What is the purpose of a spill kit in a laboratory?

The purpose of a spill kit in a laboratory is fundamentally about safety and emergency response. A spill kit is equipped with essential tools and materials designed to effectively manage and clean up chemical spills as they occur, thus preventing accidents and further hazardous situations. Quick and proper response to spills is crucial in maintaining a safe working environment, reducing the risk of exposure to harmful substances, and avoiding potential injuries or environmental contamination.

These kits typically include absorbent materials, containment booms, neutralizing agents, personal protective equipment (like gloves and goggles), and disposal bags. By having these resources readily available, laboratory personnel can address spills promptly, mitigating risks to themselves and others in the vicinity.

The other options reflect different aspects of laboratory safety and management but do not capture the specific role of a spill kit in spill response and prevention. For instance, containing all laboratory waste is related to waste management practices, disposing of expired chemicals pertains to chemical inventory management, and enhancing laboratory storage is about organization but not directly linked to spill response.