What should you do before using a chemical?

Reviewing the label and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before using a chemical is essential for ensuring safety and proper handling procedures. The label provides immediate, critical information regarding the chemical's identity, hazards, and safe handling instructions, including precautionary measures and the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). The SDS offers comprehensive details such as chemical properties, health effects, safe storage practices, first-aid measures, and guidelines for dealing with spills and leaks.

These documents are prepared according to standardized formats to impart critical safety information, ensuring that individuals who handle the chemical are informed about potential hazards and necessary precautions. By adhering to this practice, you significantly reduce the risk of accidents and enhance workplace safety when working with hazardous substances.

Other options, while they may have merits in certain situations, do not provide the essential and specific safety information required before the use of chemicals. Consulting the producer may not always be feasible or provide the necessary knowledge as quickly as reviewing the label or SDS. Conducting a visual inspection may help in some scenarios but does not replace the vital information contained in the label and SDS, and assessing market value is irrelevant in the context of safely using a chemical.