Describe a safe procedure for smelling a substance ?

Question

Describe a safe procedure for smelling a substance ?

Answer 1

Wave your hand over the substance in a circular motion (similar to the motion you use when telling someone to wrap up a long story). Make a slight cup with your hand, palm facing you. That should draw enough of the gases from the beaker/flask to your nose without you getting a full whiff of what's inside the container.

Answer 2

hold it 5-6 inches away your nose, then waft the fumes with your hand SLOWLY. this is for liquids and gases. some solids can be also smelled this way.