What should transport personnel do if they encounter an unmarked package suspected of containing dangerous goods?

When transport personnel encounter an unmarked package suspected of containing dangerous goods, the safest and most appropriate action is to leave it alone and inform authorities. This approach minimizes risk to personal safety and public health, as unmarked packages may contain hazardous materials that could pose significant dangers, such as toxicity, fire risk, or explosive properties.

By notifying the proper authorities, trained professionals can assess the situation and handle the package correctly, ensuring that appropriate safety protocols are observed. This response aligns with the principles of hazardous materials handling, which emphasize caution, safety, and communication with experts who have the resources and knowledge to manage potentially dangerous situations effectively.

Other options are not suitable because opening the package could expose individuals to hazardous materials, assuming safety without examination could lead to catastrophic consequences, and marking it as dangerous without proper identification lacks authority and could create confusion. Therefore, informing the authorities is the only responsible action to take in such scenarios.