Final answer:
When working with unknown solvents, chemicals, or refrigerants, a technician must wear protective gloves, work in a well-ventilated area, and read the safety data sheet. These practices are essential to maintain safety and handle substances properly in the laboratory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whenever a technician is working with unknown solvents, chemicals, or refrigerants, the technician should always wear protective gloves, work in a well-ventilated area, and read the safety data sheet. These actions are crucial for ensuring safety in the laboratory. Protective gloves shield the skin from potentially harmful substances. Working in a well-ventilated area helps to disperse fumes and minimize inhalation of potentially toxic vapors. Reading the safety data sheet provides essential information on how to handle substances safely, including first aid measures, fire-fighting measures, and accidental release measures. Moreover, the safety data sheet may advise on proper disposal as well as storage requirements. It's important to follow these guidelines, as well as other safety precautions such as being aware of the location of safety equipment like fire extinguishers and eyewash stations, never performing experiments alone, following instructions exactly, handling chemicals carefully, and turning off Bunsen burners at the end of an experiment.