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

Using barriers is an effective practice for controlling spills in a laboratory because they help to contain liquids, preventing them from spreading and potentially causing harm to personnel or contamination of the environment. Barriers can include absorbent mats, trays, or partitions made of materials that can withstand the specific chemicals being used. By setting up appropriate barriers before beginning work with hazardous materials, the risk of spills can be significantly reduced.

This proactive approach allows for better management of hazardous substances, ensuring that if a spill does occur, its spread can be minimized, making cleanup easier and safer. In contrast, ignoring spills or only assessing them after they occur does not take into account the immediate risks associated with chemical spills and can lead to more severe consequences. Relying only on safety equipment does not address the importance of preventing spills in the first place.