🧪 Hazards, Causes and Prevention in the Chemistry Laboratory

🔹 Meaning of Laboratory Hazards

Laboratory hazards are dangerous situations or substances in the chemistry lab that can cause injury, illness, fire, or damage if not handled properly.

⚠️ Common Laboratory Hazards

1. Chemical hazards – toxic, corrosive or flammable chemicals

2. Fire hazards – Bunsen burners, alcohol, gas leaks

3. Glassware hazards – broken test tubes, beakers

4. Electrical hazards – faulty wires, wet hands

5. Biological hazards – harmful microorganisms

🔥 Causes of Laboratory Accidents

1. Carelessness or playing in the lab

2. Not wearing protective clothing

3. Wrong handling of chemicals

4. Spilling chemicals

5. Using broken or damaged equipment

6. Poor ventilation

7. Not following instructions

🛡 Prevention of Laboratory Accidents

1. Always wear lab coat, goggles and gloves

2. Read labels on chemical bottles carefully

3. Do not eat or drink in the lab

4. Handle glassware with care

5. Keep flammable substances away from fire

6. Wash hands after experiments

7. Report spills and accidents immediately

8. Follow the teacher’s instructions

🧠 Important note

Most laboratory accidents occur due to carelessness and improper handling of chemicals 

🧪 Objective Questions

1. A laboratory hazard is
A. a useful chemical
B. a dangerous condition in the laboratory
C. laboratory equipment
D. a laboratory rule

2. Which of the following is a chemical hazard?
A. Broken glass
B. Acid
C. Water
D. Paper

3. Wearing goggles in the laboratory is to
A. look smart
B. prevent eye injury
C. make experiments faster
D. increase concentration

4. Which of the following can cause fire in the laboratory?
A. Sand
B. Spirit lamp
C. Salt
D. Water

5. Spilling chemicals on the skin should be treated by
A. wiping with cloth
B. washing with plenty of water
C. covering with paper
D. ignoring it

6. Which of the following is NOT a laboratory hazard?
A. Broken beaker
B. Toxic gas
C. Notebook
D. Open flame

7. Eating in the laboratory is dangerous because
A. food is expensive
B. chemicals may enter the body
C. it causes noise
D. it wastes time

8. Fire in the laboratory can be caused by
A. acids
B. water
C. flammable liquids
D. glass

9. Which safety equipment protects the hands?
A. Goggles
B. Gloves
C. Lab coat
D. Mask

10. The best way to prevent laboratory accidents is to
A. rush experiments
B. follow safety rules
C. ignore instructions
D. avoid chemicals

✍️ Theory Questions (WAEC / NECO)

1. Define laboratory hazards.

2. List three types of laboratory hazards.

3. State four causes of laboratory accidents.

4. Mention five safety precautions in a chemistry laboratory.

5. Explain why eating in the laboratory is dangerous.