When electrical equipment shows smoke or signals overheating, the priority is to remove the source of energy and protect people. If it’s safe to do so, switch off the power at the device or unplug it. This stops the electrical current from feeding the problem and reduces the risk of a more serious fire or shock. If there’s any danger to people—heavy smoke, heat, or the area feels unsafe—evacuate and get help from a supervisor or safety officer. Do not pour water on electrical equipment, as water conducts electricity and can spread the hazard or cause electrocution. Do not cover the device with a cloth; that can trap heat and delay responding to the problem. After securing people and the area, report the incident so it can be handled by trained personnel.

The identifying feature here is the room label. The reading room is designated as RM 115, so its location within the Department of Chemistry is the space labeled RM 115. Room numbers are unique identifiers for specific spaces, so other numbers refer to different rooms. To find it in practice, look for RM 115 signs or consult the department directory or campus map for the exact location of RM 115.

Emergency showers must be located close to hazard areas so you can reach them quickly for immediate decontamination after a splash. They should be clearly marked so workers can find them under stress and accessible from the work area without barriers or long trips. This proximity minimizes the time between exposure and decontamination, which is crucial for reducing injury. If a shower is placed only in a storage room or on a distant floor, it can take too long to reach, defeating its purpose. By keeping the shower near hazards, well marked, and readily accessible from where work is done, you ensure a prompt and effective response.

When a small lab fire occurs, the aim is quick containment that minimizes risk to you while stopping the fire from growing. Covering the flame with a beaker acts as a temporary lid, which blocks most of the oxygen the flame needs to continue burning. At the same time, moving nearby flammable materials away removes potential fuel that could feed the fire and let it spread. This combination directly reduces both the flame’s oxygen supply and its fuel source, making it the most effective immediate action when the situation is small and you can do so safely. Smothering with a cloth or towel isn’t as reliable here because fabric can ignite or catch embers and can trap heat, putting you at greater risk. Evacuating immediately without attempting to extinguish is sensible only if the fire is too large or you cannot reach it safely; otherwise, containment and removing fuel are preferred to prevent escalation. Calling campus security is important for reporting and getting help, but it doesn’t address stopping the flame right away in the scene. If the situation changes and you’re trained, using an appropriate extinguisher would be the next step, but only if you can act safely.