What tool can identify chemical interactions that pose potential reaction hazards?

The reactivity matrix is an essential tool used in identifying chemical interactions that may pose potential reaction hazards. It typically summarizes the reactivity characteristics of various chemicals and assesses how they might interact under different conditions. This matrix can help practitioners evaluate the compatibility of chemicals with one another and predict hazardous reactions that might occur if the chemicals are mixed or come into contact.

Using a reactivity matrix allows for a systematic approach to evaluating chemical safety, promoting inherently safer design by preventing potentially dangerous reactions from occurring in the first place. By examining various chemical pairings and their reactivity, this tool enables safe handling and storage, reducing the risk of unintended reactions which could lead to accidents or significant safety incidents.

The other options serve different purposes. For instance, a risk matrix is focused on evaluating the risk levels of various operations or activities rather than direct chemical interactions. A safety data sheet provides information about specific substances, including hazards, handling, and first-aid measures, but does not directly assess potential reactions between different chemicals. Control banding is a method used to categorize hazards and implement control measures based on the level of risk associated with exposure to specific agents, but it does not specialize in identifying chemical interactions as the reactivity matrix does.