Final answer:
Tasting, touching, or smelling chemicals in a lab setting is false and unsafe practice. Protective gear should be worn at all times to handle chemicals safely, and proper ventilation and hand washing are essential. Flammable chemicals require careful handling to prevent accidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is false. It is never safe to taste, touch, or smell chemicals in a lab setting unless specifically instructed to do so by a knowledgeable authority, such as your teacher. Good laboratory practices include avoiding direct contact with chemicals, which can be hazardous. You should never eat, drink, or bring food into the laboratory, and personal protective equipment like gloves and goggles should be used when handling chemicals.
Additionally, work in a well-ventilated area and wash your hands after handling any materials to prevent contamination. If a situation requires you to detect an odor, use the hand wafting technique, and never directly inhale the fumes. Flammable chemicals should be handled with caution to prevent fires, importantly in the presence of a heat source. Following these safety guidelines ensures that you conduct experiments in a manner that protects you and those around you.