SAFETY SYMBOLS
Besides the safety rules and the safety contract that you and your parents read signed, you will be asked to recognize the most important safety symbols we can find in a lab, worksheet, or a chemical container.
Many internet sites show them in detail. We need to recognize the following ones.
General Warning
It means "Be careful", Take precautions"
Biohazard
Are biological substances that pose a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily that of humans. This can include medical waste or samples of a microorganism, virus or toxin (from a biological source) that can affect human health (a biological contamination). It can also include substances harmful to animals.
Corrosive
Chemicals with this label can burn your skin and eyes and burn holes in your clothes. An example is hydrochloric acid.
Environmental
Chemicals with this label are damaging to the environment. An example is CFC's.
Explosives
Chemicals with this label explode easily. An example is lead azide.
Use Goggles or Eye Protection
You will find this symbol together with another ones. It means that you should use goggles when handling those chemical
Flammable or Open Fire
Chemicals with this label can catch fire easily. Example: methanol
Irritant
Chemicals with this label cause irritation to your eyes and skin. An example is hydrogen peroxide
High Voltage
High voltage may be present in that area. You should be careful on handling materials in that zone.
Hot Surface
You should use gloves or another protection when approaching to a hot surface
Low temperatures
This symbol is used when low temperatures are present that can harm your skin or tissue
Oxidizer
Chemicals with this label contain oxygen that may cause other materials to combust. An example is potassium dichromate.
Poison / Toxic
Chemicals with this label are highly toxic. An example is mercury. The difference between poisonous and toxic is that the lethal dose of poison is smaller than the lethal dose of a toxic material.
Radioactive
These substances are radioactive. Radiation can damage cells and cause cancer.
Non Ionizing Radiation
These type of radiation does not contain ions like x-rays, gamma rays and cosmic rays but they can affect equipment like radars and radios