Question

Amelia is doing an experiment in which she is going to burn various solid chemicals to see the colors of flames they produce. For this laboratory experiment, what types of safety precautions should she take?

tie hair back

leave open flame unattended to get a drink

only burn the amount of chemicals as directed by the lab procedure

put out the flame with water from the eyewash station

Answer 1

Correct choices from the four you listed:
- Tie hair back — Yes. Long hair must be tied back to keep it away from flames.
- Only burn the amount of chemicals as directed by the lab procedure — Yes. Use the minimum amount required and follow the procedure exactly.

Wrong or unsafe choices:
- Leave an open flame unattended to get a drink — No. Never leave an open flame unattended.
- Put out the flame with water from the eyewash station — No. The eyewash is for rinsing eyes only. Do not use it to extinguish fires (and water can make some chemical fires worse).

Other important safety precautions for a flame/combustion experiment:
- Wear safety goggles and a lab coat; use heat‑resistant gloves if handling hot apparatus.
- Remove or secure loose clothing and jewelry.
- Work in a well‑ventilated area or under a fume hood if required.
- Keep flammable solvents and papers well away from the flame.
- Know the locations and proper use of the fire extinguisher, fire blanket, safety shower, and eyewash station.
- If a small clothing/hand fire occurs: stop, drop, and roll or use a fire blanket; call the instructor immediately.
- Turn off gas sources when not in use and when leaving the bench.
- Dispose of residues and ashes exactly as directed; do not pour reactive residues down the sink.
- No eating or drinking in the lab.

Always follow your instructor’s directions and your institution’s safety rules.