Which statement is a safety rule to prevent ingestion hazards in the lab?

• A. Do not put anything in your mouth that has been in lab
• B. Always wear gloves
• C. Cap flasks containing volatile liquids
• D. Receive safety training daily

Answer: (A)

Preventing ingestion hazards in the lab comes down to not putting any lab material in your mouth. Many chemicals used in experiments are toxic if swallowed, and oral exposure can occur even if you’re careful with other protections. If you avoid placing substances in your mouth, you remove the most direct route for ingestion, regardless of gloves you wear or how you handle containers.

Gloves help protect the skin, but they aren’t foolproof—tears can occur, and substances can remain on the outside of the glove or transfer to your face if you touch your mouth or eyes. Simply capping flasks reduces spills or vapor release, yet ingestion can still happen if contaminated hands or objects are brought to the mouth. Safety training is essential, but demanding it daily isn’t practical and doesn’t directly prevent the act of putting something in your mouth in the lab.