SAFETY SIGNS

Safety Signs

Safety signs are of great importance in all labs. It is very essential to provide complete protection to
those working in laboratories. The handling of different chemicals, acids, and other substances is to be
done with great care as these have some inherent features which can be harmful to health. Read the list
on Table 1.3 on some laboratory safety symbols to alert you of potential danger while

Working in your science laboratory.

Table 1.3. Some Laboratory Safety Symbols

Symbol

Meaning

Poisonous

Definition

Chemicals are fairly dangerous if ingested or inhaled, many of these are dangerous even upon contact.

Flammable/Extremely Flammable

Chemicals are to be stored in flame-resistant cupboard. Volatile solvents can be a particular problem as
they are prone to spread around from unsealed containers.

Corrosive

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Avoid contact with the skin. Bear in mind that these (under some circumstances) can rust chemical
cupboards.

Oxidizing Chemical

Oxidizing chemicals are materials that spontaneously release oxygen at room temperature with slight
heating, or promote combustion. They are to be kept away from flammable chemicals at all costs!

Keep Away From Foodstuff

Harmful materials are to be kept away from edible materials

HARMFUL STOW AWAY FROM FOODSTUFFS

Dangerous When Wet

This generally means that it will react fairly or violently with water.

Flammable Gas/Liquid

This safety symbol is used for the transport or storage of a flammable gas/liquid.

FLAMMABLE GAS

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