Final answer:
The employee should alert others, follow emergency procedures and not attempt to extinguish the fire with the available fire extinguisher if they are not sure it is appropriate for the type of fire. They should evacuate the area and call the fire department.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an employee notices a small fire at the workplace and there is no information available about where the fire started or what is burning, the first step they should take is to alert other employees and enact the emergency evacuation plan if one is in place. It is crucial that they do not take unnecessary risks, such as attempting to fight the fire if they are not trained to do so. If the fire extinguisher available is for fires involving flammable liquids and it is not known what materials are burning, the employee should not assume that the extinguisher is appropriate for the fire. They should notify the fire department immediately.
It's important to follow safety procedures such as those advised when working with open flames, as highlighted in laboratory safety documentation. This includes securing loose clothing and hair, ensuring a well-ventilated space, and knowing the location of safety equipment. In a situation with a fire, if one is uncertain of the type of fire extinguisher needed or the nature of the fire, the safest course of action is to evacuate and leave the firefighting efforts to professionals who have the appropriate equipment and training to assess fires and situations.