Laboratory Safety

24 Grade 7 Integrated Science questions on Laboratory Safety, with worked marking schemes. 24 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   Why are learners instructed NOT to eat or drink in the science laboratory?

   A. Drinks are needed only for teachers

   B. Food and drinks may become contaminated with harmful chemicals

   C. Eating makes the experiments take longer to complete

   D. Food improves the accuracy of measurements

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   3 marks

   A bottle in the laboratory carries a hazard symbol of a skull and crossbones.

   (a) State what this symbol means.

   (b) Describe two safety precautions a learner should take when handling such a substance.

   (3 marks)

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3. Question 3

   1 mark

   Which hazard symbol represents a corrosive substance?

   A. An exclamation mark

   B. A flame

   C. A hand being dissolved by liquid

   D. A skull and crossbones

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   1 mark

   Which piece of apparatus is MOST appropriate for accurately measuring 25 mL of water in the laboratory?

   A. Measuring cylinder

   B. Test tube

   C. Watch glass

   D. Beaker

   (1 mark)

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5. Question 5

   3 marks

   During an experiment, a learner's clothing catches fire from a Bunsen burner. Describe the steps that should be taken to help the learner safely.

   (3 marks)

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6. Question 6

   5 marks

   (a) State three safety rules that should be observed when working in the science laboratory. (3 marks)

   (b) Explain why eating and drinking are not allowed in the laboratory. (2 marks)

   (5 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Any three of: Do not eat or drink in the laboratory; never taste chemicals; wear protective clothing (lab coat, goggles); do not run or play in the laboratory; report all accidents/breakages to the teacher; do not carry out experiments without the teacher's permission; keep the laboratory clean and tidy; label all chemicals correctly; switch off gas/electricity when not in use. (3 marks) (b) Because chemicals or harmful substances on the bench, hands or apparatus could mix with the food or drink and be swallowed, causing poisoning or illness. (2 marks)

7. Question 7

   1 mark

   The first aid measure for a minor burn in the laboratory is to

   A. cover the burn with a dry cloth

   B. place the burn under cold running water

   C. ignore the burn

   D. apply butter on the burn

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   1 mark

   What should you do first when a chemical splashes into your eyes in the laboratory?

   A. Rub the eyes vigorously

   B. Continue working

   C. Apply soap to the eyes

   D. Wash the eyes with plenty of water

   (1 mark)

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9. Question 9

   4 marks

   Describe the first aid measures for the following laboratory accidents:

   (a) A cut on the finger from broken glass.

   (b) Acid splashed on the skin.

   (4 marks)

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10. Question 10

    1 mark

    A learner is heating a liquid in a test tube. Which of the following is the correct safety practice?

    A. Point the mouth of the test tube towards a friend

    B. Point the mouth of the test tube away from people while heating

    C. Fill the test tube completely to the brim before heating

    D. Hold the test tube tightly with bare fingers near the flame

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    1 mark

    A learner in a school science laboratory notices a hazard symbol showing a flame on a reagent bottle. What does this symbol warn about?

    A. The substance is safe to drink in small amounts

    B. The substance is flammable and can easily catch fire

    C. The substance must be kept in sunlight

    D. The substance is a good conductor of heat

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    4 marks

    State four safety rules that should be observed when working in a science laboratory.

    (4 marks)

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13. Question 13

    3 marks

    A Grade 7 class is preparing to carry out an experiment involving heating chemicals over a Bunsen burner.

    (a) State two items of protective clothing or equipment the learners should wear.

    (b) Give one reason why long hair should be tied back during the practical.

    (3 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Any two: laboratory coat/apron; safety goggles/eye protection; heat-resistant or rubber gloves (1 mark each, max 2). (b) Long hair can catch fire from the flame or fall into chemicals/apparatus and cause an accident (1 mark).

14. Question 14

    4 marks

    Explain why each of the following laboratory rules is important.

    (a) Never taste any chemical in the laboratory.

