Lab Safety Symbols Flashcards

HHPS

Hazardous Household Products Symbols

Warning

Danger

Indicates a high level of hazard. It signifies that the product can cause serious injury or death.

Caution

Indicates a moderate level of hazard. It signifies that the product can cause minor injuries or damage.

Poisonous

Flammable

Refers to substances that can easily ignite and catch fire. It indicates a risk of fire hazards.

Explosive

Corrosive

Substances that can damage or destroy living tissue and other materials through chemical action. They pose a risk of burns and other injuries.

Electrical

Refers to materials or situations that pose a risk of electric shock or fire due to faulty wiring or equipment. It indicates the need for caution when working with electrical devices.

WHMIS

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

COMPRESSED GAS/ GAS CYLINDER

Examples:

Acetylene tanks in welding shops

Oxygen cylinders in hospitals

HAZARDS:

Gas under pressure

May explode with heat or if dropped

Precaution/HANDLING:

Handle with care to prevent accidents.

FLAMMABLE & COMBUSTIBLE

Examples:

White phosphorus (solid)

Acetone (nail polish remover)

Butane (gas)

HAZARDS:

Fire/explosion near heat, sparks or friction

May burst into flame on contact with water

May release a flammable gas

Flammables burn at lower temps than combustibles

Precaution/HANDLING:

Keep away from heat and oxidizing materials

Keep dry and cool and away from smoke

OXIDIZING MATERIAL

Examples:

Inorganic peroxides

Sodium hypochlorite (bleach)

Perchloric acid

HAZARDS:

Cause fire or explosion near flammables

Burn skin or eyes on contact

Precaution/HANDLING:

Keep away from combustibles

Keep dry and cool

Wear protective equipment

Use in well ventilated areas only

Skull and Crossbones(IMMEDIATE & SERIOUS TOXIC EFFECTS)

Examples:

Methanol

Sodium cyanide

Some paint thinners

Sulphuric acid

HAZARDS:

Fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin

May burn skin or eyes on contact

Precaution/HANDLING:

Avoid contact with skin or eyes

Wear protective equipment

Use in well-ventilated areas

EXCLAMATION MARK

Examples:

Asbestos (carcinogen)

Acetone (irritant)

Toluene diisocyanate (sensitizer)

HAZARDS:

Poisonous but not immediately dangerous

Repeated exposure can cause death

May cause allergic reaction

May cause birth defects, cancer, sterility

Precaution/HANDLING:

Avoid contact

Protective equipment

Use in well-ventilated areas

BIOHAZARDOUS INFECTIOUS MATERIAL(Organisms who cause diseases in people)

Examples:

Salmonella bacteria

Blood samples

COVID virus

HAZARDS:

May cause disease 🡪 death or illness

Precaution/HANDLING:

Avoid contamination

Wear protective equipment

Dispose in designated bins

CORROSIVE

Examples:

Battery acid

Lye

HAZARDS:

Severe skin irritation on contact

Tissue damage (including lungs if inhaled)

May eat through metal

Precaution/HANDLING:

Avoid contact

Protective equipment

Use in well-ventilated areas

Health Hazard

Examples:Asbestos, Benzene

HAZARDS:

Can cause cancer or organ damage

May affect fertility or unborn children

Causes serious respiratory issues if inhaled

Precaution/HANDLING:

Avoid inhalation or prolonged exposure

Use protective equipment (gloves, respirator)

Follow proper disposal procedures

Exploding Bomb

Examples:TNT, Ammonium Nitrate

HAZARDS:

May explode under heat or pressure

Can cause severe burns or injuries

Risk of fire or shockwave damage

Precaution/HANDLING:

Keep away from heat, sparks, or flames

Store in secure, controlled environments

Handle with extreme care and proper training

Environment

Examples: Oil Spills, Pesticides

HAZARDS:

Toxic to aquatic life

May cause long-term environmental damage

Contaminates soil and water sources

Precaution/HANDLING:

Prevent leaks or spills

Dispose of properly according to regulations

Avoid release into natural ecosystems