If you drop or break glassware in the laboratory, what is the first action you should take?

• A. Dispose of the broken glassware in the regular trash bin.
• B. Notify your instructor or lab supervisor immediately.
• C. Clean up the broken glassware yourself without telling anyone.
• D. Continue with your experiment and ignore the broken glassware.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that safety is the top priority in a laboratory setting, especially when dealing with broken glassware which can cause injury.
2. Recognize that the first action after breaking glassware is to notify your instructor or lab supervisor immediately, so they can provide proper guidance and ensure safety protocols are followed.
3. Avoid attempting to clean up broken glassware by yourself without proper training or equipment, as this can lead to cuts or other injuries.
4. Do not dispose of broken glassware in the regular trash bin, as it requires special disposal methods to prevent harm to custodial staff and others.
5. Never ignore broken glassware or continue with your experiment without addressing the hazard, as this compromises safety for everyone in the lab.