Lab Safety Symbols

safety goggles

Used to protect eyes. Eyes should always be covered

lab coat/apron

Protects the scientist and the scientist's clothes from hazardous or hot chemicals

breakage

Handle breakable materials, such as glassware, with care. Do not touch broken glassware.

heat resistant gloves

Used to handle hot glassware or other hot lab equipment

Plastic Gloves

Wear disposable plastic gloves when working with harmful chemicals and organisms. Keep your hands away from your face, and dispose of the gloves according to your teacher's instructions.

Heating

Use a clamp or tongs to pick up hot glassware. Do not touch hot objects with your bare hands.

electric shock

To avoid electric shock, never use electrical equipment around water, or when the equipment is wet or your hands are wet. Be sure cords are untangled and cannot trip anyone. Unplug equipment not in use.

poison

a substance that causes illness, injury or death if taken into the body or produced within the body.

Physical Safety

When an experiment involves physical activity, take precautions to avoid injuring yourself or others. Follow instructions from your teacher. Alert your teacher if there is any reason you should not participate in the activity.

Animal Safety

Treat live or preserved animals or animal parts with care to avoid harming the animals or yourself. Wash your hands when you are finished with the activity.

Plant Safety

Handle plants only as directed by your teacher. If you are allergic to certain plants, tell your teacher; do not do an activity involving those plants. Avoid touching harmful plants such as poison ivy. Wash your hands when you are finished with the activity.

flames

Before you work with flames, tie back loose hair and clothing. Follow instructions from your teacher about lighting and extinguishing flames.

No flames

Flammable materials may be present. Make sure there are no flames, sparks, or other exposed heat sources present.

fumes

Poisonous or unpleasant vapors may be produced. Work in a ventilated area. Avoid inhaling a vapor directly. Test an odor only when directed to do so by your teacher, using a wafting motion to direct the vapor toward your nose

Disposal

Chemicals and other laboratory materials used in an activity must be disposed of safely. Follow the instructions from your teacher.

Hand washing

Wash your hands thoroughly when finished with the activity. Use antibacterial soap and warm water. Rinse well.

General Safety Awareness

You may see this symbol when none of the symbols described earlier appears. In this case, follow the specific instructions provided. You may also see this symbol when you are asked to develop your own procedure in a lab. Have the teacher approve your plan before you go further.

Corrosive Chemical

Avoid getting acid or other corrosive chemicals on your skin or clothing or in your eyes. Do not inhale the vapors. Wash your hands after the activity.

Biohazard safety

Highly toxic materials should be avoided, if possible. Handling is always with goggles, aprons, and gloves. proceed with caution or avoid if necessary

Radiation Safety

There is radiation near. Proceed with caution or avoid if necessary