What main risk is associated with flammable materials in the laboratory?

The primary risk associated with flammable materials in the laboratory is that they can ignite and cause fires. Flammable materials, such as certain solvents and chemicals, have low flash points, meaning they can easily catch fire when exposed to an ignition source, such as a spark, flame, or even high temperatures. This can lead to dangerous fire situations that can result in significant damage to property, injury to personnel, and disruption of operations.

Proper handling, storage, and disposal of flammable materials are crucial to maintaining a safe laboratory environment. Safety measures include using proper containers, ensuring good ventilation, and following standard operating procedures to mitigate the risk of ignition. Awareness of this risk is vital for all laboratory personnel to prevent accidents and ensure safety in a setting where volatile substances are present.