Chemical spills It is not uncommon for chemicals to get spilled in the laboratory environment. In the case of water, this may be simply mopped up, but acidic and basic solutions, or other mixtures may require more care. What should you do if an unknown solution is spilled on the floor?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Question restatement: In the event of an unknown chemical spill on the lab floor, what steps should you take to respond safely?

Option analysis:
- b. Immediately notify your TA.
  This choice emphasizes informing a designated supervisor or instructor who can coordinate the appropriate response, assess the hazard, and arrange cleanup or further actions. In many lab settings, TAs or instructors are responsible for safety oversight and know the correct spill procedures, containment methods, and if evacuation or shielding is required. Notifying the TA helps ensure the spill is handled by someone with the authority and knowledge to manage potential risks.
- c. Immediately notify those around you.
  This option highlights the importance of warning nearby people to prevent exposure to unknown chemicals. Alerting colleagues in the vicinity reduces the chance of someone walking into the spill, slipping, or being exposed to fumes or splashes before the spill is contained or cleaned up. Clear communication in the moment is crucial for safety.

Why these two choices are appropriate:
- Both options address immediate risk mitigation: preventing further exposure (by warning others) and enabling proper management (by informing the supervisor). In unknown spills, there is a high level of uncertainty about toxicity, reactivity, or required cleanup methods, so quickly involving a responsible authority and other potentially affected persons is prudent.

Why other potential options (not listed) might be considered but are not provided here:
- If there were an option to attempt cleanup yourself without training, that would be risky and generally discouraged for unknown spills, as inappropriate methods can spread contamination or create hazards.
- If there were an option to ignore the spill or to delay reporting, that would be unsafe and could lead to greater exposure and damage.

Practical takeaway: In an unknown spill, promptly alert the supervisor (TA) and warn nearby people to minimize exposure, then follow established spill-response procedures as directed by the lab safety protocol. Since the options given are b and c, both contribute to a safe and appropriate initial response by ensuring supervision and immediate hazard awareness.

CHM1051 MUM S1 2025 First year laboratory induction and safety quiz

Chemical spills It is not uncommon for chemicals to get spilled in the laboratory environment. In the case of water, this may be simply mopped up, but acidic and basic solutions, or other mixtures may require more care. What should you do if an unknown solution is spilled on the floor?

查看解析

登录即可查看完整答案

类似问题

Chemical contact with eyes In the case of acidic, basic or toxic chemicals making contact with the eyes, select the most appropriate courses of action.

Question 8 What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

If you were asked to work with Product K1, you would safeguard against hazard by:

Chemical contact with eyes In the case of acidic, basic or toxic chemicals making contact with the eyes, select the most appropriate courses of action.

Many chemicals are potentially dangerous due to their corrosive, toxic or flammable nature. Before using a reagent for the first time or if in doubt, you should inquire about it and read the SDS. Which of the following precautions should NOT be included:

As part of your chemistry training you will need to complete a Risk Assessment for each chemical or task. From the options below, select as many as you believe to be correct.

Have you read the online safety documentation available on the Good Scientific Practice for Chemistry - FY Moodle page within the last week?

更多留学生实用工具

考试浏览器助手

风格化写作助手

论文查重助手

文献引用助手

课堂转译助手

课堂笔记助手

Quiz搜索助手

学校历年真题

智能刷题助手

智能匹配练习

希望你的学习变得更简单