutes.
55
What is the purpose of **emergency showers** in labs?
To rinse individuals exposed to dangerous material. ## Footnote Emergency showers provide at least 20 gallons of water per minute for at least 15 continuous minutes.
56
What is the purpose of **fire extinguishers** in labs?
To quickly control small fires that may occur within the lab.
57
What items should be included in a lab's **first aid kit**?
* Bandages * Gauze * Sterile dressings * Plaster * Antiseptic wipes * Eye pad dressings * Gloves ## Footnote First aid kits are helpful for addressing minor injuries that may occur within the lab.
58
What is the purpose of **ventilation hoods** in labs?
To contain, capture, and remove airborne particles produced during chemical reactions. | Also known as fume hoods. ## Footnote Ventilation hoods prevent us from the inhalation of hazardous substances.
59
Why is it important to post **emergency telephone numbers** throughout the lab?
To provide quick access to help in case of emergencies. ## Footnote Important numbers to post include the emergency line, non-emergency line, poison control, and local hospital.
60
List some **general lab safety rules**.
* Know location and use of safety equipment * Ensure clear pathways * Use equipment as intended * Wear PPE at all times * Wear proper clothing * Tie hair back * Wash body parts soiled by chemicals * Label containers properly * Dispose of hazardous materials * Do not eat or drink in lab * Wash hands when leaving lab
61
What are some standard safety equipment found in a lab?
* Emergency eye wash stations * Emergency showers * Fire extinguishers * First aid kits ## Footnote First aid kits contain emergency numbers.
62
What should be used to help **put out fires** in a lab?
Fire extinguisher ## Footnote Regular testing or inspection is necessary to ensure proper functionality. Different fire extinguishers are used for different substances.
63
What should be **applied to cuts** until the bleeding stops?
Apply firm **pressure** to the wound to control bleeding before cleaning and bandaging the area.
64
What immediate action can be taken to cut off a fire's supply of oxygen?
Cover the fire with an object like a safety blanket.
65
What **equipment** can protect against contamination from poisons and corrosive substances in a lab?
* Protective eye goggles * Lab coats and/or aprons * Gloves
66
What should be done if someone **catches on fire**?
* Stop, drop, and roll. * Use a fire blanket to smother the fire. * If appropriate use water to smother the fire.
67
What should be done with **burns**?
Immerse in (or flushed with) cool water and covered with sterile dressing.
68
How should **cuts** be treated?
Clean with soap and water, apply ointment, cover the wound, and put under pressure and elevated.
69
What should be done in case of **ingesting poisons**?
A trip to the emergency room and a call to poison control.
70
What should be done in case of contact with **corrosive substances**?
Flushing with water and removing contaminated clothes and jewelry.
71
What should be done first in case of a fire in the lab?
Evacuate the lab to ensure safety.
72
What should be done to **extinguish a fire**?
Cut off oxygen by using the right kind of fire extinguisher for the fire and/or smothering it with fire blankets.
Praxis (5236) - Biology
flashcards
Decks in class (39)
# Cards
Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2026 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions