American Chemical Society (ACS) Laboratory Safety Practice Test

The statement that flammable liquids should be used in adequately ventilated work areas is essential to ensuring safety in laboratory settings. Proper ventilation helps to dilute any vapors that may escape from containers or during usage. When flammable liquids are handled, their vapors can accumulate and create an explosive atmosphere if not properly ventilated. By ensuring adequate airflow, the concentration of these vapors remains below their lower explosive limit, significantly reducing the risk of ignition and potential accidents.

The other statements reflect unsafe practices; for instance, storing flammable liquids in open containers can lead to significant hazards as vapors escape into the environment, increasing the risk of fire. Handling flammable liquids near sources of ignition is inherently dangerous as it raises the likelihood of an explosive event. Although it is true that even a small amount of vapor can ignite, this statement does not address safe handling procedures and is not as comprehensive as emphasizing the need for proper ventilation.