What is the first step flight attendants must take when dealing with dangerous goods on board?

The first step flight attendants must take when dealing with dangerous goods on board is to identify, classify, and report the items. This initial assessment is crucial because it allows the flight attendant to understand the nature of the item, its potential risks, and the appropriate handling procedures. By accurately identifying and classifying hazardous materials, flight attendants can take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of passengers and the aircraft, such as informing the captain or following specific protocols for containment or removal.

Understanding the characteristics of dangerous goods is essential for effective emergency management. Knowledge regarding the substance helps determine the severity of the situation and informs the correct course of action, such as evacuating passengers if needed or isolating the item until a ground response can handle it.

Other actions, like monitoring cabin temperature or assisting passengers with oxygen masks, are also important in general safety protocols but are not the immediate first steps when it comes to the presence of dangerous goods. Notifying ground crew of potential hazards would come later in the process after proper identification and classification have occurred. Thus, the correct focus on identifying and categorizing the dangerous goods establishes a foundation for subsequent actions and ensures safety onboard.