Is it advisable for first responders to touch and smell a spilled fluid to identify it?

First responders should never touch or smell a spilled fluid to identify it, which directly supports the rationale for selecting the response indicating it's advisable to avoid such actions. Touching or smelling a spilled fluid can pose significant health risks, including exposure to hazardous chemicals or substances that may be toxic, flammable, or corrosive. Proper identification of spilled materials should be done using appropriate safety measures and equipment, such as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), spill kits, or chemical identifiers, rather than through personal exposure.

Furthermore, handling unknown substances can lead to contamination of the first responder, complicating safety protocols and possibly leading to injury or negative health outcomes. First responders are trained to prioritize safety and use professional methods for identifying substances rather than relying on unsafe practices.