An introduction to laboratory safety symbols and their meanings
Enter the laboratory and you will be greeted by various signs of various dimensions plastered throughout the doors and corridors. Some of the symbols on these signs are very familiar to us from everyday life, as we often encounter them in places other than laboratories. However, most symbols correspond to the specific environment in which they are located. Some are self-explanatory, while others require a little thought to understand their true purpose.This article will help you understand the different symbols found in laboratories and we will explore their true purpose, which should be taken seriously according to their hierarchy and categorization:
Explosive
This sign is usually displayed when the substance under study is explosive. It should be kept away from open flames and anything that could ignite, including electric sparks and cigarettes. Usually these substances are controlled and issued through proper checks and balances to control their circulation. The amount usually approved for student use is small primarily to prevent dangerous consequences. Examples include heavy metal acetylides, aluminum-containing polymeric propellants, aluminum ophorite explosives, and Amatex .Oxidative
Any substance, mostly oxides, which under normal conditions releases oxygen and upon contact with a flammable substance explodes or promotes an existing combustion reaction. Some examples of such compounds include ammonium perchlorate, bromine, chromic acid, dibenzoyl peroxide.Extremely flammable
Compounds, as the name implies, have a natural tendency to ignite at extremely low temperatures, less than 0°C, and a boiling point (or, in the case of the boiling range, the initial boiling point) less than or equal to 35°C. To minimize accidental ignition, store in sealed containers away from direct heat and sparks. Typically, fires caused by highly flammable chemicals are also difficult to extinguish. Diethyl ether, hydrogen, and acetylene are some examples of highly flammable chemicals. It should be noted that some oxidizing agents can also be extremely flammable substances.Corrosive
Corrosives are laboratory chemicals that are usually acids and bases with extreme pH values and burn the skin on contact. They are usually stored in airtight brown containers/bottles with labels and warnings. Gloves are usually used when handling the substance, but some corrosive agents may pose an additional hazard with certain types of gloves. Some examples of corrosive agents are HCL , sulfuric acid, and sodium hydroxide.Dangerous for the environment
Compounds or rays that pose a threat to the environment when released into water or soil, either in their pure form or in combination with other man-made or natural compounds. These substances are often by-products of a chemical or physical process or gases that have escaped from an enclosed environment. Biological samples such as bacteria, viruses or animals can be found in environmentally hazardous chemicals. Examples include cosmic rays, X-rays, biological agents, wastewater, industrial chemicals, bleaches, and other compounds that are hazardous to the environment.Harmful
This is a broad categorization and includes anything that has a tendency to cause bodily harm to the person it comes in contact with. This can include acids, biological compounds, physical sharp objects and even machinery and electricity.Highly flammable
Highly flammable compounds are not much different from extremely flammable compounds in that both have a tendency to ignite under altered circumstances. However, highly flammable compounds have a slightly higher flash point. Examples include viscous compounds such as diesel, gasoline, and acetone.Poisonous
Toxic compounds are all compounds, natural or synthetic, vaporous, volatile, solid, which, once inhaled and introduced into the body, cause irreversible damage to the body or even death. These compounds are also strictly regulated in laboratories to prevent accidental ingestion. This is the very reason why eating is not allowed in the lab. Some toxic compounds are mercury, KCN, NaCN, rat poison and nerve gas.Irritating
Irritants are substances that, when in contact with the body or any of its organs, cause discomfort and irritation. These can be liquids or gases. Because of their ability to reach the respiratory system and eyes, gaseous irritants are usually more dangerous than liquid irritants. Some examples are bromine vapor, nitric acid vapor, and chlorine gas.Very toxic
Highly toxic chemicals are a subset of toxic compounds with a high degree of toxicity. Even in trace concentrations, highly toxic chemicals are dangerous. Some examples are compounds of mercury, potassium and sodium cyanide, and ethidium bromide.Pharsol protect provides protection against hazards with work equipment.
