OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA

SBSC 3303 BASIC TECHNIQUES AND SAFETY IN LABORATORY

PART A

INSTRUCTION
Answer ALL questions

QUESTION 1

a) State the reading of the micrometer screw gauge below.

Solution:
Main scale reading = 0.7 mm
Thimble scale reading = 0.38 mm

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OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
SBSC 3303 BASIC TECHNIQUES AND SAFETY IN LABORATORY

Diameter = 1.08 mm

b) State the reading of the vernier caliper below.

Solution:
Reading from the main scale = 3.1 cm
Reading from the vernier scale = 0.09 cm
Diameter of the object = 3.19 cm

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OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
SBSC 3303 BASIC TECHNIQUES AND SAFETY IN LABORATORY

QUESTION 2

Elaborate the following sterilization methods briefly:

a) Pasteurization

Pasteurization is a method used to prevent or to kill the unwanted

bacteria from growing. The pasteurization method uses dry heat. A
dry heat at 180°C is passed on the subjects for an hour. The heat is
capable to kill all spores.

b) Autoclaving

Autoclaving is a sterilization method used to prevent and to kill the

unwanted bacteria from growing. It is one of sterilization that used
heat. Autoclave sterilization uses under-pressure steam at a high
temperature for 20 minutes.

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OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
SBSC 3303 BASIC TECHNIQUES AND SAFETY IN LABORATORY

QUESTION 3

Describe:

a) terrarium

A terrarium is similar as a dry habitat, for instant desert or

savannah. It is a container and also be formed to create a
temperate woodland habitat. This can be created with pebbles,
leaf litter and soil. By misting the terrarium, a natural water cycle
occurs within the environment by condensation forming on the
lid causing precipitation. Plants suitable for this type of
terrarium environment include mosses, ferns, yams and tree
seedlings.

b) vivarium

A vivarium is a place, specially an indoor enclosure or

specifically built container for a suitable habitat that is normally
used to study some characteristics in an animal’s life. A vivarium
can be used for keeping and raising living animal under natural
conditions for observation or research to study organisms such
as flies, frogs or worms.

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OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
SBSC 3303 BASIC TECHNIQUES AND SAFETY IN LABORATORY

QUESTION 4

Draw a labeled diagram of a three-pin plug. Label the terminals and

the colors of the wires appropriately.

Terminals Colour codes

Live Brown
Neutral Blue
Earth Yellow and Green Stripes

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OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
SBSC 3303 BASIC TECHNIQUES AND SAFETY IN LABORATORY

QUESTION 5

List FIVE (5) basics materials which must be kept in any first aid box
and the function of each material.
The First Aid Box should contain those items:-
ITEMS FUNCTIONS

Absorbent compress A substance that is capable of absorbing.

A diverse class of drugs that are applied to skin

surfaces or mucous membranes for their anti-
Antiseptics infective effects. This may be either bacteriocidal
(kills bacteria) or bacteriostatic (stops the growth
of bacteria). Their uses include cleansing of skin
and wound surfaces after injury, preparation of skin
surfaces prior to injections or surgical procedures,
and routine disinfection of the oral cavity as part of
a program of oral hygiene.

Adhesive bandages Can be used to hold dressings in place, to relieve

pain, and generally to make patient comfortable.

Triangular bandages Use as slings, tourniquets, to tie splints and many

other uses.

Medical exam gloves Which are single use and disposable to prevent
cross infection.

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OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
SBSC 3303 BASIC TECHNIQUES AND SAFETY IN LABORATORY

PART B
INSTRUCTION: Answer ALL questions.

QUESTION 1

You are required to conduct a neutralization experiment with 2.0 L of sulphuric

acid with a concentration of 2.0 M and 2.0 M natrium hydroxide.

a) State the apparatus used.

i. 1 Pipette
ii. 1 Pipette filter
iii. 1 beaker
iv. 1 burette
v. 1 conical flask
vi. 1 retort stand

b) What is the indicator used and state the colour of the indicator.
Bromothymol Blue (BTB)

c) Write and balance the equation for the above reaction.

H2SO4(aq) + 2NaOH(aq) NaSO4(aq) + 2H2O(l)

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OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
SBSC 3303 BASIC TECHNIQUES AND SAFETY IN LABORATORY

d) Calculate the volume of natrium hydroxide needed.

Solution:
H2SO4
2L, 2.0 M

2.0 M = n mol H2SO4

2.0 L
n = 4 mol H2SO4
1 mole = 2 mole
H2SO4 NaOH
4 mole = 8 mole
8 mole NaOH = 2.0 M
y litre
y litre = 4 Litres

Volume of natrium hydroxide is 4 L.

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OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
SBSC 3303 BASIC TECHNIQUES AND SAFETY IN LABORATORY

QUESTION 2

List FIVE (5) correct techniques handling the chemical spillage with
suitable examples.

Substance Methods of Handling

Solid substances at room The substance is swept, collected
temperature e.g. zinc powder and disposed of in a suitable residue
bin.
Acid e.g. sulphuric acid Spillage of acid solution must be
washed off with a lot of water and
directly channeled to a drainage
system. Solid sodium bicarbonate
can be used to neutralize the
spillage spot. This needs to be
washed off as well with a lot of water
into the drainage system.
Greasy substances Greasy spoilage can be mopped
away. The spot can be washed with
water and soap if deemed
necessary. Dry the spot using a
clean cloth.
Vaporous solvent Depending on the amount of
spillage, it can either be cleaned
with a cloth or a mop. Wash the mop
rigorously after using it on a
vaporous solvent.
Mercury When you encounter mercury
spillage, the first thing to do is to
ensure good air ventilation in the
laboratory. If the mercury spillage is
small, you can use zinc and sulphur
to cover the spot and clean it.
A vacuum cleaner or a mercury
collector can be used to clear up
mercury spillage.