Lab Safety and Symbols

Read All Directions and Labels Carefully! Be prepared for the lab procedure. Read the instructions prior to class or work. Do not proceed unless you understand the instructions. Read all labels carefully before using a chemical. Check the name twice. If you are not familiar with the chemical, check with your instructor.

Eye and Face Safety 1. This symbol appears when a danger to the eyes exists. Safety goggles should be worn when this symbol appears. 2. Always point a test tube or bottle that is being tested away from you and others. Chemicals can splash or boil out of the heated test tube.

Poison (Chemical) Safety Symbol This symbol appears when poisonous substances are used. Never mix chemicals unless instructed to do so. Never touch or taste any chemical unless instructed to do so. Keep all lids closed when chemicals are not in use. Dispose of all chemicals as instructed by your teacher.

Fire Safety This symbol appears when care should be taken around open flames. Long hair should be tied up, and loose clothing should not be worn. Whenever possible, use an electric hot plate as a heat source instead of an open flame. When heating materials in a test tube, always angle the test tube away from yourself and others. In order to avoid burns, wear heat resistant gloves whenever instructed to do so.

Clothing Protection Safety This symbol appears when substances used could stain or burn clothing. If a chemical is unknown, handle it as you would a dangerous chemical. Wear an apron and safety gloves when working with acids or bases or whenever you are told to do so. If a spill gets on your skin or clothing, rinse it off immediately with water for at least 20 minutes while calling to your teacher.

Electrical Safety This symbol appears when care should be taken when using electrical equipment. Be careful with electrical cords. When using a microscope with a lamp, do not place the cord where it could trip someone. Do not let cords hang over a table edge in a way that could cause equipment to fall if the cord is accidentally pulled. Do not use equipment with damaged cords. Be sure your hands are dry and that the electrical equipment is in the “off” position before plugging it in. Turn off and unplug electrical equipment when you are finished.

Sharp/Pointed Objects This symbol appears when a danger of cuts or punctures caused by the use of sharp objects exists Use knives and other sharp instruments with extreme care. Never cut objects while holding them in your hands. Place objects on a suitable work surface for cutting. Never cut toward yourself. Always carry sharp objects by the handle and pointed to the ground.

Animal Safety This symbol appears whenever live animals are studied and the safety of the animals and the students must be ensured. Always obtain your teacher’s permission before bringing any animal into the school building. Handle animals only as your teacher directs. Always treat animals carefully and with respect. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any animals.

Hand/Thermal Safety This symbol appears as a reminder to use caution when handling hot objects. In order to avoid burns, wear heat resistant gloves whenever instructed to do so. * If a chemical is unknown, handle it as you would a dangerous chemical and wear gloves. * Wear an apron and safety gloves when working with acids or bases or whenever you are told to do so.

Plant Safety Do not eat any part of a plant or plant seed used in the laboratory. Wash hands thoroughly after handling any part of a plant. When in nature, do not pick any wild plants unless your teacher instructs you to do so.

Biological Hazard This symbol appears when there is danger involving bacteria, fungi, or protists. This label must be affixed to containers of infectious waste, refrigerators and freezers containing blood or other potentially infectious material and to other containers used to store, transport or ship blood or other potentially infectious materials. Infectious waste autoclave bags, red bags, sharps containers, and anything else with the universal biohazard symbol affixed to it DO NOT belong in general trash or recycling under any circumstances.

Radioactive Safety Symbol This symbol appears when radioactive materials are used. Areas with radiation postings are restricted to persons trained and authorized to use radiation sources Smoking, eating, drinking, and application of cosmetics are strictly prohibited in areas posted for radioactive materials. Workers using radioactive materials require special training. Radioactive materials cannot be disposed of through normal housekeeping practices. These materials must be segregated and disposed of properly by trained personnel.

Other Safety Symbols Corrosive – a substance destroying or eating away by a chemical reaction (a strong acid or alkali) corrosive

Explosion Safety This symbol appears when the misuse of chemicals could cause an explosion. Never use explosive chemicals around an open flame.

Fume Safety This symbol appears when chemicals or chemical reactions could cause dangerous fumes. Never smell any chemical directly from its container. Use the wafting method.