HeatHazard symbol

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Chemicalhazard symbol

There are many different safety symbols that can be seen in labs. Since labs can harbor physical dangers it is important to be aware of safety symbols and to use common sense when working around different lab materials. First off, the technical definition for a lab or laboratory is a place in which experiments, measurement, and scientific research is conducted. Depending upon the types of experiments and research being done, there may be a number of hazards present such as chemical, animal, fire, biological, etc. In order to better understand some of the common lab symbols, let’s review them here.

All lab safety signs feature the use of pictographs to serve as visual reminders about specific hazards. However, even though some of the pictures seem pretty self-explanatory, others may be conveying a lab safety message that is further reaching. For instance, take into consideration the irritant symbol. Someone may look at the symbol as just assume that you must wear gloves when working with a specific material or substance, however, depending upon the situation additional safety equipment may be needed such as a face mask or respirator to ensure breathing safety as some irritants also irritate the upper respiratory tract. If you spend any amount of time within a lab setting, it is beneficial to know and understand each lab safety symbol to keep yourself and others safe.

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