Who should you contact if you encounter safety issues or concerns in the lab?

The most appropriate action when encountering safety issues or concerns in the lab is to contact your instructor. Instructors are responsible for overseeing the classroom environment and ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. They are trained to address safety issues and can take immediate steps to resolve concerns. Additionally, they have access to resources and protocols that are required to handle safety incidents effectively.

Reporting to your instructor also ensures that there is a proper chain of communication regarding safety matters. Instructors can then inform relevant personnel, such as maintenance staff or safety officers, if further action or investigation is needed. This structured approach helps maintain a safe learning environment and allows for an organized response to any potential hazards.

Classmates may not have the requisite knowledge or authority to address safety issues effectively, and maintenance staff may not be immediately available to respond to safety concerns. The involvement of safety officers is usually more appropriate for serious incidents rather than day-to-day safety inquiries, which reinforces the importance of direct communication with your instructor in these situations.