Which of the following is a common method to identify hazardous materials?

Using Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) is a common method for identifying hazardous materials because these sheets provide essential information about the properties of substances, including their chemical composition, hazards, safe handling practices, and emergency measures. MSDS documents are standardized and widely available for many chemicals, offering detailed data that can help first responders and hazmat teams quickly assess the potential risks associated with exposure to a particular material.

In emergencies or situations involving hazardous materials, having access to MSDS can expedite the decision-making process for safety measures and appropriate response actions. This method is especially vital since it provides documented and reliable information about the material that may not be obtainable through other means.

While visual inspection and chemical testing can offer insights into a substance's appearance and reactive properties, they often lack the comprehensive information that MSDS provides. Asking nearby residents may yield anecdotal evidence but is typically not a reliable or safe method to identify hazardous materials, as the information may be incomplete or inaccurate.