Who should be notified of the spill location and contents?

• A. An instructor or stockroom staff
• B. A classmate
• C. Security
• D. The lab janitor

Answer: (A)

When a spill happens, safety and proper response come from the people who are trained to handle hazards. The instructor or stockroom staff are the ones responsible for lab safety and have access to the material’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to identify what's spilled, its hazards, and the correct containment and cleanup procedures. They can quickly decide what protective measures are needed, summon any additional help, and document the incident.

Classmates aren’t equipped to assess risks or coordinate a response. Security might be involved for large spills or if there’s a risk to the building, but they aren’t the first point of contact for identifying the contents and initiating cleanup. The janitor can assist, but usually only after the proper authorities have been alerted and the area is made safe.