Laboratory Safety Symbols Lesson

​Lab safety symbols are important for keeping people safe in the lab and protecting lab equipment and instruments.

​Lab safety symbols, like warning signs, are used to alert people to these hazards.

Hazard symbols are the lab safety symbols that show the presence of a material or equipment that is harmful. The most frequently used symbols are;:

​What are the hazard symbols?

Indicates potential risks and reminds the person to use other safety precautions.

​​General Warning:

​Shows that this particular place deals with biological substances—for example, body secretions, bacteria, and samples.

​​Biohazard:

Indicates that materials that can explode are present here. These materials include aerosols and compressed gases

​​Explosive Hazard:

Substances that can irritate the skin, eye or respiratory tract irritant, or narcotics.

​​Harmful Irritant:

Examples of poison or toxic materials include ammonia, bleach, and battery acid.

​​Poison/Toxic Material:

Inhaling these gases is a health hazard.

Toxic Gas:

It is a sign for quiet areas where noise must be controlled.

​​Noise Sign:

Mentions the presence of materials that can destroy exposed body tissues, including skin, eyes, respiratory tract, and digestive tract. It can also destroy metals.

Corrosive Material Hazard:

It is a sign for high voltage current where caution must be taken.

High Voltage:

These signs indicate electrical hazards like concealed high voltage wires and equipment or buried cables etc.

​​Electrical Hazard:

High-intensity focused laser beams can be dangerous for human eyes and skin.

Laser Beam Hazard:

Are for low temperature and cryogenic hazards. These substances are below freezing point and stored with chemicals like liquid nitrogen.

Low-Temperature Warning Symbol:

These signs indicate electrical hazards like concealed high voltage wires and equipment or buried cables etc.

​​Electrical Hazard:

High-intensity focused laser beams can be dangerous for human eyes and skin.

Laser Beam Hazard:

Are for low temperature and cryogenic hazards. These substances are below freezing point and stored with chemicals like liquid nitrogen.

Low-Temperature Warning Symbol: