What should you do if you discover an unknown chemical in the lab?

In a laboratory setting, the discovery of an unknown chemical can pose various safety risks, including toxicity, reactivity, or potential hazards to health and the environment. Notifying a supervisor and following established protocols for identification is the correct course of action because it ensures that the situation is handled safely and appropriately.

Supervisors are often trained to manage hazardous materials and can facilitate the identification process through various means, such as accessing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or using specific testing procedures. Additionally, following protocols prepares the lab personnel to respond to any risks involved with the unknown substance, ensuring that safety measures such as proper personal protective equipment (PPE) are in place during the identification process.

Handling or touching the chemical without proper identification can expose individuals to unknown hazards, while ignoring the chemical could result in accidents or exposure to harmful substances. Immediate disposal could also be dangerous without knowing the chemical’s properties; some substances require specific disposal methods to mitigate environmental or health risks. Ultimately, engaging trained personnel and adhering to protocols safeguards laboratory users and maintains a safe working environment.