American Chemical Society (ACS) Laboratory Safety Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Mastering Lab Safety Procedures!

Latex gloves are commonly used in laboratory settings for their ability to provide a barrier between the skin and potential contaminants. The statement about reusing latex gloves is significant, as lab safety protocols dictate that gloves should not be reused unless they have been carefully checked for damage. Wearing gloves that have been compromised can expose the skin to hazardous substances, which defeats the purpose of their protective function.

Reusability is contingent upon ensuring that the gloves are intact and have not been punctured or torn during use. If gloves are reused without a thorough check, it poses a risk of chemical exposure and contamination. This highlights the importance of routinely inspecting personal protective equipment to maintain safety standards in the lab.

The other options present inaccuracies regarding the characteristics and handling of latex gloves in a laboratory environment. For instance, while latex gloves do offer some level of liquid resistance, they are not entirely waterproof, especially against certain chemicals. Understanding the limitations of latex gloves is crucial for effective safety practices, which is why confirming their condition before reuse is essential.