American Chemical Society (ACS) Laboratory Safety Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Mastering Lab Safety Procedures!

When a fire extinguisher does not work, the appropriate action to take is to evacuate and call for emergency services. This response prioritizes safety, as attempting to continue using a malfunctioning extinguisher could put you at greater risk in an already dangerous situation.

Evacuating ensures that individuals are moving to a safe location away from potentially hazardous smoke or flames. Calling for emergency services brings professional help that is trained to handle fire situations effectively. This course of action aligns with the principle of not engaging further with equipment that is malfunctioning and instead focusing on ensuring personal safety and alerting those equipped to manage the crisis.

Choosing to continue trying to use a non-functioning extinguisher could lead to further danger, and applying water to the extinguisher is not appropriate as it may not address the fire and could exacerbate the situation, depending on the fire type. Discarding the extinguisher may lead to hazardous conditions or the failure to address the emergency effectively. Thus, the response involving evacuation and professional assistance is the safest and most prudent approach.