state five lab safety rules and explain how each prevents accident
Brief answer: wear eye and body protection, never eat or taste chemicals, follow labels and teacher instructions, keep the bench clear and avoid horseplay, and use ventilation/fire precautions correctly.
The key idea is that each rule blocks one part of an accident: the hazard, the route by which it reaches you, or unsafe behaviour.
Wear safety goggles, a lab coat, and closed shoes; tie back long hair.
- How it prevents accidents: goggles protect eyes from splashes, fumes, and flying glass; a coat protects skin and clothing; closed shoes protect feet from spills and broken glass; tied hair cannot catch fire or dip into chemicals.
Never eat, drink, or taste chemicals, and wash your hands after practical work.
- How it prevents accidents: it stops chemicals from being swallowed or carried to your mouth, and hand-washing removes residues that could later contaminate food or your skin.
Read labels and follow the teacher’s instructions; never mix chemicals “just to see.”
- How it prevents accidents: labels warn about hazards, and instructions specify safe amounts and methods. This prevents dangerous reactions, wrong heating, and exposure to unknown substances.
Keep the bench clear, handle glassware carefully, and never push or play around.
- How it prevents accidents: a clear bench reduces spills and confusion; careful handling reduces cuts; no horseplay prevents collisions, knocked-over equipment, and burns. Report spills or breakages instead of cleaning them without guidance.
Use a fume hood or good ventilation when needed, and keep flames away from flammable substances; point test tubes away from people when heating.
- How it prevents accidents: ventilation removes harmful vapours, while correct handling of flames and hot liquids prevents fires, explosions, and burns.
Check your answer: for each rule, name the specific hazard it controls — for example, “goggles prevent chemical splash injury to the eyes.” That shows understanding, not just memorisation.
