American Chemical Society (ACS) Laboratory Safety Practice Test

In the event of electrical hazards in the laboratory, the most appropriate first action is to disconnect the power if it is safe to do so. This step is critical because addressing the source of the hazard can prevent further injury or damage. By cutting off the electrical supply, you can eliminate the risk of electric shock to yourself and others, as well as reduce the possibility of an electrical fire or other hazardous consequences.

Evaluating the safety of disconnecting the power is essential, as doing so improperly may put you at risk. For instance, if the individual affected by the electrical hazard is in contact with a live wire, rushing to disconnect the power without assessing the situation may expose you to the same hazard. This highlights the importance of conducting a brief assessment of the environment and ensuring one's own safety first.

Other approaches, while potentially beneficial in broader emergency situations, are not the immediate priority in this specific context. Calling for emergency assistance may be necessary later but should follow the immediate action of ensuring no further risk can occur. Touching a person to check their condition could lead to electric shock or further injury if they are still electrically connected to a live source. Activating the fire alarm is not relevant unless there is visible smoke or fire, which is not implied in the