General Safety Symbols
* Biohazard Symbol: A black biohazard symbol on a yellow triangle. This indicates a biological risk, such as the presence of infectious agents or materials that could cause disease.
* Where you might see it: On containers for biological samples, in labs working with microbes, on equipment used in research, and on safety signage.
* Corrosive Symbol: A black hand inside a beaker with drips. Indicates a substance that can damage materials or cause severe skin burns.
* Where you might see it: On containers of strong acids or bases, on lab equipment that comes into contact with these substances.
* Flammable Symbol: A black flame over a circle. Indicates a substance that can easily ignite and burn.
* Where you might see it: On containers of flammable liquids like alcohol or ether, on equipment that might generate heat or sparks.
* Explosive Symbol: A black explosion symbol in a circle. Indicates a substance that can detonate or rapidly expand, potentially causing damage or injury.
* Where you might see it: On containers of explosives, on lab equipment that might contain or produce explosive materials.
* Oxidizer Symbol: A black circle with a flame over it. Indicates a substance that can cause or accelerate the burning of other materials.
* Where you might see it: On containers of strong oxidizers like hydrogen peroxide, on equipment used with oxidizers.
* Radioactive Symbol: A black trefoil (three-leaf clover) in a circle. Indicates the presence of radioactive materials.
* Where you might see it: On containers for radioactive isotopes, in labs working with radiation, on equipment used in radiation research.
Biology-Specific Safety Symbols
* GHS (Globally Harmonized System) Symbols: This system uses specific pictograms for various hazards, including:
* Acute Toxicity: Exclamation mark in a diamond. Indicates a substance that can cause immediate harm.
* Skin Corrosion/Irritation: A hand with drops of liquid on it. Indicates a substance that can cause skin burns or irritation.
* Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation: An eye with drops of liquid on it. Indicates a substance that can damage or irritate the eyes.
* Carcinogen: A skull and crossbones. Indicates a substance that can cause cancer.
* Eye Protection Symbol: A pair of eyeglasses. Indicates the need to wear eye protection, such as goggles or safety glasses, while working with certain materials or procedures.
* Hand Protection Symbol: A pair of gloves. Indicates the need to wear gloves to protect the hands from hazards like corrosive chemicals or infectious materials.
* Respirator Symbol: A respirator mask. Indicates the need to wear a respirator to protect the lungs from dangerous fumes or dust.
* Emergency Shower/Eye Wash Symbol: A person standing under a shower with an eye wash station. Indicates the location of an emergency shower and eye wash station for immediate decontamination in case of exposure.
Remember:
* The specific meaning of a symbol may vary slightly depending on the context and the organization that created it.
* Always refer to the accompanying information or safety data sheets (SDS) for a full explanation of the hazards associated with a specific substance or procedure.
* Be attentive to all safety symbols and follow the procedures outlined in your lab's safety manual.
Stay safe!
