Hazard Symbols
Biohazard
This symbol designates areas or containers potentially harboring infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens. It mandates strict adherence to biosafety protocols, including the use of certified biological safety cabinets for all procedures. Personnel must wear appropriate personal protective equipment to minimize exposure risks and prevent contamination. Regular decontamination of workspaces is essential to maintain a sterile environment.
Radiation
Warning of ionizing radiation sources such as alpha, beta, gamma, or X-rays, this symbol restricts access to trained staff equipped with dosimeters. Lead shielding or barriers are mandatory during operations. Continuous monitoring ensures radiation levels remain within safe thresholds, and strict protocols govern the handling and storage of radioactive materials to prevent accidental exposure.
Corrosive
Identifies substances like strong acids or bases capable of causing irreversible damage to skin, eyes, and materials. Handling requires a fume hood to control vapors, along with chemical-resistant gloves and face shields. Immediate access to emergency showers and eyewash stations is critical, and spills must be neutralized using designated kits to mitigate hazards.
Flammable
Marks liquids, gases, or vapors such as ethanol or propane that ignite easily. Storage demands approved flammable-safety cabinets away from heat sources, sparks, or static electricity. Ventilation systems must prevent vapor accumulation, and fire extinguishers rated for Class B fires should be accessible nearby.
Toxic
Denotes chemicals with acute or chronic toxicity via inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Operations require fume hoods, respirators with specific cartridges, and impermeable gloves. Waste disposal follows stringent protocols, and exposure monitoring ensures compliance with occupational exposure limits.
Explosive
Highlights substances prone to detonation under heat, shock, or friction. Storage in blast-resistant cabinets is non-negotiable, and mechanical impact must be avoided. Hazard assessments precede any handling, and remote tools are recommended to minimize direct contact.
Oxidizer
Signifies compounds like peroxides that intensify combustion by releasing oxygen. Isolation from organic materials and reducing agents is paramount. Storage areas must be cool, dry, and well-ventilated, with spill containment measures to prevent reactive chain reactions.
Cryogenic Hazard
Used for liquefied gases stored at extremely low temperatures, such as liquid nitrogen. Handling requires insulated cryogenic gloves, face shields, and aprons to prevent frostbite. Containers must be transported in open-top dewars to avoid pressure buildup and violent rupture.
Laser Hazard
Indicates zones where laser beams pose risks of eye or skin injury. Safety measures include laser-rated eyewear, beam path enclosures, and access controls. Viewing ports require certified filters, and warning systems must activate during laser operation.
High Voltage
Warns of electrical equipment carrying lethal voltages. Maintenance is restricted to qualified electricians after lock-out/tag-out procedures. Insulated tools and arc-flash gear are mandatory, and safety barriers prevent accidental contact.
Hot Surface
Alerts to surfaces like ovens or autoclaves that cause burns. Heat-insulating gloves must be worn, and equipment should display temperature indicators. Clearance zones prevent accidental contact, and cooling periods are enforced before servicing.
Magnetic Field
Marks areas near strong magnets where ferromagnetic objects can become projectiles. Electronic devices must be prohibited, and personnel should remove metal accessories. Emergency shutdown procedures and physical barriers prevent unintended entry.
General Safety Symbols
Eye Protection Required
Mandates safety goggles or face shields in areas with risks of chemical splashes, flying debris, or radiation. Impact-resistant lenses are essential for grinding operations, while chemical-rated goggles guard against corrosive liquids. Regular inspections ensure PPE integrity.
Lab Coat Required
Requires lab coats or gowns to shield skin and clothing from contaminants. Materials must be flame-resistant or chemical-impermeable based on hazards. Coats should be fastened at all times and decontaminated after use.
Gloves Required
Specifies gloves tailored to hazards: nitrile for chemicals, heat-resistant for thermal risks, or cut-resistant for sharp objects. Proper sizing and material compatibility checks prevent permeation failures. Gloves must be replaced after contamination.
Hearing Protection Required
Mandates earplugs or earmuffs in high-noise zones like centrifuge rooms. Noise level assessments determine protection levels, and signage indicates decibel ranges. Annual hearing tests monitor personnel health.
Respiratory Protection Required
Requires masks or respirators for airborne particulates, vapors, or gases. Fit-testing ensures seals, and cartridges must match contaminants. Air-purifying respirators or supplied-air systems are selected based on hazard severity.
Foot Protection Required
Enforces closed-toe, chemical-resistant footwear to guard against spills or heavy objects. Slip-resistant soles are essential in wet areas, and steel toes protect from impact hazards.
Emergency Symbols
First Aid
Identifies kits stocked with bandages, antiseptics, burn treatments, and emergency instructions. Kits must be accessible within 10 seconds, restocked monthly, and include exposure-specific antidotes.
Safety Shower
Marks emergency showers for rapid decontamination after chemical exposure. Showers require unobstructed access, weekly flow tests, and tepid water. Drainage systems prevent secondary contamination.
Eye Wash Station
Designates fixtures for immediate eye flushing post-splash incidents. Flow must exceed 15 minutes at 1.5 L/min, with hands-free operation. Eye wash stations are inspected monthly for water clarity and pressure.
Fire Extinguisher
Locates extinguishers rated for lab fires. Training covers selecting types: CO₂ for electrical, dry chemical for combustibles. Extinguishers undergo annual inspections and pressure checks.
Emergency Exit
Illuminated signs mark evacuation routes. Exits must remain clear, with photoluminescent strips for power failures. Drills ensure personnel familiarity with paths.
Emergency Telephone
Points to dedicated phones for contacting security or medical services. Numbers are displayed prominently, and phones feature speed-dial functions.
Prohibition Symbols
No Eating or Drinking
Prevents ingestion of toxic or biohazardous materials by banning food and beverages in the laboratory.
No Open Flames
Prohibits matches, lighters and Bunsen burners in areas containing flammable liquids or gases.
No Mobile Phones
Restricts cell-phone use to avoid distraction, sparks or contamination; personal electronics must remain in designated "clean" zones.
No Unauthorized Access
Indicates that only trained, authorized personnel may enter high-risk or restricted areas.