    (b) Always read the label on a reagent bottle before use.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Chemicals may be poisonous, corrosive or harmful and could cause injury, illness or death if tasted (2 marks). (b) To confirm you are using the correct chemical and to check hazard warnings/instructions, preventing dangerous reactions or accidents (2 marks).

15. Question 15

    1 mark

    A fire extinguisher in the laboratory is used to

    A. heat substances

    B. put out fires

    C. measure temperature

    D. store chemicals

    (1 mark)

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16. Question 16

    1 mark

    When heating a liquid in a test tube, the mouth of the test tube should be pointed

    A. downwards

    B. towards your face

    C. towards your partner

    D. away from people

    (1 mark)

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17. Question 17

    5 marks

    A science laboratory has rules that must be followed to ensure safety.

    (a) State three safety rules that should be observed when working in the science laboratory. (3 marks)

    (b) Explain why eating is not allowed in the laboratory. (2 marks)

    (5 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Any three of: Do not eat or drink in the laboratory; Do not taste or smell chemicals directly; Wear protective clothing such as a lab coat / goggles; Do not run or play in the laboratory; Always follow the teacher's instructions; Report any accident or breakage immediately; Keep the working area clean and tidy; Wash hands after the practical; Do not perform unauthorised experiments. (1 mark each) (b) Eating is not allowed because chemicals or harmful substances in the laboratory could get into the food (contaminate it) and be swallowed, causing poisoning or illness. (2 marks)

18. Question 18

    1 mark

    The hazard symbol showing a skull and crossbones indicates that a substance is

    A. an irritant

    B. toxic

    C. flammable

    D. corrosive

    (1 mark)

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19. Question 19

    1 mark

    Which of the following is NOT a laboratory safety practice?

    A. Tying long hair back

    B. Wearing safety goggles

    C. Following the teacher's instructions

    D. Tasting chemicals to identify them

    (1 mark)

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20. Question 20

    5 marks

    (a) State three safety rules that should be observed when working in the science laboratory. (3 marks)

    (b) Explain why eating food is not allowed in the laboratory. (2 marks)

    (5 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Any three of: do not eat or drink in the laboratory; never taste chemicals; wear protective clothing such as a lab coat and goggles; do not run or play in the laboratory; report all accidents to the teacher; never carry out experiments without the teacher's instructions; keep the laboratory clean and tidy; label all chemicals correctly. (3 marks) (b) Food can become contaminated by harmful chemicals or fumes in the laboratory, and swallowing these contaminated substances can cause poisoning or illness. (2 marks)

21. Question 21

    5 marks

    (a) State three safety rules that should be observed when working in a science laboratory. (3 marks)

    (b) Explain why eating food is not allowed in the laboratory. (2 marks)

    (5 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Any three of: do not eat or drink in the laboratory; never taste chemicals; tie back long hair and wear protective clothing (apron/goggles); do not run or play in the laboratory; report all accidents and spills to the teacher; never carry out unauthorised experiments; wash hands after the practical; label all chemicals correctly. (1 mark each) (b) Food can become contaminated by chemicals or harmful substances in the laboratory, and these poisons can be swallowed, causing illness or death. (2 marks)

22. Question 22

    1 mark

    Which of the following is a safety rule when working in the laboratory?

    A. Touch chemicals with bare hands

    B. Run around the laboratory

    C. Wear protective clothing

    D. Eat snacks while working

    (1 mark)

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23. Question 23

    1 mark

    What is the correct way to smell a gas produced during an experiment?

    A. Put the nose directly over the container and inhale deeply

    B. Ask another learner to inhale it first

    C. Waft the gas gently towards the nose using the hand

    D. Pour the gas into the mouth

    (1 mark)

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24. Question 24

    1 mark

    During a practical lesson, a learner accidentally spills a small amount of dilute acid on the bench. What is the FIRST correct action to take?

    A. Report the spill to the teacher and clean it up as instructed

    B. Taste it to find out how strong the acid is

    C. Cover it with a book and continue with the experiment

    D. Pour more acid on it to neutralise it

    (1 mark)

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