Q.1 Which of the following is the first step to ensure laboratory safety?
Wearing gloves
Washing hands
Understanding safety protocols
Labeling samples
Explanation - Before beginning any lab work, one must understand the safety guidelines to prevent accidents.
Correct answer is: Understanding safety protocols
Q.2 What does PPE stand for in laboratory safety?
Personal Protective Equipment
Professional Protective Equipment
Public Protection Essentials
Protective Personnel Equipment
Explanation - PPE refers to gloves, goggles, masks, and coats used to protect individuals from hazards.
Correct answer is: Personal Protective Equipment
Q.3 Which biosafety level is required for working with dangerous pathogens like Ebola?
BSL-1
BSL-2
BSL-3
BSL-4
Explanation - BSL-4 laboratories are designed for highly infectious and dangerous pathogens requiring maximum containment.
Correct answer is: BSL-4
Q.4 What is the correct disposal method for used needles in a microbiology lab?
General trash bin
Sharps container
Autoclave directly
Glass disposal box
Explanation - Used needles should always be disposed of in puncture-resistant sharps containers to prevent injuries.
Correct answer is: Sharps container
Q.5 Which disinfectant is commonly used for surface decontamination in labs?
Phenol
70% Ethanol
Formalin
Hydrogen gas
Explanation - 70% ethanol is widely used to disinfect surfaces because it effectively denatures proteins and destroys microbes.
Correct answer is: 70% Ethanol
Q.6 What is the primary function of an autoclave in a microbiology laboratory?
Sterilization
Incubation
Refrigeration
Dehydration
Explanation - Autoclaves use steam under pressure to sterilize equipment and kill all microorganisms.
Correct answer is: Sterilization
Q.7 Which biosafety cabinet type protects both the worker and the environment?
Class I
Class II
Class III
Laminar flow hood
Explanation - Class II biosafety cabinets provide protection for both the operator and the environment.
Correct answer is: Class II
Q.8 Why should food and drinks not be allowed in laboratories?
It may cause contamination
It takes up space
It attracts insects
It reduces productivity
Explanation - Food and drinks can introduce or pick up microbes, leading to contamination or infection.
Correct answer is: It may cause contamination
Q.9 Which color coding is commonly used for biohazard waste disposal?
Red
Blue
Green
Yellow
Explanation - Red bags or bins are often used to collect biohazardous waste for safe disposal.
Correct answer is: Red
Q.10 What is the first action to take in case of a chemical spill in the lab?
Clean it immediately
Notify supervisor
Ignore it if small
Dilute with water
Explanation - The supervisor should be informed immediately to ensure proper containment and cleaning.
Correct answer is: Notify supervisor
Q.11 Which of the following is NOT part of quality control in a microbiology lab?
Using control strains
Regular calibration of equipment
Skipping sterility checks
Maintaining records
Explanation - Skipping sterility checks compromises the reliability and accuracy of laboratory results.
Correct answer is: Skipping sterility checks
Q.12 How often should eye wash stations be tested in laboratories?
Weekly
Monthly
Yearly
Daily
Explanation - Eye wash stations should be tested weekly to ensure functionality in case of emergencies.
Correct answer is: Weekly
Q.13 Which of the following is an engineering control for laboratory safety?
Gloves
Face mask
Biosafety cabinet
Lab coat
Explanation - Engineering controls include devices like biosafety cabinets that physically contain hazards.
Correct answer is: Biosafety cabinet
Q.14 Which biosafety level is appropriate for teaching laboratories with non-pathogenic organisms?
BSL-1
BSL-2
BSL-3
BSL-4
Explanation - BSL-1 labs are suitable for work with non-pathogenic microorganisms, common in teaching labs.
Correct answer is: BSL-1
Q.15 What is the main purpose of quality control in microbiology labs?
Reduce cost
Ensure accurate and reliable results
Speed up experiments
Avoid paper records
Explanation - Quality control ensures that test results are dependable and scientifically valid.
Correct answer is: Ensure accurate and reliable results
Q.16 Which of the following materials should never be autoclaved?
Glassware
Plastic pipette tips
Radioactive waste
Surgical instruments
Explanation - Radioactive waste requires special handling and cannot be sterilized by autoclaving.
Correct answer is: Radioactive waste
Q.17 What is the main role of a fume hood in the lab?
To sterilize equipment
To protect against toxic fumes
To incubate cultures
To maintain humidity
Explanation - Fume hoods are designed to capture and remove hazardous chemical vapors.
Correct answer is: To protect against toxic fumes
Q.18 Which of the following is a biological hazard in microbiology labs?
Bacterial cultures
Glass shards
Electrical wires
Acid spills
Explanation - Biological hazards include microorganisms that can cause infections.
Correct answer is: Bacterial cultures
Q.19 What should be done with microbial cultures after use?
Dispose in sink
Incinerate or autoclave
Store indefinitely
Throw in regular trash
Explanation - Used cultures must be sterilized before disposal to prevent contamination.
Correct answer is: Incinerate or autoclave
Q.20 Which agency provides guidelines for biosafety in laboratories in the United States?
FDA
EPA
CDC
WHO
Explanation - The CDC provides comprehensive biosafety guidelines for laboratories.
Correct answer is: CDC
Q.21 Why should lab coats not be worn outside the laboratory?
They are uncomfortable
They may spread contamination
They are easily stolen
They look unprofessional
Explanation - Lab coats can carry microorganisms and should not be worn outside to prevent contamination spread.
Correct answer is: They may spread contamination
Q.22 Which of the following best defines 'Good Laboratory Practice' (GLP)?
A set of experimental techniques
A system ensuring reliable and reproducible results
A safety training program
A guideline for writing lab reports
Explanation - GLP involves a set of principles ensuring quality, consistency, and integrity in laboratory results.
Correct answer is: A system ensuring reliable and reproducible results
Q.23 What is the safest way to pipette hazardous materials?
By mouth
With an automated pipette aid
Using rubber bulbs only
Pouring directly
Explanation - Mouth pipetting is prohibited; automated aids reduce risks of exposure.
Correct answer is: With an automated pipette aid
Q.24 Which biosafety cabinet provides the highest protection by being fully enclosed and ventilated?
Class I
Class II
Class III
Laminar flow hood
Explanation - Class III cabinets are gas-tight and offer the highest level of protection.
Correct answer is: Class III
Q.25 Why is handwashing considered critical in laboratory safety?
It saves time
It prevents contamination and infection
It is legally required
It prevents glove damage
Explanation - Handwashing reduces the risk of spreading microorganisms after laboratory work.
Correct answer is: It prevents contamination and infection